R.E.X. Records

American defunct independent record label
Record label
R.E.X. Records
Founded1987 (1987)
FounderDoug Mann, Gavin Morkel
Defunct1995 (1995)
StatusDefunct
Distributor(s)Diamante Music Group, Light Distribution
GenreChristian metal
Country of originU.S.
LocationNew Jersey[1]
Chicago, Illinois
Nashville, Tennessee

R.E.X. Records, also known as R.E.X. Music, was an independent record label founded by Doug Mann and Gavin Morkel,[2] which operated from 1987 until running into financial difficulty in 1995.[3] Operations were based in Chicago until 1990 when the company moved to Nashville.[4] The label was artistic in nature, and though they were especially active in the Christian metal genre some acts (such as Circle of Dust) were also marketed to mainstream audiences.[2] Sublabels included Storyville Records and Street Level Records, founded by Randy Stonehill.[5]

Operations

In Christian markets their records were distributed by the Diamante Music Group until 1995 when they switched to Light Distribution (see Light Records), by then a division of Platinum Entertainment.[5] In general markets they were distributed by RED. By 1996 R.E.X was experiencing layoffs and looking for a buyer. Platinum acquired the label in July 1996.[6]

In 1997 R.E.X. sued Platinum for breach of contract, asserting that Platinum had not properly distributed their product and had misrepresented their financial position in the buyout.[6]

For a short time R.E.X. provided distribution for Jesus People USA's Grrr Records.[7] Employee Alex Parker left and began Flying Tart in 1990. Founder Doug Mann took a position with ForeFront Records in April 1993.[1][8]

Artists

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  • Argyle Park (changed name to AP2, then disbanded)
  • Believer (active, independent)
  • Bliss Bliss (changed name to BlissBliss, active, independent)
  • Circle of Dust (active; members went on to form Angeldust, Argyle Park, CHATTERbOX, Klank and Celldweller)
  • The Choir (active, with Galaxy21 Music)
  • Code of Ethics (active, currently signed with Razberry Records)
  • Crashdog (on indefinite hiatus)
  • Crimson Thorn (on hiatus)
  • Detritus (active, members in Seventh Angel)
  • Fleming & John (active, with Dweeb Records)
  • Four Living Creatures (disbanded; members went on to form Sweet Nectar, Elder and Fell Desire)
  • Haven (disbanded)
  • Hot Pink Turtle (disbanded; High School Buddies of Dig Hay Zoose; together, members went on to form Dev Null)
  • The Lead (disbanded; members went on to form Frank's Enemy)
  • Leader Dogs for the Blind (disbanded)
  • Living Sacrifice (active, with Solid State Records)
  • Kerry Livgren (inactive)
  • Killed By Cain (disbanded)
  • Rose (inactive)
  • Mercy Rule (disbanded)
  • No Laughing Matter (inactive)
  • Paramaecium (disbanded; members went on to form InExordium and Revulsed)
  • Passafist (disbanded)
  • Rocketboy (disbanded)
  • Sacrament (disbanded)
  • Six Feet Deep (disbanded; members went on to form Brandtson)
  • Sixpence None the Richer (active, with Credential Recordings)
  • Sweet Nectar (disbanded)
  • The Throes (active, currently unsigned)
  • The Walk (active under name BRIDGE PROPHETS)
  • Trytan (disbanded)
  • Veni Domine (disbanded)
  • Whitecross (active, with Dark Star Records)

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Mann, Doug (October 16, 2016). "Doug Mann, founder of R.E.X. Records (Part One)". Interviewed by Trav Turner and Bruce Fitzhugh. As the Story Grows. Retrieved October 17, 2016.
  2. ^ a b Seay, Davin (1995-04-29). "Gospel grunge & righteous rap: christian music alternatives make waves". Billboard Magazine. 107 (17): 34.
  3. ^ Akins, Debra (March 1996). "R.E.X. Future Uncertain". CCM Magazine. 18 (9): 24. ISSN 1524-7848.
  4. ^ Akins, Debra (1996-01-15). "R.E.X. Pursues Purchaser, Cuts Staff". CCM Update. OCLC 22937802.
  5. ^ a b Darden, Bob (1994-08-13). "R.E.X. in deal with Light Distrib; pact covers Christian marketplace". Billboard Magazine. 106 (33): 8.
  6. ^ a b Warren, Lindy (1997-07-14). "R.E.X. Music Sues Platinum". CCM Update. OCLC 22937802.
  7. ^ Brown, Bruce A. (February 1994). "R.E.X. Begins to Distribute for Grrr Records". CCM Magazine. 16 (8): 12. ISSN 1524-7848.
  8. ^ "ForeFront Restructures Marketing Department". CBA Marketplace. 30 (7): 33. July 1997. ISSN 1092-7239. OCLC 36184061.