Red Bull Records
Red Bull Records is an independent record label established in 2007 as a division of the multinational energy drink company Red Bull GmbH, specializing in long-term artist development across rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop genres with a global perspective.[1][2] Headquartered in Los Angeles with additional offices in London, the label emphasizes nurturing artist careers, cultural impact through music, and innovative industry practices that prioritize creative freedom and sustainability.[2] Founded by Dietrich Mateschitz, the Austrian co-founder of Red Bull, the label emerged as a natural extension of the company's broader cultural initiatives, aiming to disrupt traditional music industry models by focusing on artist-centric strategies rather than short-term commercial gains.[2][3] In its early years, Red Bull Records built its roster through strategic signings and partnerships, including a global distribution deal with Sony Music in 2015 for territories outside Japan, which expanded its reach while maintaining operational independence.[3] By 2023, the label had grown its active roster to 14 artists—its largest to date—releasing six albums and ten EPs that year alone, demonstrating steady expansion amid evolving music landscapes.[2] The label has become known for breakthrough successes with its artists, including AWOLNATION's "Sail," which achieved Diamond certification by the RIAA and charted for 79 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, amassing billions of streams worldwide.[2] Other notable acts include Beartooth, whose track "In Between" earned Platinum certification; Blxst, Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month in August 2021 and recipient of two Grammy nominations; and The Aces, alongside veterans like Albert Hammond Jr. and Twin Atlantic.[2][4] Recent releases, such as UK artist Morgan's 2025 singles "One Man" featuring Beenie Man and "Bad Gyal Energy," underscore the label's ongoing commitment to diverse, emerging talent.[5] In addition to music production, Red Bull Records supports initiatives like the annual Red Bull Jukebox Songwriting Competition, fostering new songwriters and reinforcing its role in music discovery.[6]Background
Founding and headquarters
Red Bull Records was established in 2007 as a subsidiary of Red Bull GmbH, the Austrian energy drink company founded by Dietrich Mateschitz, with the aim of extending the brand's presence into the music industry.[3][1] Mateschitz, who passed away in 2022, envisioned the label as a platform for artist development, leveraging Red Bull's resources to support emerging talent.[7] The label's initial operational hub was a state-of-the-art recording studio constructed in Santa Monica, California, which served as the primary facility for early productions and creative activities.[8] This studio, located at 1740 Stewart Street, provided a dedicated space for recording and collaboration, marking the beginning of Red Bull Records' physical infrastructure in the United States.[9] Over time, the headquarters were established in Los Angeles, specifically in West Hollywood on Melrose Avenue, to centralize administrative and business operations.[10] An additional office in London was set up to facilitate international outreach and management.[2] In its formative years, Red Bull Records concentrated on indie rock as its starting genre, exemplified by early signings like the Scottish alternative rock band Twin Atlantic, before expanding into broader musical styles.[2] This focus aligned with the label's goal of nurturing innovative and independent artists within a supportive environment tied to Red Bull's global media ecosystem.[11]Mission and operations
Red Bull Records operates as an independent record label with a core mission centered on long-term artist development and a global perspective, prioritizing creative freedom and artist-centric partnerships over immediate commercial demands. The label's philosophy emphasizes nurturing talent to foster sustainable careers, providing comprehensive support that allows artists to explore their visions without the constraints of short-term market pressures. This approach is rooted in forging meaningful collaborations that amplify unique artistic expressions while innovating within the music industry to keep the artist at the forefront.[12][2] In its day-to-day operations, Red Bull Records manages key functions including artist and repertoire (A&R), marketing, and distribution internally, while distributing releases through The Orchard, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, to ensure global reach. The label leverages the broader resources of Red Bull GmbH, including its media house platforms for exposure, event integrations, and access to production facilities, to enhance artist promotion and creative opportunities. Scouting efforts are conducted by a focused global team through demo submissions and strategic networks, enabling the identification and signing of emerging talent from around the world without regional limitations. Offices in Los Angeles and London support these activities, alongside a publishing division that represents songwriters and producers to broaden creative output.[13][2][14] The label maintains a commitment to genre diversity, spanning indie rock, hip-hop, pop, electronic, alternative, and R&B, with a particular emphasis on emerging artists who push boundaries across these styles. This inclusive approach allows Red Bull Records to cultivate a roster that reflects evolving global music trends, supported by targeted marketing campaigns such as creative video productions and event series that highlight underrepresented voices. By integrating these elements, the label ensures a holistic operational framework that prioritizes cultural impact and artistic growth.[2][15]History
Inception and early development (2007–2010)
Red Bull Records was established in 2007 as an independent record label under the Red Bull GmbH umbrella, with a focus on long-term artist development rather than short-term commercial gains.[16] Founded by Red Bull's owner Dietrich Mateschitz in July of that year,[17] the label aimed to support emerging musicians by providing resources typically unavailable to independent acts.[7] To facilitate this, Red Bull constructed a state-of-the-art recording studio in Santa Monica, California, which opened in late 2007 and was initially offered to small indie rock bands at no cost to encourage creative experimentation.[18] This studio served as the label's creative hub, enabling in-house production and fostering a collaborative environment distinct from traditional major-label setups.[19] The label's early phase emphasized niche, underground talent, beginning with its inaugural signing of Brooklyn-based indie rock band Black Gold. Their debut album, Rush, released on February 3, 2009, marked Red Bull Records' first official output.[20] This release targeted limited audiences through independent distribution channels, reflecting the label's modest rollout strategy. Subsequent signings included Scottish alternative rock band Twin Atlantic as the first international act, whose debut album Vivarium followed in 2009, and AWOLNATION, signed in 2009 with their EP Back from Earth arriving in 2010—both efforts centered on indie and alternative genres with experimental sounds.[21][22] These initial projects remained confined to specialized listeners, avoiding mainstream radio pushes to build organic credibility. As a beverage company-backed venture, Red Bull Records faced skepticism in the music industry regarding its authenticity and motives, often viewed as a marketing extension rather than a genuine label.[7] To counter this, the label operated discreetly, eschewing high-profile announcements and focusing on artist-centric decisions, which helped mitigate perceptions of corporate interference. Internally, growth involved assembling a compact A&R team led by managing director Greg Hammer, who recruited industry veterans to scout diverse, culturally resonant talent.[23] Promotion experiments integrated the label's acts with Red Bull's existing events, such as early iterations of music showcases and studio sessions, providing exposure without overt commercialization during this foundational period.[7]Expansion and commercial successes (2011–2020)
Following the initial breakthroughs, Red Bull Records experienced substantial growth in the 2010s, driven by strategic signings and hit releases that broadened its commercial footprint. The label's signing of AWOLNATION in late 2009 paved the way for the band's debut full-length album Megalithic Symphony in March 2011, which featured the breakout single "Sail." Released initially as part of the 2010 EP Back from Earth, "Sail" propelled the album to commercial success, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning multi-platinum certifications; by 2021, it achieved diamond status from the RIAA for 10 million units in the United States, underscoring its enduring popularity with hundreds of millions of streams accumulated by 2020 across platforms like Spotify and YouTube.[24][25][26] The label further expanded into rock and metal genres, signing acts that capitalized on the rising demand for high-energy alternative sounds. In 2013, Red Bull Records inked a deal with Beartooth, the metalcore project of frontman Caleb Shomo, releasing their debut EP Sick as a free download that July to build immediate fan engagement. This was followed by the band's full-length debut Disgusting in June 2014, which debuted at No. 24 on the Billboard 200 and solidified Beartooth's place in the metal scene with tracks blending aggressive riffs and raw emotion.[27][28] Complementing this push, the label signed indie pop-rock band The Aces in October 2016 after their self-released single "Stuck" gained traction; the quartet's energetic sound and relatable lyrics fit the label's evolving rock-adjacent roster, leading to their debut EP I Don't Like Being Honest in 2017.[29] By the mid-2010s, Red Bull Records had grown its roster to eight artists, reflecting a deliberate scaling of operations while maintaining a focus on artist development over rapid commercialization. This expansion coincided with a genre shift in the late 2010s toward hip-hop and R&B, influenced by early exploratory partnerships that laid the groundwork for more diverse signings, including initial forays into rap-infused acts amid the broader industry trend toward genre-blending. Throughout the decade, the label integrated its artists with Red Bull's global event ecosystem, providing unparalleled live exposure opportunities such as performances at branded festivals and activations, which amplified visibility and fan connection without traditional promotional constraints.[30][2][30]Recent growth and diversification (2021–present)
In the early 2020s, Red Bull Records experienced significant roster expansion, growing to 14 acts by 2023—the largest in the label's history—which facilitated a peak in output with six albums released that year.[2] This growth reflected the label's commitment to artist development amid post-pandemic recovery, enabling a broader range of projects to reach audiences. The expansion included signings across established and emerging talents, solidifying Red Bull Records' position as an independent label with global ambitions. In May 2025, A&R veteran Kenny "Tick" Salcido departed after nearly 13 years, having overseen key signings and initiatives.[31] Diversification into new genres marked a key evolution, particularly with ventures into country music through the 2025 signing of award-winning songwriter PYNK BEARD.[32] His debut EP, Red Dirt Diaries, released on October 17, 2025, via Red Bull Records, introduced a fresh country perspective to the roster, blending traditional elements with contemporary storytelling.[33] This move exemplified the label's strategy to explore boundary-pushing sounds beyond its rock and hip-hop foundations. Adapting to the streaming era, Red Bull Records emphasized global digital distribution through platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, ensuring wide accessibility for releases.[34] Promotion heavily leveraged social media, with active engagement on Instagram—boasting over 38,000 followers—and TikTok to build artist visibility and fan interaction via short-form videos and live sessions.[35] From 2024 to 2025, notable milestones included UK pop/R&B artist MORGAN's sophomore EP Emotional Gangster, released on October 25, 2024, which showcased her evolving sound and sold-out tour support.[36][37] Concurrently, hip-hop output increased through strategic partnerships, enabling expanded releases in the genre.[38] These efforts highlighted Red Bull Records' focus on collaborative growth to amplify hip-hop presence.Partnerships and Collaborations
Evgle
Evgle is an independent record label founded by hip-hop and R&B artist Blxst (born Matthew Burdette) in 2018, initially operating as his personal imprint for creative projects.[39] In September 2021, Blxst re-signed an exclusive worldwide partnership with Red Bull Records, which included establishing a joint venture between Evgle and Red Bull Records specifically aimed at signing and developing emerging West Coast hip-hop and R&B talent.[39][40] This collaboration allows Evgle to oversee artistic and creative direction for its roster, while Red Bull Records supplies global distribution, marketing, and promotional resources to amplify reach.[39][41] Under the joint venture, Blxst re-committed his catalog to the partnership, enabling key releases such as his debut studio album I'll Always Come Find You in July 2024, a 20-track project executive produced by Sounwave and featuring collaborations with artists like Zacari, Bino Rideaux, and Joey Bada$$, followed by a deluxe edition in November 2024.[42][43][44] The venture has also supported signings of affiliated acts, including rapper Jay Millian as the first artist to join Red Bull Records/Evgle in 2022 with his single "Baby," and a 2023 partnership with Joony and his 211 label for expanded hip-hop releases.[45] The operational synergy has contributed to Blxst's commercial milestones, including RIAA Platinum certification for the single "Chosen" featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Tyga in July 2022, as well as Gold certifications for tracks like "Overrated," all released via Red Bull Records and Evgle.[46] These achievements underscore the joint venture's role in elevating West Coast talent through high-profile collaborations with established hip-hop figures such as Kendrick Lamar affiliates and Tyga, fostering broader industry impact.[46][47] Blxst remains a core artist on Red Bull Records' current roster, benefiting directly from this partnership.[48]Wonderchild and Mind of a Genius
Wonderchild was launched in 2021 as a label imprint founded by Grammy-nominated producer and songwriter Ebony "WondaGurl" Oshunrinde in partnership with Red Bull Records, aimed at signing and developing emerging talent with an emphasis on creative freedom and culturally significant artists.[49][50] The imprint's initial signing was Toronto-based rapper JUGGER, whose debut album PUPPET MASTER, executive produced by WondaGurl, highlighted innovative production techniques blending trap influences with self-expressive lyricism.[51] Subsequent releases under Wonderchild included Toronto multi-instrumentalist Chris LaRocca's 2023 debut album i cried my eyes out, which fused indie rock, R&B, and pop elements, showcasing the imprint's support for genre-blending acts through executive production and artist development.[2] Mind of a Genius, an independent label focused on indie hip-hop and experimental acts, entered a joint venture partnership with Red Bull Records in 2021 to amplify artist growth and innovative releases.[2][52] The partnership facilitated the signing of rapper and producer Peter un, whose deluxe edition of the album *Scumbaby* and subsequent EP *3PIECE* (2023) exemplified the label's commitment to boundary-pushing sounds, including live sessions recorded at Red Bull Studios that integrated vocal experimentation with [hip-hop](/page/Hip_hop_music) production; further releases include his album *Rent Was Due…* in June 2025. Joint releases under this affiliation have emphasized collaborative projects, such as Peter un's tracks featuring guest vocalists, to highlight emerging producers and performers.[53] These interconnected imprints have enabled shared resources like Red Bull Studios for collaborative sessions, resulting in compilations and EPs that feature rising DJs, vocalists, and producers across pop and experimental electronic-infused styles.[2] Their combined efforts have broadened Red Bull Records' presence in festival circuits, including integrations with events like the Red Bull Music Academy, where affiliated artists perform innovative live sets and sound design showcases.[2] This expansion has contributed to roster growth, reaching 14 acts by 2023 and continuing as of 2025, fostering global impact through critically acclaimed projects that prioritize long-term artist evolution over commercial constraints.[2]Red Bull Batalla
Red Bull Batalla, launched in 2005 as the world's premier Spanish-language freestyle rap competition, has served as a key talent scouting platform for Red Bull Records since the 2010s, identifying and nurturing emerging artists in Latin hip-hop.[54] The competition organizes annual national qualifiers across over 20 countries, including strongholds in Mexico, Spain, and the United States, culminating in an international final that draws thousands of spectators and millions of online viewers.[55] Winners often receive development opportunities with the label, such as recording deals; for instance, 2015 international champion Arkano signed with Red Bull Records, releasing his sophomore album MATCH in 2022.[56] The label's involvement extends to music outputs from the events, producing compilations and live recordings that capture the raw energy of the battles while offering polished studio versions. Notable releases include the Playlist series in the 2020s, such as the 2024 edition featuring tracks by participants like Baghira and Di Verse, credited under Red Bull Batalla/Red Bull Records Inc.[57] Earlier examples encompass live albums from national finals, like Final Nacional Ecuador 2020, which showcase improvisational freestyles turned into accessible tracks for global streaming platforms.[58] These outputs not only document the competition but also bridge freestyle culture with recorded music, providing artists pathways to broader recognition. Through Red Bull Batalla, the label has amplified the cultural impact of Spanish-language rap, fostering a vibrant scene that connects underground hip-hop communities in Mexico, Spain, and the US.[59] The events promote linguistic creativity and social commentary in freestyle, influencing mainstream Latin music by elevating MCs who blend regional dialects and global influences, as seen in the competition's role in popularizing Ibero-American rap battles since its expansion in the late 2010s.[60] This initiative has helped integrate freestyle rap into wider hip-hop dialogues, with US nationals like the 2024 winner AdonysX representing growing Latino contributions to American rap scenes.[61]Other joint ventures
In 2023, Red Bull Records entered into a joint venture with the imprint JUNO to expand its roster in R&B and soul genres, focusing on emerging urban music talent as part of broader roster diversification efforts.[2] Red Bull Records has also forged partnerships with key industry organizations to support songwriting and professional development. In 2024, the label collaborated with Songwriters of North America (SONA) to host the event "A Conversation In: Songwriting" during GRAMMY Week in Los Angeles, featuring panels and discussions on craft and industry insights at Grandmaster Recorders.[62] Additionally, Red Bull Records maintains close ties with Red Bull Media House, its parent entity's media division, enabling cross-promotional initiatives and specialized resources for artists. This includes providing studio access at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles and other global locations for recording sessions, production, and content creation, even for non-roster talents in select projects, to foster creative experimentation and multimedia integration.[63][12] In 2025, Red Bull Records strengthened connections with the indie scene through signings that bridge genres, exemplified by the integration of country crossover artist PYNK BEARD (formerly Sebastian Kole), who joined the label after building an independent career with releases like his debut single "I Lived." This move highlights the label's strategy to incorporate indie-originated talent into its urban-focused portfolio, expanding into country with his EP Red Dirt Diaries released in October 2025.[64][32][65]Artists
Current roster
Red Bull Records maintains a diverse roster of acts across genres including hip-hop, R&B, indie pop, metalcore, pop, country, and rock, with ongoing support through access to Red Bull Studios for recording and global promotional opportunities via Red Bull events.[2] Blxst, a hip-hop and R&B artist known for his melodic flows and songwriting, remains a cornerstone of the label through his EVGLE imprint partnership, releasing his debut album I'll Always Come Find You in 2024 and continuing tours into 2025.[48][66] The Aces, an indie pop band from Utah, continue to produce post-2020 material, including the 2025 album Gold Star Baby featuring singles like "Always Get This Way," highlighting their energetic, synth-driven sound.[67][68] Beartooth, a metalcore act led by Caleb Shomo, sustains active projects with the 2025 live album I Was A... LIVE, capturing high-energy performances from ongoing tours and maintaining their position in the rock scene.[69][70] MORGAN, a UK-based pop and R&B singer, has been prolific in 2024–2025 with releases like the EP Emotional Gangster and the double single "One Man/Bad Gyal Energy," blending dancehall influences and acoustic live sessions at Red Bull Studios.[71][72] Recent addition PYNK BEARD, a country and hip-hop hybrid artist, debuted on the label in 2025 with the EP Red Dirt Diaries, showcasing his award-winning songwriting in tracks like "Sip" and expanding the roster's genre reach.[73][32] House of Protection, a rock band formed in 2024, remains active with their second EP Outrun You All released in May 2025, delivering high-octane singles such as "I Need More Than This" and supporting tours alongside acts like Bad Omens.[74][75] Other ongoing roster members include Albert Hammond Jr. (alternative rock), James Vickery (R&B/soul), and Joony (R&B/hip-hop), each benefiting from the label's resources for sustained development and releases into 2025.[15][76][77]Former artists
Red Bull Records has seen several notable artist departures primarily during the 2010s, as contracts were fulfilled or bands evolved in their careers. One prominent example is AWOLNATION, which signed with the label in 2010 and achieved significant success with their debut album Megalithic Symphony in 2011, particularly the hit single "Sail," which became a multi-platinum track and helped establish the label's early rock credentials.[78] In 2019, AWOLNATION parted ways with Red Bull Records to sign with Better Noise Music (formerly Eleven Seven Label Group), marking a shift toward a new label partnership that allowed frontman Aaron Bruno to explore fresh creative directions post their breakthrough era.[79][80] Another key departure occurred with English alternative rock band Blitz Kids, who joined Red Bull Records in 2013 after leaving Hassle Records and released their second album The Good Youth through the label in 2014.[81] The band announced their disbandment in July 2015, citing the need to pursue individual paths after nearly a decade together, which effectively ended their association with the label; they played two farewell shows later that year before splitting.[82][83] These exits, concentrated in the mid-2010s, often stemmed from contract completions, creative pivots, or band dissolutions rather than conflicts, contributing to the label's reputation for artist development without long-term constraints. Former artists like AWOLNATION bolstered Red Bull Records' early credibility in the alternative rock scene through high-impact releases, while some, including AWOLNATION, have maintained indirect ties via Red Bull events or archival content on the label's platforms. As of 2025, no major departures have been reported in the 2020s, reflecting a period of roster stability.[84]Music Releases
Studio albums
Red Bull Records has released over 20 studio albums as of 2025, encompassing a diverse range of genres from alternative rock to contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Many of these albums were recorded or mixed at Red Bull Studios in Los Angeles, leveraging the label's in-house facilities for artist development. Key releases highlight the label's focus on breakthrough acts, with notable commercial success including RIAA certifications and strong Billboard chart performances. The label's debut album, Black Gold's Rush (2009), set an early tone with its indie rock sound. AWOLNATION's Megalithic Symphony (2011) marked a major milestone, achieving platinum certification from the RIAA in 2016 and featuring the hit single "Sail," which peaked at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was later certified diamond. Subsequent rock offerings included Heaven's Basement's Filthy Empire (2013) and Twin Atlantic's Free (2011), both debuting on the UK Albums Chart.[21] Beartooth emerged as a cornerstone act with a series of high-impact metalcore albums: Disgusting (2014), which topped the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart; Aggressive (2016), reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart; Disease (2018); Below (2021), debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart; and The Surface (2023), also hitting No. 1 on the Hard Rock Albums chart with over 190 million streams. Other notable rock and alternative releases include AWOLNATION's Run (2015), Albert Hammond Jr.'s Francis Trouble (2018) and Melodies on Hiatus (2023), and The Aces' Under My Influence (2020), which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart.[85] In hip-hop and R&B, Blxst's Before You Go (2022) and I'll Always Come Find You (2024) showcased the label's expansion into urban genres, with the latter executive produced by Sounwave and featuring collaborations with artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Bavo. Additional titles like Itch's The Deep End (2014) further diversified the catalog.| Artist | Album Title | Year | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Gold | Rush | 2009 | Debut label release; indie rock. |
| AWOLNATION | Megalithic Symphony | 2011 | Platinum RIAA; "Sail" diamond single, No. 17 Billboard Hot 100. |
| Twin Atlantic | Free | 2011 | UK Albums Chart entry. |
| Heaven's Basement | Filthy Empire | 2013 | Debut album; rock. |
| Beartooth | Disgusting | 2014 | No. 1 Billboard Heatseekers. |
| Itch | The Deep End | 2014 | Punk rock. |
| AWOLNATION | Run | 2015 | Follow-up to debut. |
| The Talks | Commoners, Peers, Drunks & Thieves | 2015 | Indie rock; published by Red Bull Records. |
| Beartooth | Aggressive | 2016 | No. 2 Billboard Independent. |
| Albert Hammond Jr. | Francis Trouble | 2018 | Solo indie rock. |
| Beartooth | Disease | 2018 | Metalcore expansion. |
| The Aces | Under My Influence | 2020 | No. 18 Billboard Heatseekers; indie pop. |
| Beartooth | Below | 2021 | No. 1 Billboard Hard Rock. |
| Blxst | Before You Go | 2022 | Debut hip-hop/R&B album. |
| Chris LaRocca | i cried my eyes out | 2023 | Indie; 13 tracks.[86] |
| Albert Hammond Jr. | Melodies on Hiatus | 2023 | Indie rock; 19 tracks. |
| Beartooth | The Surface | 2023 | No. 1 Billboard Hard Rock; 190M+ streams. |
| House of Protection | GALORE | 2024 | Rock.[74] |
| Blxst | I'll Always Come Find You | 2024 | 20 tracks; collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Bavo. |
| The Aces | I've Loved You For So Long | 2024 | Third studio album.[87] |