GIANT STEP RECORDS
Jan 1, 2005 12:00 PM
Style: Neo-soul house with a classic-soul vibe
Established: By Maurice Bernstein as a company in 1990 in New York, then as an imprint through MCA Records in 1996 and finally as an independent label in 1999.
Artists: Donnie, Groove Collective, Carl Hancock Rux, Jiva, Los Amigos Invisibles, Nuyorican Soul, RSL, Jody Watley, Zap Mama
Essential Listening: Donnie, The Colored Section (2002), “Cloud 9 (Remixes)” (2003); Groove Collective, “I Want You (She's So Heavy)” (1996), We the People (1996); Carl Hancock Rux, “Lamentations” (1999); Nuyorican Soul, Nuyorican Soul (1997), “You Can Do It (Baby)” (1997); RSL, “Wesley Music” (2004); Jody Watley, “Saturday Night Experience” (2001); Various Artists, Giant Step Soul Sessions (2002)
Manifesto: “We wanted to continue putting out the music we love and not have an executive who knew nothing about our world dictating what music we could work with,” Bernstein says. “The philosophy around the label is to encourage new and original music, know no boundaries and be a musical leader.”
A&R Philosophy: “It's all on the goose bumps,” Bernstein continues. “No, seriously, I do my A&R on goose bumps — I know immediately whether I want something or not. There's no second listen.”
Upcoming: Look out for new material from Seiji and Tiombe Lockheart, the Simply Good Music, Vol. 2 compilation and the rock act Suffrajett.
Contact: Giant Step Records; 62 White St., Ste. 3R, New York, NY 10013; (212) 219-3567; www.giantstep.net
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