Astralwerks
American electronic music label founded 1993, now under Universal Music Group.
Astralwerks (or Astralwerks Records) is an American record label primarily focused on electronic music, now owned by Universal Music Group and distributed via Capitol Music Group in the United States. Founded in 1993 in New York City by Brian Long as an imprint of Caroline Records, the label became known for releasing influential electronic acts from the UK and later expanded its roster to include pop and electronic crossover artists.
Quick Facts
- Parent
- Thorn EMI (1993–1996) / EMI (1996–2012) / Universal Music Group (2012–present)
- Founder
- Brian Long
- Distributor
- Capitol Music Group (US) · EMI (United Kingdom) · Universal Music Group (International)
- Genre
- Electronic
- Country
- United States
- Location
- Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Astralwerks was founded in New York City in July 1993 by Brian Long as an electronic and dance imprint of Caroline Records. Long had previously curated the electronic music compilation Excursions in Ambience for Caroline. Soon after, Caroline's parent company Virgin Records sold the label to Thorn EMI. The label's first release was the compilation 'Excursions in Ambience' (1993), followed later that year by Tales of Ephidrina by Amorphous Androgynous, an alter ego of The Future Sound of London. In 1994, Peter Wohelski was brought on as head of A&R; the Chemical Brothers were already signed to Junior Boy's Own, and Astralwerks licensed their US releases. Their 1995 debut Exit Planet Dust sold 750,000 copies in the United States. Their 1997 follow-up Dig Your Own Hole reached number 14 on the Billboard 200.
Reader's Guide
Astralwerks played a key role in bringing British electronic music to American audiences in the 1990s, releasing landmark albums by The Future Sound of London, Fatboy Slim, and The Chemical Brothers. The label's early success helped define the big beat and electronica boom in the U.S. After being acquired by Universal Music Group in 2012, Astralwerks became an imprint under Capitol Music Group and shifted its focus to include pop and EDM crossover acts like Halsey, Marshmello, and Porter Robinson. The label's relocation from New York City to Los Angeles in 2018 marked a relaunch with new signings and staff. Its legacy includes Grammy-winning singles and chart-topping albums, bridging underground electronic music with mainstream pop.
Did You Know?
- The first release on Astralwerks was the compilation 'Excursions in Ambience' (1993); Tales of Ephidrina came out later that year.
- In 2017, Astralwerks relocated from New York City to Los Angeles and relaunched with new signings including Axwell & Ingrosso (who had been signed earlier, around 2014-2015) and Illenium.
- In 2021, Astralwerks collaborated with Blue Note Records on a series of jazz/electronica albums titled Bluewerks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Astralwerks?
Astralwerks is an American record label specializing in electronic music, launched in 1993 in New York City by Brian Long as a sub-label of Caroline Records. Over the decades it has expanded beyond pure electronic into pop and crossover territory.
Which artists are signed to Astralwerks?
The label is perhaps best known for championing UK electronic acts like The Chemical Brothers and Fatboy Slim, while also working with crossover names such as Halsey and Marshmello.
Who owns Astralwerks today?
The label currently sits under the Universal Music Group umbrella, with U.S. distribution handled through Capitol Music Group.
Where is Astralwerks based?
Astralwerks moved its headquarters to Los Angeles in 2017, though it originally started out of New York City in 1993.
Why does Astralwerks matter in electronic music history?
By breaking UK dance and big-beat artists in the American market during the 1990s, the label helped define the sound that later evolved into mainstream EDM and dance-pop. Its catalog remains a touchstone for fans of that era of electronic production.
More in Electronic music record labels 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced