Mind of a Genius Records is an independent record label founded by David Dann. Originating in 2013, the US/UK based label has released music that ranges from electronic, hip-hop & R&B. The label boasts a diverse & notable roster that includes
Zhu,
Gallant,
They, and more.
History
Mind of a Genius Records is an independent record label founded by David Dann.[1] The label's vision is to "create an environment in which artists could express themselves in their purest form possible".[1] A vision that emphasized signing artists across all genres.[1] The label's first signee was dance/electronic juggernaut,
ZHU.[2]
Following the massive success of ZHU, the label sought after R&B talent,
Gallant as the next big signee.[2] On June 30, 2015, Gallant's single "Weight in Gold" became one of the first tracks to premiere on
Zane Lowe's "World Record" Beats 1 show.[3] After signing Gallant, the label signed
THEY., an enigmatic R&B duo consisting of Dante Jones & Drew Love.[4] Seeking international appeal, the label then signed rising Dutch band, Klangstof.[5]
As of today, there are eight total artists under the record label.[6] Artists record in-house at Mind of a Genius Studios, alongside the label headquarters in Culver City, CA.[1]
Reception
Mind of a Genius Records has been lauded by media outlets for having a progressive outlook on label-artist relationships.[2] The label prides itself on artists having "no contact with anyone in the label offices until an album is finished".[2] This progressive philosophy has garnered much publicity over the years:
Complex Magazine - "A few blocks north from Apple Music's headquarters in Culver City, Los Angeles, there's another music company quietly masterminding one of the most essential and future-formed independent labels out right now."[2]
HYPEBEAST- "MOAG is an example of talent and artist ingenuity falling into the right hands."[7]
NME- "The burgeoning Los Angeles songwriting powerhouse, record label and all-encompassing creative collective." [5]
REVOLT- "Following in the footsteps of the iconic XL Recordings, Mind of a Genius Music Group aims to bring back the true artistry and musicianship back to the forefront of music."[8]
Artists
Gallant - an American singer-songwriter from Columbia, Maryland who released his Grammy nominated album
Ology[9] under the label in 2016. In 2019, Gallant released his second debut album,
Sweet Insomnia.[10]
Klangstof- a Dutch alternative act who released their warm, synth-led EP titled Everest under the label in 2017.[11] In 2017, they became the first Dutch band to play at
Coachella. Also, the recipient of the award for "Best Alternative Act" at the
Edison Awards.
THEY.- an enigmatic R&B duo based in Los Angeles who are known for their critically acclaimed EP, Nü Religion. In 2015, the duo collaborated with fellow Mind of a Genius signee, ZHU & EDM superstar Skrillex on the commercially successful hit "Working for It". The song has reached 150 million plus streams. Since then, the duo have released an LP titled Nü Religion: Hyena,[12] an extension of their successful EP.
ZHU- an Asian-American singer/producer from San Francisco, California who is best known for his Grammy nominated hit,
Faded[13] that peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard US Dance/Electronic chart. In 2016, ZHU released his debut album GENERATIONWHY[14] that reached No. 1 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Chart. In 2018, ZHU collaborated with Tame Impala[15] for the viral hit, My Life. The song has recorded over 20 million streams and reached No. 1 on Spotify's Global Viral 50. In 2019, ZHU returned with his album
Ringos Desert.[16] The album instantly hit #1 on iTunes Electronic Albums Chart and garnered over 150 million streams since its release.
Mindchatter- a producer from New York City, Mindchatter has garnered quick recognition for his genre-defying electronic sound.[17] He has earned praise from Pete Tong, a premier British disc jockey for BBC Radio 1.[18]
Karnaval Blues- a British producer known for his soul-bearing lyrics and atmospheric production, Karnaval Blues released his debut EP, You Come With the Rain in late 2019.[19][20]
KWAYE- a Zimbabwean singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, California, is Mind of a Genius' first UK-signee. His songs have appeared in Netflix' series Topboy and On My Block. His breakout single titled "Cool Kids" was released in 2017 alongside his debut EP, Solar.[21]
Peter $un- an eclectic artist from Richmond, VA, Peter $un is a rapper whose catalog consists of a feel-good fusion of rap, jazz and electronica.[22] On August 20, 2020, Peter $un released a new single titled "100 Proof" featuring Guapdad 4000.[23]