Black Butter

Black Butter is a record label based in London, established in 2010 by Olly Wood, Henry Village and Joe Gossa. It began as a dance-music outlet spanning drum and bass, house, garage and grime rather than focusing on one style. The label’s first releases were “Lovestruck” by Man Like Me and “Soundclash” by RackNRuin, which featured Jessie Ware. Its early work also provided an outlet for acts associated with Stackhouse Management, and Wood initially ran the label from his apartment.

Among its 2012 releases was Rudimental’s single “Feel the Love,” which reached the top position on the UK Singles Chart; the label also issued “Not Giving In” that year. Other early records included Gorgon City’s “Real,” featuring Yasmin. In 2014, Gorgon City released its debut album, Sirens, through Black Butter. Rudimental’s early recordings for the label combined drum and bass with elements of house and garage.

Black Butter added a publishing arm in 2013 and entered a joint venture with BMG Chrysalis the following year. Also in 2014, it became a standalone imprint within Sony Music UK, with Henry Village and Joe Gossa serving as co-presidents. The label received the Association of Independent Music’s Best Small Label award in 2012 and DJ Mag’s Best Label award for 2013. It has also held events and showcases in locations around the world.