3Beat

3Beat started in Liverpool in 1989 as a dance record shop, and Jon Barlow, Dave Nicholl and Phil Southall launched its independent label operation in 1991. Its output focuses on drum and bass, with releases ranging across liquid funk, darkstep and jump-up. The label has worked with Sigma, DJ Fresh and High Contrast, and issued TS7’s single “Heartlight (Polygon)” in 2013. It also holds events and showcases to promote its artists and build connections with its fanbase.

The label’s first formal release was New Atlantic’s “I Know,” issued in 1992 and reaching number 12 on the UK singles chart. In that year, 3Beat made a one-year label agreement with PWL, followed by a deal with FFRR. Sak Noel’s “Loca People” gave the label its first UK number-one single in 2011. In 2003, 3Beat set up Boss Records with A&R executive Anton Powers and label manager Tim Condran, with distribution handled by Ministry of Sound.

Sigma signed with 3Beat in summer 2013 and made its label debut with “Summer Calling,” featuring Taylor Fowlis. The group’s album Life followed on 4 December 2015. High Contrast joined the label in April 2016, releasing “Remind Me” as his first single there. 3Beat later relaunched in partnership with All Around The World and Universal, renewing that agreement in 2014.