Music Style Gothic Industrial

Similar Artists Switchblade Symphony, The Electric Hellfire Club, Frontline Assembly, Spahn Ranch

Artist History Cleopatra Records was founded in 1992 by long-time music fan, Brian Perera. Brian acquired his love for the music business by becoming an active participant in the Los Angeles club scene through the 80's and 90's. The label was officially launched with three releases, PRESSURHED (a space rock band from the SF bay area) followed by the release of MOTORHEAD's "On Parole", which had long been out of print. The third release, was actually a series of reissues by electronic pioneers KRAFTWERK. From the start, this was not going to be your typical LA Indie Rock outfit. The label philosophy is simple, a label run by music fans for music fans. At present, the catalog boasts over 1200 releases and remains one of Caroline Distributions top selling labels. In the beginning the betting money was on the label going bust from its aggressive and widely diverse release schedule. To his credit, Brian Perera still does over ninety percent of the label's A&R. At the end of the day, every band, license and deal crosses his desk, almost two hundred and fifty of them occurred in 1997 alone. During the label's first few years there were releases by Gothic Rock mainstays CHRISTIAN DEATH. It is these releases that created the labels "Gothic" image despite releases by KRAFTWERK, NICO, THE ADICTS, 45 GRAVE, SIGUE SIGUE SPUTNIK and countless others during this same period. The label has earned the reputation of being the single most influential factor in the resurgance of GOTHIC ROCK in nineties, attracting legions of fans from around the globe. The labels eclectic releases defied the conventional record industry wisdom of the time. The company attracted a small group of industry professionals, some of whom are now employed by the former one-man operation. Today the company's full-time staff fluctuates around nine people. In another unconventional move, Brian employed a small stable of freelance and independent designers, artists, marketing and promotional people on an "as needed" basis. In 1993 Brian Perera hired friend, fan and industry veteran Brian McNelis to take over the company's marketing and promotions. McNelis' marketing, management and promotions company "par@site" remained autonomous handling various work for other clients. McNelis's previous history in marketing and distribution with industry giant Warner/Elektra/Atlantic Corporation (WEA) empowered the fledgling indie. McNelis would ultimately sign on with Cleopatra exclusively at the end of 1995. Since that time, the companies have combined offices and resources. The evolution of the Cleopatra Label Group, now includes techno/dance imprint HYPNOTIC RECORDINGS (1994) and progressive/classic outlet PURPLE PYRAMID (1997). Cleopatra has just launched another label imprint, DEADLINE RECORDS (1999) to explore the glam/metal arena that lost momentum during the early 1990's, but is now becoming a major force in mainstream music . As the label marks over 6 years in the music business, its continued growth and diversity continue to astound the conventional record industry. During the Fall of 1997 the label released "KEYS TO ASCENSION ][" by progressive, classic rock legends YES. In 1998, Cleopatra saw the return of glam-dance monsters Dead or Alive, in addition to a much-publicized deal with Gary Numan. Look for more Numan releases this year in 1999, as well as many other remix and tribute albums for Madonna, Prince, U2, and Garth Brooks. Remix albums include Information Society, Flock of Seagulls, and Missing Persons, and glam-rock monsters, Sweet. The Cleopatra family of labels also continues to develop its own roster of artists including THE ELECTRIC HELLFIRE CLUB, SWITCHBLADE SYMPHONY, TRANSMUTATOR, KRAFTWELT, SPAHN RANCH, ROSETTA STONE, RAZED IN BLACK, SYSTEM 7, 808 STATE, HYDROGEN DUKEBOX, and many many many many more. During 1997 the label formed CLEOPATRA PICTURES to enter into the filmed media arena with the debut of "BETTER LIVING THROUGH CIRCUITRY" a documentary look at electronic dance music and rave culture. The prodution boasts the participation of such artists as THE CRYSTAL METHOD, DJ SPOOKY, DJ KEOKI, ELECTRIC SKYCHURCH, MOBY, BT, RONI SIZE, and many others. Cleopatra is a label that is looking ahead while paying respect to the artists who have affected and influenced the underground and "alternative" music scene. Moving forward, Cleopatra will remain true to its unconventional approach to the record industry. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us, because without you, we would not exist.

Location Marina del Rey, CA - USA

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