Astral People Recordings launches with first signing Wave Racer
Interia and [PIAS] have partnered with Astral People to launch a new record label.
The new co-op label has been announced with the signing of Sydney producer Wave Racer, who reveals his second comeback single ‘Summer Rain’ ft. Kwame.
Astral People began as an artist management company and continues to be run by Vichara Edirisinghe and Tom Huggett, having now expanded into events, festivals and publishing.
“Our vision for the label is just a pure reflection of our joint musical tastes as a company,” say Edirisinghe and Huggett.
“Representing both local and international artists who we truly believe are the best in their fields at what they do.”
The duo explain that Astral People Recordings won’t be “pigeonholed” into a certain genre, but instead, they’ll choose artists “of the highest calibre and an exciting prospect in their respective genre or scene. “
“The label will represent artists that we truly feel will last the test of time in this forever changing business, and we are incredibly proud to align ourselves with such a leading voice in independent music, along some of our favourite labels (Phantasy, DFA, Mute and Transgressive Records) in the co-op model.”
The first signing by Astral People Recordings is the returning Wave Racer, who last week released his first single since 2017 ‘AUTO’.
Wave Racer, aka Tom Purcell, now unveils the follow-up ‘Summer Rain’, and signs with the label headed up by his former managers.
“I am unspeakably lucky to be creating and releasing music again, and to be doing it with the very same team that has been with me since day one is such a privilege,” he says.
“As managers, Astral People took me from my bedroom to global audiences, and have had the faith and fortitude to stick with me through each and every challenge that has presented itself over the last 6 years.
“Astral People have had unwavering support for me and my music from the very start; and to be on board with them for this new beginning is truly an honour.”
Astral People are now eight years into their operation, and reps for [PIAS] and Intertia hailed the timing to make the jump to a fully-fledged label.
“I am thrilled that Astral People is joining our worldwide roster of outstanding independent labels,” [PIAS] group managing director Edwin Schroter says.
“Vic and Tom have built something very special in Australia and their entrepreneurial drive, A&R instinct and international outlook make them a perfect fit for our Cooperative label offering.”
Intertia Label Grup director Meg Williams adds; “Inertia Music has such a long-standing relationship with Astral People, both personally and through their partnership with Handsome Tours.
“We are constantly inspired by not only their musical taste, but the passion and consideration that Astral People put into everything they do. We’re so honored to help them realise their ambitions for a label outstanding in its musical output and care.”