Circuit Records
A new independent record label is helping homegrown local talent like M101 and The Beaus to break into the charts.
The team behind Doncaster’s Higher Rhythm studios launched Circuit Records this summer to release material recorded by local musicians as digital downloads. “We provide a platform for artists to sell their music and get a fair return,” said Higher Rhythm Senior Manager Steve Mundin. “The split from sales is in favour of the artist, keeping the revenue in the local area, and Circuit Records is run on a not-for-profit basis; everything we earn is invested back into the label to support more artists.”
Frank Wilkes, Artist Development Co-ordinator, explained how Circuit Records competes in the national charts. “All our releases will be chart registered so the acts have the ability to get noticed through their sales. We’re trying to do something completely different for local acts and assist them in earning money from their music in a way no other musicians support agency currently does – grassroots support mixed with real music industry know-how.”
Songs by Circuit’s electic roster of local artists, including The Hopper Ward, The Carousels, Darren Bell, The Beaus and The Alyscamps, can be purchased online or even by mobile phone text. “Tracks are available digitally rather than physically as CDs or vinyl which has long-term benefits,” said Frank. “If someone hears Darren Bell’s track in two years time and Googles him, they will be driven to the Circuit site and will be able to buy the track. This is miles away for releasing a 7” vinyl record or a CD, as the song on that format would have been deleted, so all our acts can maintain their sales years after release.”
Standout successes for Circuit so far include The Alyscamps’ single “Come Back Stronger”, which has been adopted as a “terrace anthem” by Doncaster Rovers FC, and Darren Bell’s single “Sometimes” gaining airplay on BBC radio. The label’s next release will be the debut single from M101, a band currently enjoying a higher-profile after appearing on Channel 4’s Mobile Act Unsigned. “Pre-sales are doing very well even though the record isn’t officially released until the New Year” said Steve.
And it seems this is just the beginning for Circuit, with the label welcoming demo submissions from local musicians looking for an outlet for selling their music. There are plans for live events too. “There’s much more to come,” says Mundin. “We have a showcase event at the Priory on Friday December 12th, where many of our artists will be performing. It’ll be a celebration of the label and how far we’ve come in the last six months. ”
“The future is bright,” said Wilkes, “as locally the talent has never been this good!”
To find out more about Circuit Records, hear previews of songs and buy music go to www.circuitrecords.co.uk
Credit: John Fell
