Best Local Record Label

Since its conception and growth out of the seasonal Sisters of Turkey Goth Danse Parties, DKA RECORDS has used its platform as a home for music to suit those who feel ostracized and who dwell in the shadows „ those who grow tired of stand-around rock shows, but who are also weary of mainstream musical gatherings with no fog machine clouds in which to dance away their woes. Founded in 2013 by friends and DJs Chris Daresta (Anticipation), James Andrew Ford (Tifaret) and Matt Weiner (TWINS), DKA has released artists from around the world, from Northampton, Massachusetts’ cold wave duo Boy Harsher to Brisbane, Australia’s EBM innovator Multiple Man. The label’s most recent addition, Berlin-based Sally Dige, puts a fine point on the group’s modern take on goth and industrial-flavored synth pop. Dige’s Holding On LP comes on the heels of the label finalizing a deal with Omnian Music Group for distribution. This gives Daresta, Ford and Weiner more time to focus on their own music and further expansion as they curate more sounds within the tiers of goth, dark electronic, industrial, electro-post-punk and EBM. www.dkarecords.bandcamp.com. less...

The face of Atlanta’s indie-rock scene is ever-changing. Over the last year, the Balkans, the N.E.C., and Carnivores have all come to personify the next generation of young, unstoppable local acts, eager to push the envelope and foster their own brand of art-driven rock and experimental sounds. Releases from each of these acts have materialized baring the mark of DOUBLE PHANTOM. The label has become the defining sound of Atlanta rock circa 2009 by following the blueprint of tried-and-true DIY institutions. www.doublephantom.com. less...

When Vice magazine came from New York to report on the hottest bands in Atlanta, what label did it seek out? ROB’S HOUSE RECORDS — all because of it’s unyielding dedication to putting Atlanta punk and indie rock on the national map. With 28 7-inch releases under its belt, the label has watched the Black Lips and Deerhunter receive national attention in droves; all the while it has worked diligently to maintain the scene at home. The label shoulders promotion, booking and distribution for its releases. But most importantly, it has hosted 15 free house shows in the last year and a half — all with free beer. Never once has Rob’s House charged anyone anything to hang out and see the best bands in town. That’s Southern hospitality at its finest.

www.robshouserecords.com

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In May, ARC THE FINGER RECORDS celebrated its fourth anniversary. Its dedication to quality hip-hop and sound business practices ensures plenty more birthdays to come. A refreshingly real alternative to ATL’s love for snappin’-and-rappin,’ the label continues expanding its highly anticipated A3C Independent Hip-Hop Festival, scheduling another for April 2007. With label leaders like Psyche Origami, a national release from Intellekt and Dirty Digits coming this month, a showcase of ATF artists at Atlantis Music Conference, and co-production of shows like Jurassic 5, the Boot Camp Clik and DJ Krush, Arc the Finger is constantly on (see its blog, ConstantlyOn.com), and the true heads are so glad it is.
130 Boulevard. 404-339-0051. www.arcthefinger.com.

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