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After a lengthy conversation in 1993, childhood friends Joseph Ventola and George Calle decided the time was right for the creation of a collaborative musical venture in their hometown of Newark, NJ. Inspired by the 1980's electro, hip hop and house music scenes, Ventola, a university graduate student and Calle, a long time DJ, conceptualized a record label with a singular focus…simply "the release of innovative music". With this in mind the two quickly acquired office space and put plans into motion. Shortly thereafter "i Records" was born. Their business plan was elementary with a central mission statement, "expose intuitive, innovative and influential artists via outlets all over the world concentrating more on music and less on pretense." Needless to say response was quick and effortless, as many were ready for what "i Records" served up. The label's first release, a 5 track compilation entitled the "First Avenue EP" sold out three pressings and the duo soon realized there was no looking back. Such early success paved the way for the collaboration with Todd Edwards, and to his first major label release, "Saved My Life" (London/FFRR). This single created a torrent of activity and became one of the larger building blocks in the foundation of the UK garage scene. Understanding that the label was rapidly building something of value it quickly launched into action and signed its' second success, Somore "I Refuse". Soon after its' release on XL Recordings the label further developed UK roots and formalized the signing of releases from England's own Tuff Jam. This helped formally cement the label's place in history as the primary American source fueling the UK underground garage scene.

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Artists

Kevin Yost