The label that kickstarted the careers of a legion of profile players including Avicii, Madison Avenue, Peking Duk and Dirty South, are celebrating a massive 30 years in the music industry. Their success carries forward an enviable list of today’s leading producers and top players.
To celebrate this powerhouse label, Vicious will be releasing a collection of singles and remixes and a full compilation sharing its immense history with a modern twist. Their previous catalogue which includes Avicii, Madison Avenue, Dirty South, Cabin Crew and MrTimothy, has been remixed by leading dance names that include: Don Diablo, Mark Knight, Joshwa, PAX, Spencer Parker, Hotmood, PAX, Sgt Slick, Super Disco Club, Soul Central, KPD, Cassim and The Cube Guys. Accompanied by a documentary, Australian tour and pop up European events, Vicious 30 is fast gearing up to show the world their direct impact upon club music culture, flexing their impressive history and ability to make the world dance.
Founded in 1992 by Australian electronic music icons Andy Van (Madison Avenue / Super Disco Club) and John Course (along with friend Colin Daniels), Andy and John remain at the helm of a fiercely independent label with a massive global impact.
Recognised as Australia’s leading independent label, they have been responsible for over 800+ releases including numerous UK and Australian #1s, ARIA awards and supported by millions of streams. You’ll find a trail of well-respected industry names throughout their enviable catalogue, some of their highlights include:
- Discovered and developed by Andy Van, the late Avicii released his first ten singles with the label, including his first Beatport #1 ‘My Feelings for You’ (made with Sebastien Drums)
- Legendary DJ Carl Cox teamed up with Mark James (ex-Future Entertainment head honcho) and John Course to create Vicious’ third release ‘Eternal’
- Ground Level’s ‘Dreams of Heaven’ became the label’s very first internationally charting release and spearheaded a string of notable positions
- Two-time Grammy and ARIA nominated producer Dirty South landed his first releases on Vicious
- Hitmakers Madison Avenue first achieved their global success with the ‘Polyester Embassy’ album and celebrated their worldwide hits ‘Don’t Call Me Baby’ (UK pop chart number 1 + ARIA Single and Best Dance Release winner)
- The Australian phenomenon Peking Duk achieved 3 platinum selling singles on the Vicious imprint and sister brand ‘Be Rich Records’ winning ARIA Dance release of the year
“We began Vicious out of pure passion for music and where it is now is beyond what we could ever have imagined. We have delivered chart topping songs and grown some of the world’s best talent from Avicii, to Madison Avenue and also released quality underground music along the journey, including early works from Carl Cox and Ground Level. Much of this occurred during a time when people didn’t know what to think about electronic music and that’s something we are very proud of.” – John Course
“When we first started in 1992, electronic music was just beginning in the states and in the UK, we were without the internet back then, but despite being thousands of miles away we carved a unique sound that was born in Australia and then hit the rest of the world.” – Andy Van
Vicious and their collection of inhouse labels have proven to be a consistent source of breaking talent since its inception in 1992. Early vinyl releases were signed to highly influential imprints including: Warp Records and Faze 2 Records in the UK, Sonic Records in the USA (at the time home to an emerging artist called Moby). Their recent pop dance label Extrovert Music launched last year and released drag queen duo the Jawbreakers debut EP. Igniting widespread praise and featuring on massive festival line-ups again, the Vicious signings prove their ability to navigate multiple markets.
For a label with such an impressive history and contribution to the scene, we see this as only the beginning so stay closely tuned.
Watch the official teaser below.
Listen to the mini mix below.
