Mind of a Genius Records is an independent record label founded by David Dann. Originating in 2013, the US/UK based label has released music that ranges from electronic, hip-hop & R&B. The label boasts a diverse & notable roster that includes ZHU, Gallant, THEY., and more.

Mind of a Genius Records
Founded	2013
Founder	David Dann
Genre	Electronica · R&B · Hip-Hop · Neo-Psychedelia
Location	Los Angeles · London
Official website	https://www.mindofagenius.com/

History

Mind of a Genius Records is an independent record label founded by David Dann."^[1] The label's vision is to "create an environment in which artists could express themselves in their purest form possible".^[1] A vision that emphasized signing artists across all genres.^[1] The label's first signee was dance/electronic juggernaut, ZHU.^[2]

Following the massive success of ZHU, the label sought after R&B talent, Gallant as the next big signee.^[2] On June 30, 2015, Gallant's single "Weight in Gold" became one of the first tracks to premiere on Zane Lowe's "World Record" Beats 1 show.^[3] After signing Gallant, the label signed THEY., an enigmatic R&B duo consisting of Dante Jones & Drew Love.^[4] Seeking international appeal, the label then signed rising Dutch band, Klangstof.^[5]

As of today, there are eight total artists under the record label.^[6] Artists record in-house at Mind of a Genius Studios, alongside the label headquarters in Culver City, CA.^[1]

Reception

Mind of a Genius Records has been lauded by media outlets for having a progressive outlook on label-artist relationships.^[2] The label prides itself on artists having "no contact with anyone in the label offices until an album is finished".^[2] This progressive philosophy has garnered much publicity over the years:

• Complex Magazine - "A few blocks north from Apple Music's headquarters in Culver City, Los Angeles, there's another music company quietly masterminding one of the most essential and future-formed independent labels out right now." ^[2]
• HYPEBEAST- "MOAG is an example of talent and artist ingenuity falling into the right hands." ^[7]
• NME- "The burgeoning Los Angeles songwriting powerhouse, record label and all-encompassing creative collective." ^[5]
• REVOLT- "Following in the footsteps of the iconic XL Recordings, Mind of a Genius Music Group aims to bring back the true artistry and musicianship back to the forefront of music." ^[8]

Artists

• Gallant - an American singer-songwriter from Columbia, Maryland who released his GRAMMY® nominated album Ology^[9] under the label in 2016. In 2019, Gallant released his second debut album, Sweet Insomnia.^[10]
• Klangstof- a Dutch alternative act who released their warm, synth-led EP titled Everest under the label in 2017.^[11] In 2017, they became the first Dutch band to play at Coachella. Also, the recipient of the award for "Best Alternative Act" at the Edison Awards.
• THEY.- an enigmatic R&B duo based in Los Angeles who are known for their critically acclaimed EP, Nü Religion. In 2015, the duo collaborated with fellow Mind of a Genius signee, ZHU & EDM superstar Skrillex on the commercially successful hit "Working for It". The song has reached 150 million plus streams. Since then, the duo have released an LP titled Nü Religion: Hyena, ^[12] an extension of their successful EP.
• ZHU- an Asian-American singer/producer from San Francisco, California who is best known for his GRAMMY® nominated hit, Faded^[13] that peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard US Dance/Electronic chart. In 2016, ZHU released his debut album GENERATIONWHY ^[14] that reached No. 1 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Chart. In 2018, ZHU collaborated with Tame Impala^[15] for the viral hit, My Life. The song has recorded over 20 million streams and reached No. 1 on Spotify's Global Viral 50. In 2019, ZHU returned with his album Ringos Desert.^[16] The album instantly hit #1 on iTunes Electronic Albums Chart and garnered over 150 million streams since its release.
• Mindchatter- a producer from New York City, Mindchatter has garnered quick recognition for his genre-defying electronic sound.^[17] He has earned praise from Pete Tong, a premier British disc jockey for BBC Radio 1.^[18]
• Karnaval Blues- a British producer known for his soul-bearing lyrics and atmospheric production, Karnaval Blues released his debut EP, You Come With the Rain in late 2019.^[19][20]
• KWAYE- a Zimbabwean singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, California, is Mind of a Genius' first UK-signee. His songs have appeared in Netflix' series Topboy and On My Block. His breakout single titled "Cool Kids" was released in 2017 alongside his debut EP, Solar. ^[21]
• Peter $un- an eclectic artist from Richmond, VA, Peter $un is a rapper whose catalog consists of a feel-good fusion of rap, jazz and electronica.^[22] On August 20, 2020, Peter $un released a new single titled "100 Proof" featuring Guapdad 4000.^[23]

Discography

• ZHU- Nightday EP (2014)
• ZHU- Genesis Series (2015)
• THEY.- Nü Religion EP (2015)
• Gallant- Ology (2016)
• Klangstof- Close Eyes to Exit (2016)
• ZHU- GENERATIONWHY (2016)
• Klangstof- Everest EP (2017)
• KWAYE- Solar EP (2017)
• KWAYE- Love & Affliction (2018)
• ZHU- Ringos Desert (2018)
• THEY.- Fireside EP (2018)
• Klangstof- The Noise You Make Is Silent (2019)
• Karnaval Blues- You Come With the Rain (2019)
• Gallant- Sweet Insomnia (2019)