Hi-Bias Records Inc.
Music - Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Hi-Bias Records Inc. Employees
Hi-Bias Records Inc. Details
HI-BIAS Canada's Premier Dance label.For an independent label to survive for over two decades in the volatile world of the record industry is an impressive feat. But Hi-Bias hasn't just survived, it has thrived. And that is an achievement worthy of serious celebration.The original motto of Hi-Bias was ‘The DJ's Label.' This mandate brought the fledgling label instant recognition and credibility upon its launch in 1990. "We started as a DJ label, primarily selling vinyl," recalls Fiorucci. "DJs would buy our titles from specialty dance music stores, and that would create a buzz about our tracks. We exported as well, and that created interest from third party labels overseas, resulting in licensing the tracks."In the early ‘90s, the European export market (especially the U.K.) provided the bulk of Hi-Bias business. Hi-Bias 12-inch vinyl singles ended up in DJ specialty shops all over Europe, with many top DJs there collecting every Hi-Bias release.One incident illustrates Hi-Bias' popularity on the hip London dance music scene of the early ‘90s. "I visited Camden Market with our U.K. rep and was amazed to see a vendor with a Hi-Bias stand. It was full of our merchandise: caps, T-shirts, shorts, even key chains.The Hi-Bias logo had become so popular, people were bootlegging it. I thought it was flattering, so I didn't think of suing them!"The Hi-Bias commitment to quality and innovation remains undiminished, even as its roster has expanded into other genres. "Our production sound has naturally got stronger and more polished over the years, but we haven't lost the edge for the dance floor."Now in its twenty-sxith year, Hi-Bias boasts a vibrant, varied roster. Hi-Bias' role in giving Canadian dance music an international profile and boosting confidence in domestic talent cannot be over-estimated. The label's fusion of passion, ability and determination will see Hi-Bias remain a vital and valuable force for many years to come.
