No Records
Encyclopedia
No Records was a record label
and later record distributor that operated in Halifax, Nova Scotia from January 1993
to August 2004
. The record label/distributor was started by Waye Mason who continues to play a key role in the operations of the Halifax Pop Explosion
.
Started during the beginning of the "Halifax is the Seattle of the north" phenomina of the 1990s, No released cassettes by such Halifax notables Chaz Rules, Hip Club Groove
, Essen
, Donner Party Reunion, and Stinkin' Rich
who later performed as Buck 65.
In 1996 the label started releasing CDs, the first of which was by power pop band the Grace Babies, as well as local bands Shyne Factory
and Cool Blue Halo. The late 90s and early 21st century saw the label release several critically well received CDs, cassettes and 8 tracks by artists such as the briefly famous Toronto group Len
, Strawberry
, Vancouver's Readymade and Dusty Sorbet.
The company created a sister imprint, Cease and Desist in 2000 to release some albums orphaned by the collapse of Marc Costanzo
of Len's Four Ways to Rock record label. Albums by DJs Mr Dibbs, DJ Signify
and later rapper and producers Sixtoo
were released internationally under this moniker.
Unable to obtain high quality retail distribution, the company created No Distribution Limited to distribute both their own and other labels records across Canada and internationally in 1997. This ambitious plan included developing the first online record store for independent music in Canada and at one point included a storefront shop in Halifax. In 2004 the store closed & the company went out of business.
Record label
In the music industry, a record label is a brand and a trademark associated with the marketing of music recordings and music videos. Most commonly, a record label is the company that manages such brands and trademarks, coordinates the production, manufacture, distribution, marketing and promotion,...
and later record distributor that operated in Halifax, Nova Scotia from January 1993
1993 in music
This is a summary of significant events in music in 1993.-January–February:*January 8 – The U.S. Postal Service issues an Elvis Presley stamp. The design was voted on in February 1992....
to August 2004
2004 in music
See also:* 2004 in music Record labels established in 2004-January:*January 1**The Vienna New Year's Concert is conducted by Riccardo Muti.**Kurt Nilsen wins World Idol....
. The record label/distributor was started by Waye Mason who continues to play a key role in the operations of the Halifax Pop Explosion
Halifax Pop Explosion
The Halifax Pop Explosion is a music festival that takes place every fall, two weeks after Thanksgiving, in Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada.-History:...
.
Started during the beginning of the "Halifax is the Seattle of the north" phenomina of the 1990s, No released cassettes by such Halifax notables Chaz Rules, Hip Club Groove
Hip Club Groove
Hip Club Groove was a Canadian hip hop band, active in the 1990s. Originally from Truro, Nova Scotia and later based in Halifax, the band consisted of rappers Derek "MC" Mackenzie and Cory "Cheklove Shakil" Bowles, and DJ Brian "DJ Moves" Higgins....
, Essen
Essen
- Origin of the name :In German-speaking countries, the name of the city Essen often causes confusion as to its origins, because it is commonly known as the German infinitive of the verb for the act of eating, and/or the German noun for food. Although scholars still dispute the interpretation of...
, Donner Party Reunion, and Stinkin' Rich
Buck 65
Richard Terfry , who uses the stage name Buck 65, is a Canadian experimental artist, MC and turntablist. Underpinned by an extensive background in abstract hip hop, his more recent music has extensively incorporated blues, country, rock, folk and avant garde influences.Terfry is also a radio host,...
who later performed as Buck 65.
In 1996 the label started releasing CDs, the first of which was by power pop band the Grace Babies, as well as local bands Shyne Factory
Shyne Factory
Shyne Factory is a Halifax, Nova Scotia based progressive rock band that was formed in 1992 by Shawn Scott and twin brothers Mike and Matt Johnson.-Albums:*1997: Candy Coated *1999: Lava...
and Cool Blue Halo. The late 90s and early 21st century saw the label release several critically well received CDs, cassettes and 8 tracks by artists such as the briefly famous Toronto group Len
Len (band)
Len is a Canadian alternative rock group from Toronto, Ontario. They are best known as a one-hit wonder for their song "Steal My Sunshine" in 1999. The band consists of siblings Marc Costanzo and Sharon Costanzo .-Studio albums:...
, Strawberry
Strawberry (band)
Strawberry was a Canadian indie pop group formed on Prince Edward Island in 1993.Vocalist Deirdre Smith, guitarist Scott Garratt, and bassist Brian Arsenault comprised the foundation of the band...
, Vancouver's Readymade and Dusty Sorbet.
The company created a sister imprint, Cease and Desist in 2000 to release some albums orphaned by the collapse of Marc Costanzo
Marc Costanzo
Marc Costanzo is a record executive, record producer, artist and songwriter from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Born in Montreal , he relocated with his family to Toronto in the early 90's. He is the lead vocalist and producer of the pop band Len and wrote the hit single "Steal My Sunshine"...
of Len's Four Ways to Rock record label. Albums by DJs Mr Dibbs, DJ Signify
DJ Signify
DJ Signify is a hip hop producer from New York City. His 2004 debut album Sleep No More, featuring collaborations with Sage Francis and Buck 65, was described as "hip-hop at its darkest and most chilling" and earned him accolades as a "master beatsmith." 2009's Of Cities was similarly described as...
and later rapper and producers Sixtoo
Sixtoo
Sixtoo was the main project of a Canadian hip hop DJ, MC and producer Vaughn Robert Squire between 1996-2007. He has since retired the Sixtoo name pursuing other directions in electronic music, with a large genre shift from experimental hip hop to deeper club sounds of various temposSquire rose to...
were released internationally under this moniker.
Unable to obtain high quality retail distribution, the company created No Distribution Limited to distribute both their own and other labels records across Canada and internationally in 1997. This ambitious plan included developing the first online record store for independent music in Canada and at one point included a storefront shop in Halifax. In 2004 the store closed & the company went out of business.