Soma Quality Recordings (or simply Soma Records) is an independent record label based in Glasgow, Scotland. It was co-founded in 1991 by the electronic music duo Slam, Dave Clarke (not the English techno musician), and Glenn Gibbons.[1][2] The label is known for releasing early works of Slam, Jeff Mills, Silicone Soul’s ″Right On Right On″, Funk D’Void, Felix da Housecat’s early track ″Clashback″, the original vinyl version of Daft Punk's track ″Da Funk″ and much more.[3][4]
| Soma Quality Records | |
|---|---|
 Official logo of Soma Quality Records | |
| Parent company | Soma Recordings Ltd. |
| Founded | 1991 |
| Founder |
|
| Status | Active |
| Distributor(s) | PIAS Distribution |
| Genre | |
| Country of origin | Scotland |
| Location | Glasgow |
| Official website | www |
History
editThe origin of the label goes back to 1991 when there was very much a DIY ethos back at the tail end of the 80s. In that time, electronic music became more dominant in the music industry, with a greater reliance on synthesizers and the adoption of programmable drum machines and the advent of affordable music technology. A lot of enthusiastic group founders of people such as Soma founders that were passionated about music created a lot of well-known labels that are still existing nowadays. So there was the DJ and music producer duo called Slam consisting of Orde Meikle and Stuart McMillan who met in 1986 in Sheffield, where former was studying Geography at university and later was working in a bar. They did try to get some help from the rock infrastructure that existed in Scotland and sell the idea to a couple of people involved in the music industry, but they failed. So they decided to go to a small studio to make their first couple of tracks with Rejuvenation – duo from UK, consisting of Jim Muotune and Glenn Gibbons and press 1000 vinyls of techno EP called "Eterna / I.B.O.". Jim and Glenn were the sound engineers for the release. In addition, "Eterna" is still not only the first but one of the most iconic tracks of label's history. After all, they phoned record shops and asked them if they would like to buy 10 or 15 of vinyls, and the whole profit went to another 1000 vinyls pressed, and that is how Soma, they say, was born.[5]
We never had any plans. Back then we didn't think it would have seen its 20th year, but I don't see why it shouldn't. We never had a grand plan and that's probably the reason why it lasted so long.
— Orde Meikle, one half of label founding fathers
Soma is most known for releasing the original vinyl version of Daft Punk's track Da Funk in 1995.[6] It contains uncredited beat sample of "Rock Bounce Roll Skate" performed by Vaughan Mason & Crew and drum break sample of "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Babe" performed by Barry White.[4][7][8] This is what label's manager says about them in his interview to Fabric:[3]
...I remember meeting Daft Punk in Paris for the first time, 2 teenagers. They played us their tracks in their studio, which was in Thomas’ mum and dad's apartment in Montmarte. We had been introduced by Tom and Jerry Bouthier – Thomas and Guy-Manuel were fans of "Positive Education", which had just been released. They liked the idea of releasing on a label outside France, so Soma fitted the bill. We heard the first set of 4 tracks that became the ‘New Wave’ single. We thought they were amazing, we all left with big smiles on our faces, we knew this was special, but how special I don't think any of us could have imagined!
— Dave Clarke, manager of label
The label celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2011 and released the ″Soma Records – 20 Years compilation″ on 19 September 2011. The compilation contains a Daft Punk demo recording of a track called "Drive" that remained in the label's archives.[7][9] On 31 March 2017 they turned 25 years old and to celebrate their anniversary, Soma enlisted Jeff Mills, Robert Hood, Adam Beyer and many others to contribute to a special box set ″Soma25″, which includes their long-lost remix of Daft Punk's ″Drive″. The label took part in a Boiler Room session in Glasgow showcasing its artists and local favourites. Soma Quality Records continues to be one of the UK's leading techno labels.[10]
List of artists
editThis is a list of artists that are currently, or once were signed to Soma Quality Records:
|
0–9
A
B
C
D E
F
G
|
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
|
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V W
X
Y
|
References
edit- ^ Ravens, Chal (19 January 2017). "Soma Records marks 25 years with vinyl box set featuring Robert Hood, Jeff Mills and a Daft Punk remix". FACT Magazine. FACT.
- ^ "GLASGOW: SOMA 25". Boiler Room. 30 March 2017.
- ^ a b "20 Years of Soma: Label Manager Dave Clarke Looks Back". Fabric. Fabric Magazine. 27 September 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ a b "Soma Quality Recordings". Discogs.com. Soma Records on Discogs. 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ Northmore, Henry (15 March 2011). "Interview – Slam talk us through 20 years of Soma Records". The List.
- ^ Daft Punk in Glasgow: Slam on 'the two quiet wee guys' who used to crash on their sofa, Jules Boyle, Glasgow Live, 24 February 2021
- ^ a b "Daft Punk – Da Funk". Soma Records on Discogs. Discogs. 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ "Daft Punk – Da Funk (Homework)". Discogs.
- ^ "Soma Records have uncovered a tape of an unreleased Daft Punk song". Dummy. Dummy. 3 August 2011. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^ Bartleet, Larry (15 March 2017). "Slam: the Glasgow duo who signed Daft Punk talk 25 years of the Soma label and premiere their long-lost remix of Daft Punk's 'Drive'". NME.
External links
edit- Official website
- Soma Quality Records discography at Discogs