Unbranded Grooves: A Deep Dive into the World of White Label Records
What's a White Label Record? Insight into Promotional Copies, Test Pressings, and Related Items
Get ready to unveil the secrets behind those blank vinyl records with nothing but a song title and artist name - Welcome to the enchanting realm of white label records! These puppies have a rich history that pre-dates the disco era and continue to rule the roost in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene.
White label records were birthed in the 60s and 70s as a tool for indie record labels to quietly ship new music to radio stations and DJs for promotional purposes. They often featured nothing more than some technical details, and a plain, white sleeve to maintain anonymity. This covered-in- Privacy aspect was essential, as DJs were shielded from any preconceived notions, enabling them to fairly judge the quality of the music.
Nowadays, White labels have become a staple among DJs and producers. Nestled within the EDM scene, they provide a platform for unreleased tracks and exclusive remixes, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
The art of bootlegging and illegally distributing songs is not unheard of in the world of white label records.Bootleggers have been known to mass-produce unauthorized copies of popular albums or songs and sell them on plain, white records to avoid detection. On the flip side, DJs have used these records to create and distribute their own mixes displaying unauthorized samples or remixes of popular songs.
But fear not, dear music detectives, because identifying these elusive white labels isn't always a daunting task. While most will don a label with some identifying marks, some will be completely bare, leaving only the matrix etchings in the run-out grooves to uncover the release information. These codes can be searched on sites like Discogs, or even Google, to reveal the track or album. In the absence of these clues, technology can come in handy. You can use the Shazam app (built-in on iPhones) to record a sample of the song, and it might just recognize the tune for you!
Here's a glimpse into some of the rare and mysterious white label records that have landed on our turntables in the last few months:
Architechs - Body Groove - 12" - Not On Label
Originating from the UK garage scene of 2000, this white label features the electronic duo Architechs. The copy we encountered came with a sticker, making it slightly less enigmatic.
Endora - Joy E.P. - 12" - Matsuri Productions
A goa-trance gem from 1996,Endora's release on Matsuri Productions comes with the label's signature psychedelic design and the familiar phrase 'test pressing.' This phrase indicates that this is a test run of the record, often used for quality checks.
Kissing The Pink - Don't Hide In The Shadows - 7" - Martyrwell Music Co.
This rare 7"White label version of Don't Hide in the Shadows by Kissing the Pink, dating back to 1981, is characterized by a simple handwritten 'A' denoting the A side. The electro-pop band managed some success following their signing with Magnet Records and collaborating with Colin Thurston.
Sugababes - Are Freaks Electric? - 7" - Island Records
This funky number from 2002 is a testament to the Sugababes' pop prowess. island records pressed around 100 copies of the white label, leaving most music lovers in the dark. The track is derived from the 'Girls On Top' bootleg remix, eventually released officially as their single 'Freak Like Me.'
So, there you have it – a guided tour of the twisted, tantalizing world of white label records. Whether it's the sheer thrill of the chase, or the satisfaction of finally cracking the code and discovering the identity of the mysterious artist, the allure of white label records is undeniable.
Want to learn more? Dig deeper? Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that might just whet your appetite for exploration:
- What are the etchings at the end of a record?
- How can you tell if a record is a first press?
- What is a test pressing?
- The allure of white label records lies in the thrill of discovering the identity of a mysterious artist, as they often contain unreleased tracks and remixes, making them sought-after in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene.
- The art of bootlegging in the world of white label records involves the illegal distribution of songs, such as mass-producing unauthorized copies of popular albums or songs on plain, white records to avoid detection.
