Blacklight Records

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Blacklight Records
250px
The Official Logo (2012)
Founded 2010
Founder Dresden & Bareilles
Headquarters UK
Key people Gabriel Dresden
Jean-Luc Bareilles
Candi Elite
Industry Music Entertainment
Music Distribution
Revenue TBA
Net income £12.5 million
Employees 750+
Status Active
Country of origin United Kingdom


Blacklight Records is a record company that is based in the UK. It was officially launched by Gabriel Dresden and Jean-Luc Bareilles from Dresden & Bareilles. The record company has been steadily growing since it opened its doors to new signees in January of 2011. The label has since expanded its operations, opening branches of the label in Australia and America. Gabriel runs the label in America, while Jean-Luc handles the Australian territory. Candi was promoted to senior partner in late 2011, taking control of operations in the UK and Europe to allow Dresden & Bareilles to work on the international branches of the label.

History[edit | edit source]

Dresden & Bareilles spent their time at Saturdays Records learning as much as they could about running a label, so that upon leaving in late 2010 they had the knowledge to establish their own imprint. The label was founded in November 2010, and in this initial stage the business was kept largely private, with only two acts signed - the band themselves, and Riley Brendan. In 2011 the label officially opened its doors, and quickly began to build up a roster. Dresden & Bareilles were the first to notice then-newcomer Candi, taking on what would become one of the label's biggest and most recognisable stars. Since then, other high-calibre acts such as Curriculum, Flaming Steffy, Dante, India-Skye, Sexy Star, Phoenix Rising and Vixen have signed to the label. In July 2011, Riley Brendan departed from the label to focus on his US career; this was prior to the label's expansion into America.

Artists[edit | edit source]

Present[edit | edit source]

ACT DETAILS
Afrika Rose Afrika Rose is an urban singer/rapper who signed with Blacklight in October 2011, as she was preparing to release her single "Speakers Bled Dry". The single was a top 5 hit, and was followed up with the top 10 Tango Challenge hit "Down My Throat" which was a joint release with labelmate Lucas Brandt. Afrika is expected to release her debut album later this year.
Aimee Lyons Aimee Lyons began her career as a participant in the Kleo-produced TV show "The Apprentices", where she became the eventual winner. She signed with Blacklight upon her victory and has gone on to be one of the label's biggest artists in 2012 with several top 3 hits and a #1 album under her belt.
Arianna DiCorso Arianna DiCorso is a URAPS Idol 12 finalist; she signed to the label after finishing in 3rd place. Arianna has had a string of major successes, with her debut album "Take A Picture, It'll Last Longer" being a huge Christmas seller. Arianna has achieved some high-profile top 2 hits, and her latest release is "Until The End Of Time", penned for her by Elice Claire.
Birds Of Prey Birds Of Prey are a duet comprised of Kenya Harlem and Loretta Lambert. The duo inked a deal with Blacklight in November 2011, in order to launch the new chapter in their respective careers. Their debut single as a group, "Grey Goose", was due in December, then postponed to January then eventually cancelled. Their contract is in limbo at the present time.
Candi Candi was the first female artist signed to Blacklight Records. She has amassed an extensive collection of major hits, all of which have hit the top 3. Her debut album "First Signs Of Sunlight" finally topped the chart in 2012 after a year. Candi's most recent release, "Summer Nights" with Crystal Barker became Candi's fourth career #1, and is the first single to be taken from Candi's forthcoming sophomore album "The Lighthouse".
Chase Elite Initially, Chase's discography was merely distributed through Blacklight while Chase was signed to his father's vanity label. Later, Chase signed to Blacklight due to elder sister Candi's influence; however due to contract issues with his prior label, he wouldn't release material on the label itself until his sophomore album. In light of this, Blacklight's only hand in Chase's album "Hunting Season" and its four singles was as a distributor only. Chase is expected to return in 2013 to release his next album.
Curriculum Following the disappearance of The Found, a suspiciously similar band emerged on the scene, taking over The Found's place on the Blacklight Roster. Curriculum were officially signed in November, 2011. Their debut album "Syllabus" was a #1 hit for the band, and has so far spawned two majorly successful top 3 hits. A third single is due for release in July to commemorate the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Dante Boyband Dante signed to the label in March, 2011. Dante are one of the best-performing acts of all time on the label, with their debut album "Casanova Supernova" and its singles all charting at #1 without fail. The band has been working on a follow-up album which is set to be released in the near future.
Difused Difused are a five-piece teen boyband who signed with the label at the end of 2011. Their debut single "No Way Out" was a massive top 2 hit, and after several setbacks and delays they are finally set to release their new single "What's A Boy To Do?" in July. An album is also expected from the band sometime in the future.
Dresden & Bareilles Dresden & Bareilles left Saturdays Records in order to create their own label. Under their own label the duo released their sophomore album "150 dB" which became their second career #1 album. The band had five top 5 hits from the album, including the consecutive #1 hits "Edward Carnby" and "Intravenous". A live album of the band's 'Ares' tour also charted in the top 5. The band will return in 2013 to release their third studio album.
Flaming Steffy The Swedish/Italian singer Flaming Steffy signed in Blacklight in 2011, releasing her #1 album "Lioness" to great critical acclaim. The album spawned three major top 5 hits for Steffy, including the #1 hit "Shake Yer Tits!". In 2012 Steffy returned with her second career #1 album, "Poptales". Two singles have been released from the album to date, including the #1 hit "Glamville Forsaken".
India-Skye India-Skye signed a deal with Blacklight in September, 2011. She has released the top 5 album "Wait Until Dark" on the label, which has spawned three major top 10 hits for her. She is anticipated to be returning soon to release her sophomore album.
James Moss James Moss is a singer, producer and bassist known for his work as one-fifth of Phoenix Rising. As the band is signed to Blacklight, James' solo material is also released through the label. His self-titled debut album "Jameson Dominic" hit #1 in January 2012, and to date has spawned three majorly successful top 3 hits, including mega-hit "Kingdom Hearts" which, despite only peaking at #2, is one of the biggest hits of 2012.
Jessica Van Wood Jessica Van Wood is a country and pop singer, who came to fame in 2012. Blacklight quickly signed her, seeing potential in the singer's debut single "Close Your Eyes", which became a top 5 hit. Jessica releases her new single "Chained To You" and debut album "Vanity" in July of 2012.
L.E.X Following the buy-out of Alias Records by Fusion, L.E.X opted not to re-sign a contract under the new label, and instead signed a new deal with Blacklight. His mixtape "The King Has Returned" was released independently, but his second album "Lionheart" will be released by the label in October 2012.
Mitch Mitch approached Blacklight Records about a deal in mid-2011, and was granted a trial deal, which was upgraded to a full deal after his debut single and album both charted in the top 10. Mitch was featured on Paige White's single "Fake Faker", which did not count as a release under Blacklight as Mitch's contract was terminated upon his 'death'. His contract was re-instated when it was discovered that Mitch had not actually died, although he was on thin ice with the label because of his faked death.
Phoenix Rising Unhappy with changes at their label Saturdays Records, the band moved to Blacklight in Summer '11. The band re-issued their album "Vermillion & Ash" on the label, taking it up to #2 - the highest chart placement the album has seen since its #1 debut. While on Blacklight, the band earned three top 3 hits from the album. Band members James Moss and Victor Strong have pursued solo careers while the band is in between albums; their third studio album is due for release in December 2012.
Savana Savana signed with the label on the week her debut single "Get Over It" was released. The single became a top 10 hit, and was followed up with the top 5 hit "The Mist". Third single "Far To Go" was another top 10 hit, and became her best-selling single to date. Her debut album "Speechless Words" was a #1 hit. It is unknown when Savana will return to release new material under the label.
Sexy Star Sexy Star signed to the label in May 2011 and released his single "Love Letters + Stab Wounds" on the label which charted at #8. His fourth studio album "FUNeral" went top 10. "Cremation Vacation" was the 2nd single to be released from the album, charting at #9. He released the top 5 hit "Street Guy" on January 2nd, alongside his new EP which charted at #1.
Status Status began as a three-piece alternative girl group, although tensions between the bandmates led to one third being fired from the band. Continuing on as a duo, Status signed with Blacklight in July 2012, preceding the release of their second single "Midnight Hour".
Veronica Nightshade Veronica was previously signed to Alias Records but when the company was sold and merged with Fusion Veronica decided not to renew her contract. Upon commencing work on a follow-up album she signed a new deal with Blacklight Records. Her song "Rain" was released as a digital single with an EP release on November 21st, becoming a top 5 digital hit. Her album "Dancefloor Militia" was released in May 2012, and it hit #1. Veronica has achieved two top 3 hits from the album to date, and third single "Eclipse" is due in September.
Victor Strong Victor is a singer, songwriter and pianist with Phoenix Rising. He has previously enjoyed solo success in 2010, but is releasing his debut album "Great Expectations" under Blacklight in July 2012, led by the single "Mask". Victor is also featured on "Ground Zero", a song he wrote for Morris David Cat which is being released as Morris' latest single.
Vixen Vixen enjoyed minimal success in 2010 as a member of Mannequin, but later decided to break out solo. Her debut single "Shadows" and album "[[Symphonies]" both charted at #1 upon release. Follow-up single "Heart Of Stone" charted at #2 in September. Third single "The Perfect Melody" featuring labelmate Veronica Nightshade went to #1 upon release in 2012.

Past[edit | edit source]

Chris was signed up to be Blacklight Records and released his debut single "It's Over" under the label. However in March 2011 he was for some reason shot dead. RIP.

Riley released several top 10 singles on the label as well as the top 5 album, "Days Go By" has so far sold over 460,000 copies, however he left the label to focus on his career in the US.

One third of girl group Ace Rejects. She signed to the label to launch a solo career, however the group ended up carrying on and her solo career was put on hold indefinitely.

New York based group The Found released their debut single "The Conflict" on March 28, against two fellow Blacklight artists, with the track charting at #9. Their debut album was released on May 30, where it charted at #2. Second single "Boys Don't Dance to Disco" went top 3. The band vanished without a trace in September, 2011.

Singles[edit | edit source]

Artist Track Title Released Peak
Position
Album
Riley Brendan Nothing Hurts Like Love 10th January 2011 #6 Days Go By
Chris Diamond It's Over 7th February 2011 #14 N/A
Riley Brendan Excuse You 7th March 2011 #4 Days Go By
Candi "That's Hot" 28th March 2011 #1 First Signs Of Sunlight
Dresden & Bareilles "Aphrodite Under Fire" #3 150 dB
The Found "The Conflict" #9 Models of Symbolism
Dante "End of the World" 11th April 2011 #1 Casanova Supernova
Savana "Get Over It" #10 Speechless Words
Flaming SteffY "Lioness" 25th April 2011 #2 The Lioness
Riley Brendan "Eternity" 9th May 2011 #6 Days Go By
Candi "Gold" 23rd May 2011 #1 First Signs Of Sunlight
The Found "Boys Don't Dance to Disco" #3 Models of Symbolism
Savana "The Mist" #4 Speechless Words
Phoenix Rising "What Have You Done?" 13th June 2011 #3 Vermillion & Ash
Sexy Star "Love Letters + Stab Wounds" #8 FUNeral
Flaming SteffY "Shake Yer Tits!" 27th June 2011 #1 The Lioness
Vixen "Shadows" 11th July 2011 #1 Symphonies
Dresden & Bareilles "Prodigal Daughter" #4 150 dB
Dante "Inhibition" 18th July 2011 #1 Casanova Supernova
Candi "The Sword" 25th July 2011 #2 First Signs Of Sunlight
Savana "Far To Go" 1st August 2011 #8 Speechless Words
Flaming SteffY "Show Me Ur Skin" 22nd August 2011 #4 The Lioness
Vixen "Heart Of Stone" 29th August 2011 #2 Symphonies
Dresden & Bareilles "Edward Carnby" 5th September 2011 #1 150 dB
Dante "Like A Symphony" 12th September 2011 #1 Casanova Supernova
Sexy Star "Cremation Vacation" #9 FUNeral
Phoenix Rising "Ambrosia" 26th September 2011 #2 Vermillion & Ash
Candi "PUSHIT" 3rd October 2011 #1 First Signs Of Sunlight
India-Skye "Noises" #3 Wait Until Dark
Mitch "Knicker. Boxer. Glory." 10th October 2011 #10 Notorious In The Crowd
Dresden & Bareilles "Intravenous" 24th October 2011 #1 150 dB
Chase Elite "Crazy Little Thing" #2 Hunting Season
Arianna DiCorso "The Analyst" 7th November 2011 #2 Take A Picture, It'll Last Longer
Afrika Rose "Speaker's Bled Dry" 14th November 2011 #4 TBA
India-Skye "Love By Design" #5 Wait Until Dark
Curriculum "So Mainstream" 21st November 2011 #3 Syllabus
Veronica Nightshade "Rain" #4 (Digital-Only Release) Dancefloor Militia
Dante "To Love Again" 28th November 2011 #1 Casanova Supernova
Phoenix Rising "Vermillion & Ash" 5th December 2011 #2 Vermillion & Ash
Arianna DiCorso "Breaking Down The Girl" 2nd January 2012 #2 Take A Picture, It'll Last Longer
Sexy Star "Street Guy" #5 Crazy Dirty Sexy
Difused "No Way Ouy" 9th January 2012 #2 TBA
Candi "Jigglypuff" 23rd January 2012 #2 First Signs Of Sunlight
James Moss "Going Under" #3 Jameson Dominic
Vixen "The Perfect Melody (ft. Veronica Nightshade)" 30th January 2012 #1 Symphonies
Aimee Lyons "Lose The Fight" #2 Reach The Top
India-Skye "Monochrome" 6th February 2012 #6 Wait Until Dark
Dresden & Bareilles "Me, Myself, I" 13th February 2012 TBR 150 dB
Curriculum "At A Party" 5th March 2012 TBR Syllabus
Arianna DiCorso "I Bite" 12th March 2012 TBR Take A Picture, It'll Last Longer
Flaming SteffY "Deer In Headlights" TBR Poptales

Albums[edit | edit source]

Artist Album Released Peak Position Certification
Riley Brendan Days Go By 27th December 2010 #4 Platinum
Dresden & Bareilles 150 dB 28th March 2011 #1 Diamond
Various Artists Rising Sun 11th April 2011 #1 Gold
Candi First Signs Of Sunlight 23rd May 2011 #1 Diamond
The Found Models of Symbolism 30th May 2011 #2 Silver
Flaming SteffY The Lioness 6th June 2011 #1 Double Platinum
Sexy Star FUNeral 13th June 2011 #10 Platinum
Vixen Symphonies 11th July 2011 #1 Double Platinum
Phoenix Rising Vermillion & Ash (Ultimate Edition) 18th July 2011 #1 Diamond
Dante Casanova Supernova 25th July 2011 #1 Diamond
Savana Speechless Words 19th September 2011 #1 Platinum
Mitch Notorious In The Crowd 10th October 2011 #7 Platinum
Dresden & Bareilles The 'Ares' Tour: Live In Wembley 31st October 2011 #5 Gold
Arianna DiCorso Take A Picture, It'll Last Longer 12th December 2011 #1 Double Platinum
James Moss Jameson Dominic January 23rd 2012 #1 Gold
Curriculum Syllabus February 6th 2012 #1 Silver
India-Skye Wait Until Dark #1 Uncertified

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