Since its inception, Melbourne based record label Vicious has stood strong and steady as the dance music industry has gone from a vinyl led, underground movement to a global, digitally distributed phenomenon. In that time there have literally been hundreds of releases on the label that was founded in a back yard shed out of a passion for the music by highly respected stalwarts of the Australian dance music scene, John Course and Andy Van.
Now, Vicious celebrates 21yrs capping off an illustrious two decades in which they’ve launched the likes of Pendelum, Ground Level and Peking Duk. In fact, the history of Vicious reveals a trail of now huge and respected names…DJ Carl Cox teamed up with Mark James (now Future Entertainment head honcho) and John Course to see the label’s third release Eternal, Dirty South’s first releases and remixes were on Vicious, TV Rock’s Ivan Gough saw his first releases with the label, as did James Ash from the Rogue Traders, who’s debut album was released by Vicious. Even current global superstar Avicii has a place, with his first releases on the label that’s always proved an amazingly consistent source for new talent.
Arguably the most widespread commercial success came through Van’s own project, Madison Avenue, which achieved global success with the album Polyester Embassy and worldwide hit singles Don’t Call Me Baby and Who The Hell Are You. To coincide with the birthday celebrations, Vicious Recordings, music site WAVO and dance music culture stalwarts inthemix are giving budding producers the chance to remix Don’t Call Me Baby. Head to www.wavo.me/viciousrecordings/don-t-call-me-baby-remix-competition, download the parts and get started, with the winner to end up on the official re-release along with Motez, Andy Van, Tommie Sunshine & Disco Fries and receive a one on one, personal Skype studio session with Van.
The other half of Vicious, John Course, needs no introduction, having been a leading DJ and figure in the dance music scene since the late 80s. Course has mixed a host of compilations including Ministry Of Sound Annuals and Vicious Cuts, and toured the world on some of the most massive lineups, also a resident at leading house club One Love since the beginning.
Peninsula residents can catch John Course in person at The Portsea Beach Club party, Sunday April 20 at the Portsea Hotel. Course will be appearing along with the likes of Benny Watt, Courtney Mills, Parkvue, Ruby Whiting, Code Luke, Ben Jansz and heaps more across 3 stages from 2pm. For all the details, find the Portsea Hotel on Facebook and make sure you get down on April 20!
SIMON IMREI
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