R.E.X. Records, also known as R.E.X. Music, was an independent record label founded by Doug Mann and Gavin Morkel,[2] which operated from 1987 until running into financial difficulty in 1995.[3] Operations were based in Chicago until 1990 when the company moved to Nashville.[4] The label was artistic in nature, and though they were especially active in the Christian metal genre some acts (such as Circle of Dust) were also marketed to mainstream audiences.[2] Sublabels included Storyville Records and Street Level Records, founded by Randy Stonehill.[5]
| R.E.X. Records | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Doug Mann, Gavin Morkel |
| Defunct | 1995 |
| Status | Defunct |
| Distributor(s) | Diamante Music Group, Light Distribution |
| Genre | Christian metal |
| Country of origin | U.S. |
| Location | New Jersey[1] Chicago, Illinois Nashville, Tennessee |
Operations
editIn Christian markets their records were distributed by the Diamante Music Group until 1995 when they switched to Light Distribution (see Light Records), by then a division of Platinum Entertainment.[5] In general markets they were distributed by RED. By 1996 R.E.X was experiencing layoffs and looking for a buyer. Platinum acquired the label in July 1996.[6]
In 1997 R.E.X. sued Platinum for breach of contract, asserting that Platinum had not properly distributed their product and had misrepresented their financial position in the buyout.[6]
For a short time R.E.X. provided distribution for Jesus People USA's Grrr Records.[7] Employee Alex Parker left and began Flying Tart in 1990. Founder Doug Mann took a position with ForeFront Records in April 1993.[1][8]
Artists
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- Argyle Park (changed name to AP2, then disbanded)
- Believer (active, independent)
- Bliss Bliss (changed name to BlissBliss, active, independent)
- Circle of Dust (active; members went on to form Angeldust, Argyle Park, CHATTERbOX, Klank and Celldweller)
- The Choir (active, with Galaxy21 Music)
- Code of Ethics (active, currently signed with Razberry Records)
- Crashdog (on indefinite hiatus)
- Crimson Thorn (on hiatus)
- Detritus (active, members in Seventh Angel)
- Fleming & John (active, with Dweeb Records)
- Four Living Creatures (disbanded; members went on to form Sweet Nectar, Elder and Fell Desire)
- Haven (disbanded)
- Hot Pink Turtle (disbanded; High School Buddies of Dig Hay Zoose; together, members went on to form Dev Null)
- The Lead (disbanded; members went on to form Frank's Enemy)
- Leader Dogs for the Blind (disbanded)
- Living Sacrifice (active, with Solid State Records)
- Kerry Livgren (inactive)
- Killed By Cain (disbanded)
- Rose (inactive)
- Mercy Rule (disbanded)
- No Laughing Matter (inactive)
- Paramaecium (disbanded; members went on to form InExordium and Revulsed)
- Passafist (disbanded)
- Rocketboy (disbanded)
- Sacrament (disbanded)
- Six Feet Deep (disbanded; members went on to form Brandtson)
- Sixpence None the Richer (active, with Credential Recordings)
- Sweet Nectar (disbanded)
- The Throes (active, currently unsigned)
- The Walk (active under name BRIDGE PROPHETS)
- Trytan (disbanded)
- Veni Domine (disbanded)
- Whitecross (active, with Dark Star Records)
See also
edit- List of record labels
- Tooth & Nail Records, successor to R.E.X. in the propagation of Christian metal and alternative music
References
edit- ^ a b Mann, Doug (October 16, 2016). "Doug Mann, founder of R.E.X. Records (Part One)". Interviewed by Trav Turner and Bruce Fitzhugh. As the Story Grows. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
- ^ a b Seay, Davin (1995-04-29). "Gospel grunge & righteous rap: christian music alternatives make waves". Billboard Magazine. 107 (17): 34.
- ^ Akins, Debra (March 1996). "R.E.X. Future Uncertain". CCM Magazine. 18 (9): 24. ISSN 1524-7848.
- ^ Akins, Debra (1996-01-15). "R.E.X. Pursues Purchaser, Cuts Staff". CCM Update. OCLC 22937802.
- ^ a b Darden, Bob (1994-08-13). "R.E.X. in deal with Light Distrib; pact covers Christian marketplace". Billboard Magazine. 106 (33): 8.
- ^ a b Warren, Lindy (1997-07-14). "R.E.X. Music Sues Platinum". CCM Update. OCLC 22937802.
- ^ Brown, Bruce A. (February 1994). "R.E.X. Begins to Distribute for Grrr Records". CCM Magazine. 16 (8): 12. ISSN 1524-7848.
- ^ "ForeFront Restructures Marketing Department". CBA Marketplace. 30 (7): 33. July 1997. ISSN 1092-7239. OCLC 36184061.