 | This articlecontainspromotional content. Please helpimprove it by removingpromotional language and inappropriateexternal links, and by adding encyclopedic text written from aneutral point of view.See ouradvice if the article is about you and read ourscam warning in case someone asks for money to edit this article.(May 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Dirty Hit | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Founded | 2 February 2010; 16 years ago (2010-02-02)[1] |
| Founder |
|
| Status | Active |
| Distributors |
|
| Genre | Various, with a focus onalternative andelectronic |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Location |
|
| Official website | dirtyhit |
Dirty Hit Limited[1] is a Britishindependent record label founded in February 2010 by Jamie Oborne,[2] Chuck Waite, Brian Smith and formerEngland footballerUgo Ehiogu.[3] The company is based in London,[4] and expanded operations to Los Angeles, Sydney and Tokyo in 2020.[5]
In 2019,Complex stated that "Dirty Hit has become known for championing their artists' individuality".[6]
Jamie Oborne began working in artist management after founding his company, All On Red Management.[7] When Drive Like I Do, a Manchester-based band later known asThe 1975, remained unsigned despite meetings with several record labels, Oborne decided to establish his own record label with Chuck Waite, Brian Smith and former footballerUgo Ehiogu.[6][8] The 1975 signed to the label for£20.[6]
The 1975 andBenjamin Francis Leftwich were the company's first signings, with the former becoming the label’s first act to achieve mainstream success by reaching number one on theUK Albums Chart in September 2013 with theireponymousdebut album.[9][10][11] In February 2019, The 1975 signed a new three-album deal with the label.[12]
In May 2017, the label launched theDirty Hit Tour, featuring Superfood, King Nun andPale Waves.[13] Since its inception, Dirty Hit’s releases have been distributed to digital platforms by Ingrooves Music Group.[14][15]
Since January 2019, the members ofThe 1975 –Matty Healy,George Daniel,Adam Hann andRoss MacDonald – have been shareholders in the company.[16][17] Healy served ascreative director for four years before stepping down from the role in April 2023.[18][19]
On 17 June 2024, Dirty Hit announced a new imprint label, DH2, focused onelectronic music and run byGeorge Daniel ofThe 1975.[20] Artists signed to the label includeKelly Lee Owens, Oscar Farrel andTimFromTheHouse.[20] Owens's albumDreamstate, released on 18 October, was her debut for the label.[21]
Dirty Hit expanded its presence beyond the UK market through growing critical acclaim and a strong social media presence. Following the success of artists such as The 1975, the label gained increased attention for signing younger acts includingBeabadoobee andRina Sawayama. This led to the opening of new offices in the United States and Australia in 2020.[22]
The label partnered withIngrooves (now folded intoVirgin Music Group) to support international distribution and marketing efforts.[23] Ingrooves provides digital marketing services, analytics, rights management and promotional tools for independent labels and artists. The partnership was made official in late 2019.[23]
Two notable members of Dirty Hit’s international team are Greg Carr and Rachel Jones-Williams. Carr joined the Los Angeles office in May 2020, and has been credited by Oborne with bringing significant expertise to the company.[24] Jones-Williams, based in Sydney, also joined during the same period.
Notable artists affiliated with Dirty Hit Records includeWolf Alice,The 1975,Beabadoobee, andPale Waves, all of whom have garnered nominations or awards from prestigious institutions such as theGrammys,NME, andthe Brits.[citation needed] The 1975, a flagship act of Dirty Hit, stands out with two nominations for the esteemed Mercury Prize, showcasing the label's dedication to artists with outstanding musical contributions. Beyond individual accolades, Dirty Hit's artists have collectively made a significant impact on the global music scene by performing at renowned festivals.[25] The 1975 also headlinedRadio 1's Big Weekend, bridging contemporary work and Dirty Hit's alternative style in mainstream media.
No Rome, an artist under the Dirty Hit banner, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Filipino act to perform at the summerCoachella festival.[26] In 2019, Dirty Hit Records achieved notable success at the Music Week Awards, outperforming esteemed competitors in the music industry. The label, alongside contenders such asAtlantic Records,Columbia Records,Island Records,Polydor Records, andWarner Bros Records, received recognition for its contributions. In 2019, the label was nominated for 3 awards. The label was able to win the "Best Independent Label" award.[27]
.jpg)
