About
Prolific New York City-based house label established in 1989 by music executive Mark Finkelstein and A&R Gladys Pizarro. A&R from 1992 to 1994: DJ Pierre. A&R from 1992 to the mid-1990s: George Morel. A&R from 1992 to the late 1990s (and former VP of Promotions): Bari G. The label subsequently expanded into Europe where Phil Cheeseman headed its European operations and was A&R for various UK-based producers. Other licensing partnerships were established with labels in Germany, France, South Africa, Brazil and Japan. In addition to its various sub-labels, Strictly Rhythm manufactured and distributed over 30 other labels between 1994 and 2002. General manager from January 1998 to March 1999: Steve Rosen. In 2001 Strictly Rhythm entered into a venture with Warner Music Group and the establishment of a UK subsidiary, Strictly Rhythm UK. This partnership ultimately led to the label's demise nine months later, in October 2002. After four years of legal wrangling, Mark Finkelstein regained control of the label, its trademark and its recordings and publishing rights and relaunched the label in 2007 in partnership with Defected, with Phil Cheeseman as A&R manager. A&R from 2011 to 2013: Dave Lambert. In 2013 the label's catalogue was acquired by BMG Rights Management, with the label continuing to release new recordings. In 2019 the brand name was acquired by BMG.
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Sub-labels
Grandslam Records
Pop label launched by Strictly Rhythm, with first retail releases in February 1997.
Phat Wax Records
Hip hop division of Strictly Rhythm established in 1992. The releases from 2002 were manufactured and distributed by Music Services Unlimited.
Pink Music
Sub-label of Strictly Rhythm, started in 1998.
Physical Graffiti Music
New York City based Electronic music label run by DJ / Producer Danny Sullivan
Ill Friction
American sublabel of Strictly Rhythm records, featuring work from Kenny "Dope" Gonzales.
Red Stick Recordings
George Hess' Strictly Rhythm-affiliated dance music label. Hess previously ran Vestry Records in the 1990s which was manufactured and distributed by Strictly Rhythm.
Xtra Life Records
French DJ & producer Tristan Garner's own digital label. Division of Strictly Rhythm Records. Defunct in 2013.
Strictly Rhythm UK
UK imprint set up by Strictly Rhythm during its joint venture with Warner.
Contact Label
Strictly Rhythm Records, Inc. 626 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556 USA Former address: 920 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10010 First address (1989-): 1650 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10019 (Same building as [L=Next Plateau Records Inc.] and Quark)