Lex Records

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Lex Records
Lex Logo 2019.png
Founded2001
FounderTom Brown
Distributor(s)AWAL
GenreAlternative hip hop, electronic, alternative rock
Country of originEngland
LocationCamden, London
Official websitewww.lexrecords.com

Lex Records is a British independent record label based in Camden, London, England.

Style[]

Lex has a varied musical output.[1] The label is not focused on one genre (most releases are alternative hip hop, alternative rock or electronic) and instead works with a small group of individual artists, supporting their work.[2][3] Due to the small roster, Lex has a low volume of releases, rarely releasing more than three albums annually.[4]

Dazed described Lex as a label "...whose wildly creative output spans over a decade of landmark releases that have changed the music industry no end."[5]

Many Lex albums are collaborations between members of the label roster. The collaborative groups include Danger Mouse with MF Doom as Danger Doom, Boom Bip with Gruff Rhys as Neon Neon, Jneiro Jarel with MF Doom as JJ Doom, Fly Anakin with Pink Siifu and Eyedress with Zzzahara as The Simps.

Lex packaging is often striking with elaborate print.[6] Much of the Lex sleeve artwork up to 2011 was created by Ehquestionmark.[7] Other sleeve artwork has been created by ESPO, David Lynch, Kid Acne, James Jarvis, Yu Sato, Eric Hu and Commission Studio.[8]

History[]

2001–2006[]

Lex Records was founded by Tom Brown in 2001.[9] It was originally an imprint of Warp Records and run from its North London offices. The label was initially intended only to release 12-inch singles. However, as Lex approached artists to contribute music, most artists offered a full album. By the end of 2003, Lex had released several albums including debuts by Boom Bip, Non-Prophets and Danger Mouse. The early success of these albums allowed Lex to expand.[10]

In 2004, Lex managed The Grey Album campaign, co-ordinating the promo on what would become the music story of the year and propel Danger Mouse into the spotlight of mainstream media, establishing him as a critically successful artist.[11] Tom Brown got a copy of The Grey Album to Damon Albarn.[5] Damon's enthusiasm for The Grey Album led directly to Danger Mouse being brought on board to produce Gorillaz's second album Demon Days.[12] Demon Days was released in May 2005 and went on to sell millions of copies worldwide[13][14] and established Danger Mouse as a commercially successful producer by the summer of 2005.[15][16]

In September 2005, Tom Brown bought Warp's share of the label and set up in new offices.[17] Lex kept its existing roster including Boom Bip, Danger Mouse and Doseone. The first release after the separation was Danger Doom's first album The Mouse and the Mask. It was Lex's biggest selling release to date.[18] Gnarls Barkley's multi platinum first album St. Elsewhere followed in 2006, released on Warner Music Group with Lex branding.

The growth of the label allowed Lex to sign new artists to the roster. In 2005, Lex signed Doomstarks for the world excluding North America. In 2006, Lex signed multi album deals with MF Doom and Jneiro Jarel.

2007–2012[]

In March 2008, Gnarls Barkley's second album The Odd Couple was released on Warner Music Group with Lex branding. In the same month, Neon Neon's first album Stainless Style was released, going on to be nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2008. In 2009, Lex released MF Doom's Born Like This, his last solo album and the only Willie Isz album, Georgiavania.

Lex Records also began developing multimedia projects. In July 2010, Lex released a two-hour audiobook and score of Alan Moore & Mitch Jenkins' Unearthing as a boxset. Unearthing was narrated in its entirety by Alan Moore and scored live by Crook&Flail at the Old Vic Tunnels.[19] In the same month, Danger Mouse, Sparklehorse & David Lynch's Dark Night of the Soul was released on Parlophone with Lex branding.

In May 2011, Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi's album Rome featuring Jack White and Norah Jones was released on Parlophone with Lex branding. On 5 November 2011, Lex marked its tenth anniversary with a special show at The Roundhouse in Camden featuring performances by Ghostface Killah, MF Doom and Jneiro Jarel.[20] Lex also released Complex Volume 1, a compilation album to mark the occasion.[21][22]

Throughout 2012 Lex developed its first films, using the credit "A Lex Film" and releasing under the Lex Projects imprint.[23] The two short films, part of an ongoing episodic series, written by Alan Moore and directed by Mitch Jenkins were previewed online in November 2012.[24] In August 2012 Lex released JJ Doom's Key to the Kuffs, MF Doom's third successive studio album for the label.[25] Later in 2012 Lex launched Charlie White and Boom Bip's art project Music For Sleeping Children which includes photographic, electronic music and spoken word recordings.[26]

2013–present[]

In 2013, Lex and All Tomorrow's Parties brought MF Doom, BADBADNOTGOOD and Bishop Nehru to the O2 Forum Kentish Town.[27] The year also saw the release of Neon Neon's sophomore album Praxis Makes Perfect.[28] MF DOOM went on to collaborate with BADBADNOTGOOD and Bishop Nehru on Lex. BADBADNOTGOOD remixed the JJ DOOM track "Guv'nor" in 2013, and MF DOOM appeared on BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah's 2015 album Sour Soul. MF DOOM produced the Bishop Nehru mini-album NEHRUVIANDOOM in 2014.

Eyedress released his first single on Lex in 2016.[29] His four studio albums were released on Lex Records: Manila Ice in May 2017; Sensitive G, in November 2018; Let's Skip to the Wedding in August 2020; and Mulholland Drive in August 2021.[30][31][32][33] Eyedress songs "Jealous", "Romantic Lover” and “Something About You” became viral hits and “Jealous” was certified Gold the US in August 2021.[34][35][36]

Lex's first feature film, The Show, written by Alan Moore and directed by Mitch Jenkins was an official selection for SXSW 2020.[37] Following SXSW's cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic film had a world premiere at Sitges Film Festival 2020.[38]

On 31 December 2020, MF Doom's death was announced on social media.[39]

Through 2021, Lex marked its twentieth anniversary by releasing a series of remixes of key recordings in its catalogue. The first in the series, titled Lex-XX, was Eyedress’ “Jealous” remixed by King Krule in March, followed by Kaleida’s “Think” remixed by Actress, Nevermen‘s “Treat Em Right” remixed by Boards of Canada, MF DOOM's “Gazzillion Ear” remixed by Thom Yorke, Golden Rules’ “Never Die” featuring Freddie Gibbs & yasiin bey remixed by Prefuse 73 and Shape of Broad Minds’ “Let’s Go“ featuring MF DOOM remixed by Black Noi$e.[40][41][42][43][44][45][46]

Artists past and present[]

Awards and certifications[]

GRAMMY AWARDS (USA)

  • 2012, Danger Mouse, Rome - Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (nominated)
  • 2011, Danger Mouse, Dark Night of the Soul - Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (won)
  • 2009, Gnarls Barkley, "Going On" - Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (nominated)
  • 2009, Gnarls Barkley, The Odd Couple - Best Alternative Music Album (nominated)
  • 2009, Danger Mouse, The Odd Couple - Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (nominated)
  • 2009, Gnarls Barkley, "Who's Gonna Save My Soul" - Best Short Form Music Video (nominated)
  • 2008, Gnarls Barkley, "Gone Daddy Gone" - Best Short Form Music Video (nominated)
  • 2007, Danger Mouse, St. Elsewhere - Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (nominated)
  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere - Best Alternative Music Album (won)
  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere - Album of the Year (nominated)
  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" - Record of the Year (nominated)
  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" - Best Urban/Alternative Performance (won)
  • 2006, Danger Mouse, The Mouse And The Mask - Producer of the Year, Non-Classical (nominated)[47]

RIAA CERTIFICATION (USA)

  • Eyedress, "Jealous" - Gold digital single[35]
  • Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere - Platinum album
  • Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" - 4× Platinum digital single
  • Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" - Platinum mastertone[48]

PLUG INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS (USA)

JUNO MUSIC PRIZE (CANADA)

POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE (CANADA)

  • 2015, BADBADNOTGOOD & Ghostface Killah Sour Soul (shortlisted)[51]

MUSIC CANADA CERTIFICATION (CANADA)

  • Eyedress, "Jealous" - Gold single[52]
  • Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere - Platinum album
  • Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" - Double Platinum ringtone[53]

MERCURY PRIZE (UK)

BRIT AWARDS (UK)

  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley – Best International Group (nominated)
  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley – International Breakthrough Act (nominated)
  • 2007, Gnarls Barkley St. Elsewhere – International Album (nominated)[56]

BRIT CERTIFIED (UK)

  • Neon Neon, Stainless Style - Bronze / Breakthrough album
  • Gnarls Barkley, St. Elsewhere - 2x Platinum album[57]
  • Gnarls Barkley, "Crazy" - 3× Platinum single[58]

BRITISH ANIMATION AWARDS (UK)

  • 2006, Director SSSR, Subtle "Swan Meat" video - Best Music Video (won)[59]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Griffiths, Rhys (10 July 2010). "Ten Records I Wish I'd Released by Lex Records' Tom Brown, Introduction". Culture Critic.
  2. ^ Nicola Slade, "Life Blood: Lex Records," (Record Of The Day, 11 June 2009)
  3. ^ Mirza, Imran (10 July 2010). "Lex Records: Hip-hop that won't stop!". Liberation Frequency.
  4. ^ "Top 50 Labels: Lex Records". betterpropaganda.com. Archived from the original on 31 December 2009. Retrieved 1 January 2009.
  5. ^ a b Teh, Terence (18 May 2012). "Lex Records: Through the Years in Video". Dazed Digital.
  6. ^ Yates, Steve (7 August 2009). "The record Label Turned Publisher". The Daily Note.
  7. ^ "EHQUESTIONMARK? – BONAFIDE EXCLUSIVE". Bonafide Magazine.
  8. ^ Lucas, Gavin (19 April 2012). "Lex Complex Vol. 1 vinyl". Creative Review.
  9. ^ Clarke, Paul (30 April 2004). "lex records label profile". BBC.
  10. ^ Young, Rob, Labels Unlimited: Warp, (Black Dog Publishing, 2005) (ISBN 1-904772-32-3), pp. 134–135
  11. ^ "Lex Records London, UK". Redbull Music Academy Radio. 2 November 2011. Archived from the original on 4 January 2012.
  12. ^ "Danger Mouse". Good Bad Queen. Archived from the original on 24 January 2013.
  13. ^ Murray, Noel (9 March 2010). "Gorillaz: Plastic Beach". The A.V. Club.
  14. ^ "Gorillaz RIAA certifications". Recording Industry Association of America. Archived from the original on 17 January 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2008.
  15. ^ "Steve Lamacq "Dangermouse and the strange tale of Gnarls Barkley"". BBC Radio One. 3 April 2006.
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  17. ^ "Lex Records". Remix Magazine. 1 December 2007. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013.
  18. ^ "Declarations of independents". Music Week. 15 September 2007.
  19. ^ Muggs, Joe (30 July 2010). "Alan Moore's Unearthing, Old Vic Tunnels". The Arts Desk.
  20. ^ Battanon, Carrie (7 November 2011). "Video: MF DOOM and Ghostface Killah Perform Together in London". Pitchfork Media.
  21. ^ Murray, Robin (27 October 2011). "DOOM Collaborates With Thom Yorke". Clash Magazine.
  22. ^ Pelly, Jenn (2 November 2011). "Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and DOOM: "Retarded Fren"". Pitchfork Media.
  23. ^ Tuffrey, Laurie (27 November 2012). "WATCH: More Alan Moore Film". The Quietus.
  24. ^ Lamont, Tom (15 December 2012). "Alan Moore: why I turned my back on Hollywood". The Observer.
  25. ^ "BBC Website Key to the Kuffs Review". Bbc.co.uk.
  26. ^ Roberts, Randall (17 November 2012). "'Music for Sleeping Children' turns teen angst into song". The Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 22 September 2015.
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  28. ^ "Neon Neon: Praxis Makes Perfect Album Review | Pitchfork". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 3 March 2017.
  29. ^ "Halloween Freak - Single by Eyedress". Retrieved 2 September 2021 – via Apple Music.
  30. ^ Seshadri, Pooja (30 March 2017). "Eyedress Made An Album About Love And Survival In Manila". The Fader. Retrieved 6 March 2020.
  31. ^ Kochhar, Nazuk (26 October 2018). "Eyedress is bleeding and fed up in "No Fun"". The Fader. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  32. ^ "Let's Skip to the Wedding by Eyedress". Retrieved 17 February 2021 – via Apple Music.
  33. ^ "Mulholland Drive by Eyedress". Retrieved 2 September 2021 – via Apple Music.
  34. ^ "Eyedress shares two new songs "Spit on Your Grave" and "Something About You" featuring Dent May". The Fader. 3 June 2021.
  35. ^ a b "American certifications – Eyedress". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  36. ^ "Trending 25 The fastest-rising songs of the week". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
  37. ^ "SXSW Schedule". South by Southwest. 2020. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  38. ^ Puchko, Kirsty (8 October 2021). "The Show Review". IGN. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  39. ^ Atkinson, Katie (31 December 2020). "Masked Rapper MF Doom Dies at 49". Billboard. Archived from the original on 26 January 2021. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
  40. ^ Ruiz, Matthew (12 August 2021). "Thom Yorke Remixes MF DOOM's "Gazzillion Ear": Listen". Pitchfork.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. ^ Krups, Daniel (12 August 2021). "Hear Thom Yorke's 'Man on Fire' Remix of MF Doom's 'Gazzillion Ear'". RollingStone.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  42. ^ Waite, Thom (13 August 2021). "Thom Yorke shares a 'caustic' remix of MF DOOM's 'Gazzillion Ear'". DazedDigital.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  43. ^ Strauss, Matthew (2 July 2021). "Boards of Canada Share New Remix of Nevermen's "Treat Em Right": Listen". Pitchfork.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  45. ^ Brown, Preezy (20 August 2021). "New Music Friday: Trippie Redd, Millzy, DVSN And Ty Dolla $ign, Sheff G, Young Thug". Vibe.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  46. ^ 9, Nialler (19 November 2021). "The best new tracks released today: FKA Twigs, Kavinsky, Freddie Gibbs, R.A.P. Ferreira, Earl Sweatshirt, Kaytranada & more". Nialler9.com.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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  49. ^ "I stayed for the National". BrooklynVegan. 3 February 2006. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
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  51. ^ "2015 NOMINEES". Polaris Music Prize. 2015. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  52. ^ "Gold/Platinum". Music Canada. 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  53. ^ "Gold/Platinum". Music Canada. 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
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  55. ^ Swash, Rosie (22 July 2008). "Mercury Music Prize 2008 nominations announced". The Guardian. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  56. ^ "Brit Awards Announce 2007 Nominees". Broadcast Music, Inc. 19 January 2007. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
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  59. ^ "Corpse Bride is top animated film". BBC. 9 March 2006.

External links[]

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