Strictly Rhythm

infobox record label


parent =
founded = 1989
founder = Mark Finkelstein
Gladys Pizarro
distributor = Warner Music Group (2002)

Defected Records (2007–present)In the UK and ADA in the U.S.
genre = House, Deep House, Acid House
location = New York
country = US
url = http://www.strictly.com

Strictly Rhythm is an American record label, best known for its highly regarded house music catalogue. It is considered by many to be one of the genre's most important and influential labels.

History

The label was founded in 1989 by Mark Finkelstein and Gladys Pizarro, both from New York City. During its early years, Strictly Rhythm focused on Deep House releases by artists such as Roger Sanchez, Todd Terry and Masters at Work, among others. The label quickly became famous for signing young talent, and for being one of the most business-minded independent labels in the United States. It was one of the first dance labels (if not "the" first) to recognize the value of actively licensing dance music singles to non-US territories and actively exploited this advantage.The label also launched 'Strictly Blue'- a division that showcased dance vocalists and concentrated heavily on artist development.
Ira Levi delivered the first international hit on the Blue label with 'Free Your Mind'. At the same time, it was also one of the most artist-friendly labels as there were almost no complaints from artists and producers about Strictly's business practices. The label continued as an independent throughout the 1990s, although it was struggling to maintain its previous influence and success by the end of the decade.

In hopes of improving the labels fortunes, its founders entered into a joint venture with Warner Music Group in 2002. However, the partnership was largely a failure, and the label ceased operations nine months later. After four years of legal wrangling, Finkelstein was able to regain control of the label's trademark, master tapes, publishing, and all other rights. In 2007, the label relaunched with help from the American branch of the UK's Defected Records. Legal downloads followed soon afterward, and in June of that year the label resumed vinyl record and compact disc production, rereleasing its lost classics, signing new talent, and releasing new titles.

While they are known to be a very artist-friendly label, Strictly Rhythm have lately been criticized for preventing DJ's from using their tracks in online mixes that are available for download over 192k. The fact that they have prevented these actions is not surprising considering that sales, licensing and third-party usage have always been key to Strictly Rhythm's and the artists profits. As it is to any other independent label.

Artists

* Armand Van Helden
* Barbara Tucker
* Colonel Abrams
* Crystal Waters
* Joey Negro
* David Morales
* DJ Pierre
* DJ Sneak
* Erick Morillo
* Ira Levi
* Josh Wink
* Kings of Tomorrow
* Louie Vega
* Logic
* Masters At Work
* Maurice Joshua
* Osunlade
* Planet Soul
* Reel 2 Real
* Roger Sanchez
* Roy Davis Jr.
* Satoshi Tomiie
* Ultra Naté
* Wamdue Project
* Deepface
* Vengaboys
* DJ Jurgen
* Todd Terry

New Vision

External links

* [http://www.strictly.com Official Web site]
* [http://dancemusic.about.com/od/recordlabels/a/StrictlyRhythmR.htm About.com: Strictly Rhythm returns]