| Grand Central Records | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Founded | 1995 |
| Founder | Mark Rae |
| Defunct | 2006 |
| Genre | Electronic, hip hop |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Location | Manchester |
| Official website | http://www.grandcentralrecords.co.uk |
Grand Central Records was an independent record label based in the Northern Quarter of Manchester, England. It was started in 1995 by DJ Mark Rae (who, along with Steve Christian makes up the duo Rae & Christian). Rae started out working as manager of the Fat City Records' store (which later also became a record label licensing material). The two labels maintained a close relationship, co-hosting club nights including Friends and Family, Counter Culture and developing related radio shows and merchandising. Grand Central also had a digital sub-label, GC3 which developed in the early to mid 2000's.
The label invested in various music artists and performers developing and promoting both physical music releases and subsidising live tours, for artists predominantly from the UK and the North West of England. Several high profile collaborations with international artists such as Bobby Womack, The Jungle Brothers, Sharleen Spiteiri from Texas and others meant the label achieved profile way beyond its size.
Embracing emerging digital culture, Grand Central established early company websites and an online merchandising shop, using this as a creative shop window for its artists and developing the visual and music personality of the collective.
As of May 2006, Grand Central Records ceased operating as a record label and the official website was closed down.
The label was allegedly investigated by the MCPS with regard to unpaid royalties and the resultant bill was allegedly so large that it forced the label into liquidation.[1][2]
