Published
Tue, Sep 14, 2010, 13:42
- The groundbreaking imprint is insolvent.
English house label Renaissance has gone into administration.
Details on the matter are still scarce at this point, though last Wednesday the London-based firm ReSolve Partners LLP sent out a notice stating that the imprint had gone into administration. The quintessential '90s club label has been in operation since 1994, when it grew out of the nightclub of the same name in Mansfield, England. Founded by Geoff Oakes in the early '90s, the club marked a shift in tone from the often crass style of early raves to something more aesthetically refined; Renaissance's cover art usually featured classical paintings or sculptures, while their parties around the world were often decorated with gold cherubs and velvet drapes.
Progressive house icons Sasha and John Digweed first met as resident DJs at Renaissance, and went on to release numerous mix compilations through the imprint, including Renaissance: The Mix Collection, considered by many to be the first true fully mixed dance album. Other artists housed by the label include James Zabiela, Hernan Cattaneo, Dave Seaman and Satoshi Tomiie. Recent years have seen acts like M.A.N.D.Y., Gui Boratto and Hercules & Love Affair added to the stable as well.
Declining sales in the mix CD market are likely a large part of the reason behind Renaissance entering into administration. Perhaps reflecting this trend, earlier this year James Zabiela's newest mix was given away for free at stops on his world tour. Stay tuned in the days ahead for a full report on the issue, including an interview with Oakes.