Launched in 1996, owned and operated by Melleny Melody and DJ Spydabrown, Toronto-based Play Records has become one of Canada’s foremost labels for quality house and an Internationally recognized purveyor of “new, fresh and bangin’ vibes for the dancefloor.”
Originally, Play Records took its cue from the UK-based trip hop/breaks scene and began licensing music from small european labels like Dorado, Orange Egg, Ninja Tune and Wall Of Sound. This move provided the company with a primary source of material. Strong alliances with producers and DJs resulted in the label’s first full-length cd compilation entitled ‘Play Breaks’ in 1997, a rich mix of downtempo and drum ‘n’ bass crossovers. The Floorplay series followed in CD and Vinyl format, still available from our back catalogue.
Saturated with the new breakbeat rhythms emerging in house music, Play Records seized the opportunity to target material that blended the organic elements of disco, jazz, and dub with the electronic stylings of techno and house.
The label’s catalogue has grown to over 300 licensed and exclusive songs with a growing family of artists and producers creating great music. Play Records publishing continues to be a substantial source of material for numerous commercial and film productions, including licensing deals for compilations with Ministry Of Sound, Azuli, Armada, Kontrast Recordings, Stealth, and Hit Music company. Today, Play Records continues to keep its eye on the growing national and international demand for original songs and infinitely talented performing artists, expanding and increasing its market profile.
In 2002, Gay Records was born, introducing Melleny Melody And The Pop Machine and our more commercial and pop dance music. The Play Digital division was established in 2006 to take advantage of internet technology to release electro-, tech-, and progressive house at breakneck speeds.
New in 2008, Yalp Records takes over from Gay Records, offering more commercial kitchy techno lounge discodance pop tunes, with Vinyl & CD distribution by Prime Direct.
