Big Beat Records (American record label)

Lore & Background

Big Beat Records was founded in 1987 by 20-year-old New York City deejay Craig Kallman, initially operating out of his bedroom. The label's first track, 'Join Hands' by Taravhonty, sold 5,000 copies through Kallman's direct promotion at record stores. Its second release, 'The Party' by Kraze, sold 250,000 units. Over the next three years, Kallman signed acts like Tara Kemp and Jomanda, selling Kemp's contract to Giant in 1991. Jomanda's 'Got a Love for You' attracted Atlantic Records co-chairman Doug Morris, leading to Atlantic's acquisition of Big Beat in 1992, with Kallman becoming Vice President of A&R while still operating the label.

During the 1990s, the label shifted from house to hip-hop, signing artists including Fat Joe, Lil' Kim, and Quad City DJs. In 1998, Fat Joe's album 'Don Cartagena' reached the top 10 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. That same year, the label and its roster were fully absorbed into Atlantic Records. A planned 2001 relaunch was abandoned.

Big Beat was relaunched in 2010 as a dance-focused label under Atlantic Records, with an initial roster including Martin Solveig, Icona Pop, and Cash Cash. Skrillex's 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites' EP won two Grammy Awards in 2012, and his 'Bangarang' EP won two more in 2013. The label later signed Icona Pop, Cash Cash, Galantis, and Clean Bandit, whose 2014 single 'Rather Be' won a Grammy.

Reader's Guide

Big Beat Records has played a pivotal role in shaping modern electronic and dance music, particularly after its 2010 relaunch. The label's early independent success under Craig Kallman demonstrated the viability of bedroom-started labels in the 1980s house scene. Its absorption into Atlantic Records in 1992 and subsequent relaunch in 2010 allowed it to leverage major-label resources while maintaining a dance-focused identity. Big Beat became a home for Grammy-winning electronic acts: Skrillex won multiple awards for his EPs, Clean Bandit's 'Rather Be' won Best Dance Recording in 2015, and Jack Ü (Skrillex and Diplo) won Best Dance/Electronic Album in 2016. The label also achieved commercial hits with Wynter Gordon's 'Dirty Talk' and Martin Solveig's 'Hello,' and its roster expanded to include David Guetta via Warner Music Group's acquisition of Parlophone in 2013. Big Beat's influence is reflected in its executives being named to Billboard's 'Dance Power Players' list in 2017 and Mixmag's nomination for label of the decade that same year. The label continues to operate under Atlantic Records, with a current roster including 100 gecs, Dog Blood, Galantis, Whethan, Cash Cash, and Clean Bandit.

Did You Know?

• Big Beat's first track, 'Join Hands' by Taravhonty, sold 5,000 copies through direct promotion by founder Craig Kallman at record stores.
• The label's second release, 'The Party' by Kraze, sold 250,000 units in the United States and internationally.
• Skrillex's 'Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites' EP won Best Dance/Electronic Album at the 54th Grammy Awards in 2012.