Jamaica - (600% Dynamite), http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=132
Haiti - (Spirits of life- Hatian Vodou) (Rara in Hatiai), http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=220
New York - (Osunlade - Paradigm) http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=171
Miami - (Miami Sound) http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=109
Brazil - (Tropicilia) (Tetine- Let your x's be y's) http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=2682
Germany - Deutsche Eliktronishe Musik http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=18676
England (an England story) (Steppas' Delight 1). http://www.souljazzrecords.co.uk/releases/?id=11133
And many more.
It also recognizes the Black rights movement especially in the music industry (there was a certain stigma about a black artist during certain periods- Freedom, Rhythm and Sound) in which the music itself wouldn't have sold very well, SJR has attempted to re-release this music into circulation.
Soul Jazz records produces the following genres of music:
- Electronic
- Reggae
- Dub-step
- Jazz
- House Music
- Funk & Soul
- African
- Deep Cult and Roots Music
- Punk
- Hip-Hop
- German Rock & Electronic
- Latina/ Salsa
- Brazil
- Funk and Soul 45's
- Soundtracks
- Compilations
- Ska
- Rock Steady
This is a diverse yet very focused variation of genres, its not typical nor is it what we would call mainstream music (Pop and certain Rock). The artists under the SJR label are primarily composed of black artists (this adheres to the social convention in that stereo-typically society tends to think of black artists when the genre is Soul or Jazz). The age of the music varies as well but is typically music from 1920-1990s that has been remastered and re-released to the music industry. This is music that may have been overlooked at the time and that may appeal to a desired audience. Other featured artists are from Jamaica Haiti and Brazil amongst others; these are not typical artists that mainstream society would tend to listen to, this is mainly due to ignorance and a lack of knowledge on the subject and genre. But not all the music is aged, many tracks and albums are brand new, some released in 2013 such as Hieroglyphic Being. it's also worth noting that there is a large biography on nearly every artist and album. This is unlike many big name producers today who only have (minimal) information on big named artists under their label such as iTunes.
Some key signings include :
- Arthur Russell
- ESG
- Distal
- Radio Slave
- Randomer
- Hieroglyphic Being
- Silkie
- The Heatwave
- Osunlade
- Fife
The range of music is not the only thing not following the typical conventions society holds towards the music industry, the way the consumer interacts with the website in relation to purchasing content is also conflictive The consumer has the ability to purchase CD's, 7" or 12" vinyls, LP's and Mp3 versions. This appears to be very pre digital era, it appears to focus more on hard copy vinyls rather than digital downloads, but its till allows for the purchase of mp3 data. Music can also be pre ordered for release and can be left as a reminder to SJR if the content is currently out of stock. Merchandise is a key element on this website such as T-Shirts, clothing, bags, posters, tooth brushes, stickers, fliers, vouchers (the premise is to get the audience to spend money on their content). They also use promotion methods through the selling of the likes of books (Rare out of print books), signings, DVDs and videos.
From the second you enter the URL thirty-five random albums appear on the screen, this is to help shuffle the library and make available some albums that wouldn't normally be reached on the list contained within the website. Once the consumer enters the website all you need is on screen without the need to scroll, relatively big named releases appear large at the head of the page and draws attention easily. The colour scheme is also very simplistic yet effective, black background with white writing and vivid - retro colored important links and important gigs and advertisements on the left side. Information for each artist appears at the bottom of each individual page which results in the audience not being "put off" by large amounts of text. There is the option for a preview on most songs and the content can be purchased with ease as is the details on which versions of the content is available for purchase on the desired platform (LPs or CDs for example). Compilations are also found in abundance on this website as the offer a range of artists in a desired genre. They tend not to focus too much on aesthetic looks but rather on the abundance of information presented and its neat and precise layout making everything easy to access. There is also a newsletter, twitter and Facebook page in which the label uses to promote and distribute its content. There is also a lot of promotion of gigs and concerts of the various artists under their label, as well as (paid or free) small festivals, even in Ireland. There is even links to record studios - Sounds of the Universe.
There isn't a distinct audience for SJR, there is a range of underground genres that appeal to many audiences who enjoy electronic or Reggae for example. The name Soul Jazz may appear to many admires of that genre and might attract their attention as well those who enjoy aged music or classics that might not have had any play time or minimal circulation. The gigs and such also allow many new consumers (a new audience) to be exposed to the music. SJR focus more on remastering music and this might adhere more to the preferences of the older generation.
Soul Jazz Records is an independent labels with many sub labels and a partner company, it tends to deviate from the social conventions of the mainstream music industry. SJR attempts to re-release music into circulation which has almost been lost, aged music especially and of various countries and genres, this is opposed to mainstream music industry which tends tot to relaunch aged music. The prices of tracks and albums on SJR are significantly lower than that of the mainstream music industry as is the prices of concerts. In a sense SJR is a platform for the consumer to acquire underground music as well as fresh unique music artists in contrast to the fame attained by the various artists under more renowned labels.
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