RVNG Intl.
| RVNG Intl. | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 2004-present |
| Founder | Matt Werth, David Pianka |
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Electronic |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Location | Brooklyn, New York City |
| Official website |
igetrvng |
RVNG Intl. is an independent record label based in Brooklyn, New York. Founded in 2004 by Matt Werth, the label is run by Werth and focuses on experimental dance and electronic music, often incorporating avant-garde genres. Release formats include vinyl, CDs, and digital downloads.[1] In 2011, they were named one of the top 50 indie labels in America by Billboard.[2]
In its nascent years, the label released the mix tape series RVNG PRSNTS MX, which was later followed by the Rvng Of The Nrds 12" edit series. The ReRVNG archival series and FRKWYS series continue to this day, the latter of which pairs contemporary artists with influential musical pioneer.[3] RVNG Intl. has also released original albums by artists such as Blondes, The Body, Holly Herndon, Julia Holter, Maxmillion Dunbar, and Stellar OM Source.[4][5] In 2011, the label began releasing vinyl singles under the Beats in Space imprint, which Werth co-owns with Tim Sweeney.[6]
History
Background and founding
The record label RVNG Intl. was launched in 2004 by Matt Werth.[3] Werth was born in Madison, Wisconsin and spent his formative years in Little Rock, Arkansas. When he was 15, he started the punk 'zine Potluck and took over the record label File Thirteen. First established as what Werth called a "self-reflective journal fanzine" in 1989, File Thirteen was operated by Werth for 8 years.[3]
In 1996,[3] Werth moved to Philadelphia at the age of 18[1] to play bass for[3] Aspera Ad Astra. While attending Temple University[3] he met Dave Pianka, and together they came up with the idea of RVNG Intl., which was originally an event production company.[3] A mutual friend, Michael Zwizanski, recommended the name, which is an anti-voweled version of "revenge", much in the style of Primal Scream's XTRMNTR, which had come out around the same time.[3]
Werth said that the label's very first mix was intended for event clients, as proof that the label could select and manage good DJs. According to Werth, "Julian Grefe put together the first RVNG mix ―RVNG PRSNTS MX1, which was basically a spray-painted CD in a spray-painted case."[3] Following the initial mix release, MX CDs became an infrequent series of albums from artists such as Tim Sweeney and DJ Twitch.[3] After six years in Philadelphia, Werth moved to Brooklyn in 2002[3] in order to work at Flyer magazine.[3]
First releases
The record label RVNG Intl was launched in 2004 by Werth.[3] The label is based in its original location of Brooklyn, New York,[6] Packaging is frequently detailed and unique. For example, a 7" vinyl from Purple Brain came with a hand-crocheted case by designer Dani Griffiths and 1000 prints of Pink Skull's Endless Bummer were letter-pressed with 1000 different variations on the album title phrase.[3]
By 2010, the label had put out two original releases: These Are Powers’ Candyman EP and Pink Skull’s Endless Bummer LP.[1] In 2011, they put out albums by Mirror Mirror and Bronze, and were named one of the top 50 indie labels in America by Billboard.[2] In 2012, the label released Blondes by Blondes, which Sean Adams, the founder of Drowned in Sound, lauded with a 10/10 review, praising the music as "bliss" and his "eureka moment." [5]
Other notable albums in 2012 included Ekstasis by Julia Holter, which was named Pitchfork's Best New Music and described as "music that's both haunting and life-affirming, something to make you dream and think",[7] in addition to the critically acclaimed "Movement" by experimental composer Holly Herndon.
In 2013, the label released Swisher by Blondes, and notable albums from Maximillion Dunbar, Blondes, Gardland and Holly Herndon. As of 2014, RVNG has also released a number of singles and albums from the likes of Bing & Ruth and others. Preserving past works from pioneering musicians is another focus, as exemplified by the release of a double LP set from artist and producer Craig Leon (Nommos and Visiting), titled Anthology of Interplanerary Folk Music Vol. 1 and K. Leimer's A Period of Review.[8]
Series
- Rvng presents Mx series
In 2003 the label first released the Rvng presents Mx CD & vinyl series, which included works from artists such as Tim Sweeney, Justine D and Purple Brain.[1]
- RVNG of the NRDS series
Starting in 2006 the label began releasing a vinyl series of disco edits, titled RVNG of the NRDS. The series ran for four years[3] with album artwork from Kevin O’Neill of the independent design firm Will Work For Good.[1] According to a review, the series was "carefully riding the edges of the nu-disco zeitgeist thanks to two obvious factors...the calibre of the artists involved, and the quality of presentation from Will Work For Good, a design agency that has helped form the visual identity of the label across its many releases".[3]
Ten Rvng of The Nrds albums were released,[3] including works by Todd Terje, Greg Wilson, and Pilooski. Each artist also contributed to re-edits of songs by artists such as Wire and R.D. Burman.[1]
- FRKWYS series
| "The guiding concept behind [FRKWYS] is to bring contemporary electronic artists together with their creative fore-bearers of sorts and allow them to collaborate as inspired." |
| — Fact Magazine[1] |
In 2009, RVNG initiated the FRKWYS series, skipping Volume 1 by initially releasing Frkwys Vol. 2. The first edition featured two remixes of the experimental band Excepter, remixed by Carter Tutti and JG Thirlwell and was praised as "evidence of what can make New York music great when its proprietors are willing to sacrifice expectation for innovation." [9] The series title references Moses Asch's label Folkways.[3]
In May 2010, the label released FRKWYS Vol. 3, an album-length collaboration between ARP & Anthony Moore. ARP reworked both original and unreleased music written by Moore in the 1960s, which was the result of working together at Atlantic Sound’s Brooklyn studio in September 2009.[1] FRKWYS Vol. 9 had Los Angeles-based artists Sun Araw and M. Geddes Gengras travel to Jamaica to record with the notable reggae vocal group, The Congos.[3]
- Beats in Space series
In 2011, the label began releasing the Beats in Space series of vinyl singles and albums.[6]
Events
The label has been active in organizing art and music shows, partnering with the likes of the White Columns Gallery in New York City, the Barbican Center in London and MoMa PS1′s Summer Warm Up series. RVNG worked with the Unsound Festival in Kraków, Poland,[6] and presented a label showcase in April 2014 at Moogfest in Asheville, North Carolina featuring Blondes, Holly Herndon, and Craig Leon performing "NOMMOS" with the Asheville Symphony.[10]
Artists
Current
The following artists are current as of April 2014:[4]
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Alumni
- This list is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.
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Beats in Space (BIS) artists
The following is a complete list (as of October 2014) of artists who have released music as part of the Beats in Space Records series.
- Lauer (Philip Lauer)
- Dukes of Chutney
- Hidden Fees
- Jee Day
- Paradis
- Secret Circuit
FRWYS series
The following is an incomplete list of artists who have been included in the FRWYS series:
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Discography
Main album series
| Cat. # | Yr | Album title | Artist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RVNGNL01 | 2009 | Endless Bummer | Pink Skull | LP, Album, Ltd |
| RVNGNL02 | 2010 | Candyman EP | These Are Powers | 12", EP, Ltd |
| RVNGNL03 | Hideous Racket | Allez-Allez | 12" vinyl | |
| RVNGNL04 | The River EP | CFCF | ||
| RVNGNL05 | 2011 | Lover / Hater | Blondes | |
| RVNGNL06 | Clean Plate | Clean Plate | 12" vinyl | |
| RVNGNL07 | Business / Pleasure | Blondes | 12" vinyl | |
| RVNGNL12 | 2012 | Blondes | Blondes | 10/10 review by Drowned in Sound.[5] |
| RVNGNL13 | ||||
| RVNGNL14 | Ekstasis | Julia Holter | ||
| RVNGNL15 | Movement | Holly Herndon | ||
| RVNGNL21 | 2013 | Swisher | Blondes | |
| RVNGNL24 | 2014 | Chorus | Holly Herndon | |
| RVNGNL25 | I Shall Die Here | The Body | CD, LP | |
| RVNGNL | Anthology of Interplanetary Folk Music Vol. 1: Nommos / Visiting |
Craig Leon | ||
RVNG Prsnts Mxs series
| Cat# | Yr | Album title | Artist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mx1B | 2003 | Rvng Prsnts Mx1B: Julian S. Process | Julian S. Process | CD, 12" vinyl |
| Mx2 | 2004 | Rvng Prsnts Mx2: Diabolic & Julian S. Process | Julian S. Process, Diabolic | CD, 12" vinyl |
| Mx3 | 2003 | Rvng Prsnts Mx3: Tim Sweeney | Tim Sweeney | |
| Mx4 | 2005 | Rvng Prsnts Mx4: Crazy Rhythms | Crazy Rhythms | |
| Mx5 | 2007 | Rvng Prsnts Mx5: Justine D | Justine D | |
| Mx6 | 2008 | Rvng Prsnts Mx6: JD Twitch | JD Twitch | |
| Mx6TEN | Rvng Prsnts Mx6TEN: JD Twitch | JD Twitch | ||
| Mx7 | 2009 | Rvng Prsnts Mx7: Purple Brain | Purple Brain | |
RVNG OF THE NERDS series
| Cat. # | Yr | Album title | Artist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NRDS01 | 2006 | Rvng Of The Nrds Vol.1 | The Flying Squad | 12" vinyl |
| NRDS02 | Rvng Of The Nrds Vol. 2 | Betty Botox | 12" vinyl | |
| NRDS03 | 2007 | Rvng Of The Nrds Vol. 3 | Mock & Toof | 12" vinyl |
| NRDS09 | 2009 | Rvng Of The Nrds Vol. 9 | Jackpot | 12" vinyl |
| NRDS10 | 2010 | Rvng Of The Nrds Vol. 10 | Pilooski | 12" vinyl |
FRKWYS Series
| Cat. # | Yr. | Album title | Artist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRKWYS02 | 2009 | FRKWYS Vol. 2 | Carter Tutti, JG Thirlwell | 12" + MP3 |
| FRKWYS03 | 2010 | FRKWYS Vol. 3 | Arp, Anthony Moore | 12" + MP3 |
| FRKWYS04 | FRKWYS Vol. 4 | Psychic Ills | 12" + MP3 | |
| FRKWYS05 | 2011 | FRKWYS Vol. 5 | Mirror Mirror | 12" + MP3 |
| FRKWYS06 | FRKWYS Vol. 6 | Julianna Barwick, Ikue Mori | ||
| FRKWYS07 | FRKWYS Vol. 7 | David Borden, James Ferraro, Sam Godin, Laurel Halo, Daniel Lopatin | ||
| FRKWYS08 | FRKWYS Vol. 8 | Blues Control, Laraaji | ||
| FRKWYS09 | 2012 | FRKWYS Vol. 9 : Icon Give Thank | Sun Araw, M. Geddes Gengras and The Congos | LP, Album, Ltd + DVD |
| FRKWYS10 | 2013 | FRKWYS Vol. 10 | David Van Tieghem X Ten - Fits & Starts | |
| FRKWYS11 | 2014 | FRKWYS Vol. 11 | Steve Gunn & Mike Cooper - Cantos de Lisboa | |
Beats in Space series
| Cat# | Released | Single title | Artist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIS001 | Sep 20, 2011 | "Parfait Tirage b/w La Ballade de Jim" | Paradis | 12", mp3 |
| BIS002 | Feb 7, 2012 | "Nebula Sphynx / Parascopic Rope" | Secret Circuit | |
| BIS003 | May 22, 2012 | "Hempisphere b/w Je m'ennuie" | Paradis | |
| BIS004 | 2012 | "Macsat Ring Down" | Lauer | |
| BIS006 | 2013 | "Tactile Galactics" | Secret Circuit | |
| BIS009 | July 16, 2013 | "The Noughties" | Gonno | |
| BIS010 | 2013 | "Break The Dawn" | Crystal, S. Koshi | |
| BIS013 | Mar 18, 2014 | "So You Say / Wheel" | Matt Karmil | |
Further reading
- Interviews
- "Label Profile: FRKWYS". Fact Magazine. May 10, 2010.
- "A potted history of RVNG Intl.". Juno Download. May 30, 2012.
See also
- List of independent record labels
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Label Profile: FRKWYS". Fact Magazine. May 10, 2010. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Billboards counts 50 best indie labels in America, are big fans of Tri Angle". Dummy Magazine. August 16, 2011. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 3.10 3.11 3.12 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 Mercer, Nik (May 30, 2012). "Human Resources, Zombie Invasions & Mean Librarians: A potted history of RVNG Intl.". Juno Download. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Artists". RVNG Intl. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Adams, Sean. "Blondes - Blondes / Releases". Drowned in Sound. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "About RVNG Intl.". RVNG Intl. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ↑ "Julia Holter: Ekstasis". Pitchfork Media. March 2, 2012. Retrieved 2014-10-21.
- ↑ Tolmach, Beth (March 19, 2014). "RVNG Intl. to Reissue Craig Leon Albums". Ad Hoc. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
- ↑ "RA Reviews: Excepter". Resident Advisor. September 15, 2008. Retrieved 2014-10-21.
- ↑ "The Synthesis of Technology, Art and Music: Showcases". Moogfest: Asheville, North Carolina. 2014. Retrieved 2014-04-06.
External links
- Media