Since its inception in 1992, Renaissance has been at the forefront of innovation in the global dance music scene. Known for its revolutionary club nights, iconic mix compilations, and a roster featuring both established and emerging artists, Renaissance has continually set the standard for what a record label and club brand can achieve.
From hosting unforgettable events in stately homes and castles across the UK to producing some of the most influential music in the industry, Renaissance is an essential block in the foundations of electronic music culture.
Possibly, the first of the many pivotal moments in the label’s history came in 1994 with the release of ‘Renaissance The Mix Collection: Sasha & John Digweed’. This compilation was not just another mix album; it was a groundbreaking release that became the first UK mix compilation to achieve gold status. It set a template for all subsequent mix albums, establishing a new standard for DJ compilations. The success of this album solidified Renaissance’s reputation as a leader in the electronic music world, a position it has maintained to this day.
Over the years, Renaissance has released more than 80 mix compilations and 100 singles, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. The label has always been committed to supporting both established artists and rising stars.
An ever-evolving roster including heavyweights like Solomun and Adam Beyer and legendary figures such as Danny Tenaglia and Hernan Cattaneo has kept the label at the fore. Simultaneously, Renaissance has nurtured the rise of new talents like Eduardo McGregor, Malandra Jr., and James Harcourt, ensuring that the label remains a hotbed for fresh and innovative sounds.
Like many influential brands, Renaissance has faced its share of challenges. In 2010, the label went into administration, and its back catalog was sold to Phoenix Music International Ltd. However, the story did not end there. In 2011, Renaissance was reborn under the guidance of its original founder, Geoff Oakes. The imprint saw a brief resurgence before going dormant again in 2014. But Renaissance’s spirit proved unbreakable, and in 2017, returned with a bang, releasing a new digital remix of ‘The Age of Love’ by Solomun, which quickly climbed to the top of the electronic music charts.
Under the leadership of media and finance entrepreneur Scott Rudmann, who acquired a majority stake in 2018, Renaissance has entered a new era. The label has continued to release chart-topping remixes by some of the most illustrious electronic music producers, including Tale of Us, Maceo Plex, and more. Their remix series has seen tracks like ‘Café del Mar’ and ‘Bladerunner’ reach top chart positions, reaffirming Renaissance’s place as a powerhouse in the electronic music world.
In recent years, Renaissance, empowered by the creative vision of Marcus James, has also relaunched its singles output, with 2019 signaling a new phase of creative output that has catapulted and solidified the trajectory of a myriad of rising creators. With a sleek, captivating look, and the highest of standards, Renaissance’s revamped catalogue includes modern gems like Frankey & Sandrino and Nadia Ali’s ‘I See You’, Sasha Carassi’s ‘Ametista (Reinterpretation)’, Samer Soltan’s ‘Damar’, Magit Cacoon & Aplhadog’s ‘Bad Habit (Voxless Version)’, and many more.
Today, after decades of shaping our scene, the imprint’s commitment to excellence in music, event production, and artist development remains as strong as ever. With a rich history and a bright future, Renaissance Records continues to blaze its own trail, disregarding trends for substance as it champions its own sound, ensuring its legacy endures in the corridors of tomorrow.
If you want to dive deeper into Renaissance Records, you can check out our selection of premieres for the brand here.
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