Top 10 House Music Labels : Influential Record Companies

The past decade has seen an incredible emergence of house labels that have made waves in the music industry with their deep and tech-driven beats, new sounds, and genre-defying creativity. From dance floor staples to underground club classics, these influential labels have changed the music landscape as we know it. Follow us on this journey as we explore the top 10 house labels that have shaped a generation and beyond!

Part 1: Introduction to House Music Labels

House music is an integral part of the culture for devoted dance music fans. It is a genre of electronic dance music that originated in the mid-1980s, with record labels playing a major role in its formation and evolution.

Labels are companies that not only produce and distribute recordings, but also provide promotion and marketing services for their artists.

As house music continues to expand, the importance of labels has become increasingly significant. They are responsible for securing exclusive records and attracting new talent to the scene.

Without them, many of today’s most beloved house sounds wouldn’t have been possible. Additionally, they utilize promotional campaigns to increase their artist’s fanbase.

The 1980s saw a rapid expansion of labels specializing in house music. This was thanks to the widespread popularity of clubs such as Paradise Garage and The Warehouse in Chicago, where DJs like Frankie Knuckles and Larry Levan were pushing boundaries with their sets having both gay and heterosexual crowds dancing along in unison.

Part 2: Top 10 House Music Labels of the Past Decade

1. Defected Records: Founded by Simon Dunmore in 1999, Defected Records is one of the most influential labels in house music over the past decade.

With releases from Claptone, Sonny Fodera, CamelPhat and Duke Dumont to name a few, they have provided quality deep and tech house tunes since their inception.

2. Hot Creations: Hot Creations arose as a response to mainstream EDM artists taking over the charts during the early 2010's.

Founded by Jamie Jones & Lee Foss in 2009, it quickly became widely recognized for its focus on underground vibes with tracks from wAFF, Richy Ahmed, Patrick Topping, Patrick Chardronnet and more recently Solardo dominating dancefloors.

3. Dirtybird Records: Created by Claude VonStroke in 2005 as an outlet for interesting beats off the beaten path; this label stands out from others with its unique bass-heavy sound which garnered attention from acts like Justin Martin and J Phlip within its first couple of years.

4. Toolroom Records: Over its 15 year history Toolroom has been a home to popular house producers such as Mark Knight, Weiss and Illyus & Barrientos creating a wide-ranging sound encompassing everything from discohouse grooves to classic 4/4 beats.

5. Crosstown Rebels: Led by Damian Lazarus since 2004 this imprint remains at the forefront of modern electronic music continually captivating listeners with cutting-edge releases from each higher level acts like Acid Pauli & Art Department.

6. Innervisions: Co-founded by Dixon in 2005 this multi-faceted project continues to explore deep tech soundscapes via acclaimed albums from Ame & Henrik Schwarz while simultaneously moving into more experimental sonic regions alongside Khen & Tale Of Us.

7. Relief Records: Initially created as an instrument for Cajual founder Josh Wink to release his own productions this label soon became known for introducing new rhythms inspired by Detroit techno & Chicago house driving crowds worldwide wild whenever it drops another joyous anthem.

8. Suara: Founded by Coyu in the summer of 2008 this Spanish imprint has redefined tech house through its illustrious compilation series while maintaining a steady stream of releases from big names and up-and-coming artists alike.

9. Snatch! Records: Spearheaded by Riva Starr since 2011 this multi-faceted label is always on the lookout for fresh new talent whilst consistently delivering bangers from acts like Green Velvet and Tough Love keeping heads bobbing all night long.

10. Keinemusik: Established in 2009 as an artist collective, Keinemusik's sound provides an interstellar blend of deep house, tech and disco grooves which when combined creates a truly cosmic experience.

With support from big names like Dixon & Ame they continue to provide exquisite sonic treats.