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Owsla

Owsla ([6] stylized in all caps) is an American record label and creative collective.[7][8] It was founded by Skrillex, Tim Smith, Kathryn Frazier, and Clayton Blaha in 2011.[9] Skrillex announced the label on August 17, 2011. The label's first release was Porter Robinson's Spitfire.[10]

The name "Owsla" is a reference to Richard Adams' fantasy novel Watership Down, in which it refers to the governing caste in a society of wild rabbits.[11]

History

In 2012, Owsla launched a monthly subscription, The Nest, with benefits including early access to Owsla releases.[12] In 2013, Bromance Records partnered up with Owsla to create an American branch titled Bromance US with releases from Gesaffelstein, Illangelo, Brodinski and LOUISAHHH!!!.[13] A year later, Owsla launched the Nestivus Charity Campaign, a series of holiday initiatives with all proceeds going to the international music nonprofit, Bridges for Music.[14]

On September 18, 2016, Owsla celebrated five years of establishment with a party in Los Angeles. In a video published by Owsla, Skrillex spoke about the establishment.[15] He said "I make music 'cause I love music and it all starts from there. And I surround myself with good people that I believe in as well. I think it’s important to create your family."[7] The General Manager of Owsla, Blaise DeAngelo asserted that Skrillex previously, like many other artists, had issues with record labels, implying that it caused him to create his own. Owsla was described as a label started for electronic music artists who "couldn’t get good label deals or resources and support they needed."[16]

Porter Robinson's Spitfire was the label's debut release. Releases that followed, such as Zedd’s Shave It, Gesaffelstein’s Aleph and What So Not’s Jaguar, were described as prominent.[16] Owsla Head of A&R Chris Morris explained that "In order for an artist to be signed, there has to be that passion from the top down," asserting that it is an "artist-driven" company.[17] On May 5, 2017, Owsla released an annual compilation album, Howsla.[18][19] It was described by Pitchfork as "a focused take that’s largely modeled on bassline house, a style from the northern UK that’s distinguished by greasy low-end melodies, hard-thwacked drums, and a slippery, skippy sense of swing."[20] Subsidiaries of Owsla include Nest HQ, a website dedicated to giving exposure to electronic music artists and Owsla Goods, a 'fashion wing'.[21]

Owsla went dormant in 2020, following the release of Salvatore Ganacci's Boycycle EP.[22] No official announcement has been made regarding the label's fate, however, the Nest HQ library was quietly deleted in 2024.[23]

Key people

  • Sonny Moore (Skrillex) – founder, chief executive officer[16]
  • Tim Smith – co-founder, artist manager[16][24]
  • Kathryn Frazier – co-founder, publicist[16][24]
  • Clayton Blaha – co-founder, director of artists and repertoire (A&R)[16][24]
  • Chris Morris – head of A&R[17]
  • Blaise DeAngelo – former general manager[16]

Artists

External links

References

  1. Two Major Labels Reportedly In Discussions To Acquire Spinnin' Records Your EDM, 12 May 2017, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  2. Make Your Mark: Owsla- The Mothership Relentless Beats, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  3. Owsla Announces House-Focused Compilation Howsla, Drops Chris Lake's "I Want You" - NEST HQ NEST HQ, 2017-03-22, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  4. By808sJake. The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  5. Label Spotlight | Owsla Onlythebeat.com, 2013-05-10, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  6. Billboard. Sundance 2015: Skrillex YouTube, 2015-01-25, retrieved 2025-12-28^
  7. Billboard. Skrillex's Owsla Label Celebrates With Los Angeles Rager in Honor of 5-Year Anniversary Billboard, 2016-09-21, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  8. Skrillex Announces Launch of Owsla Label Billboard, 2011-06-07, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  9. Skrillex, Owsla Label Announce The Nest: Subscription-Based Imprint Billboard, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  10. Label Focus: Owsla - Blog Mixmag, 2016-09-14, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  11. The Origins of 10 Iconic Names in Dance Music EDM.com, 2016-02-04, retrieved 2016-11-03^
  12. Owsla Will Take You To The Mountain: A Deeper Look at Skrillex's Winning Streak RaverRafting, 22 February 2013, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  13. Kate Dessa. Bromance Records Launches American Branch via Owsla Earmilk, 2013-07-18, retrieved 2018-03-02^
  14. Billboard. Skrillex's Owsla Label Launches Nestivus Charity Campaign Billboard, 2014-12-18, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  15. OWSLA unveils five-year anniversary recap video We Rave You, 2016-09-23, retrieved 2019-06-28^
  16. Katie Cunningham. Why Owsla could be the most important label in dance music right now Inthemix.junkee.com, 2016-09-21, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  17. Elias Leight. Skrillex's Owsla, Known for Big Beats, Branches Out With Singer-Songwriter Mark Johns Vogue, 2016-12-08, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  18. Owsla begins to roll out new house compilation 'Howsla' with new Chris Lake video Dancing Astronaut, 2017-03-22, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  19. Skrillex and Chris Lake team up for house HOWSLA We Rave You, 2017-05-10, retrieved 2019-06-28^
  20. Philip Sherburne. Various Artists: Howsla Album Review Pitchfork, 2017-05-04, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  21. Billboard. Owsla GM Blaise DeAngelo Talks Label's Five Year Mark & Moving Beyond Music Billboard, 2016-12-20, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  22. Josue Paredes. Salvatore Ganacci Releases 'Boycycle' EP EDMTunes, 2020-02-18, retrieved 2025-01-13^
  23. Nick Yopko. All of OWSLA's NEST HQ Uploads Have Been Removed From SoundCloud EDM.com - The Latest Electronic Dance Music News, Reviews & Artists, 2024-11-07, retrieved 2025-01-13^
  24. Best Label: Owsla DJMag.com, 2017-06-28, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  25. Bassnectar and ATLiens make their OWSLA debuts with 'Interlock' 17 March 2017^
  26. Photography: Thomas Uribe. Premiere: Blood Diamonds - Apex Dummy Mag, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  27. josh pan ditches electronic stylings on debut joint album, 'This Car Needs Some Wheels' with Dylan Brady Dancing Astronaut, 2019-03-20, retrieved 2019-07-29^
  28. Skrillex Signs Duo 'Carmada' After Only Hearing One Track EDM.com, 2014-12-15, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  29. Khal. Crookers - "Ghetto Guetta" Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  30. David Ireland. EDM News - Hang Out With Destructo To Celebrate The Release Of His New EP On Skrillex's Owsla Imprint - Magnetic Magazine Magneticmag.com, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  31. Dog Blood - "Middle Finger" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  32. Ekali joins the Owsla family - EARMILK EARMILK, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  33. Elohim - Connect by ELOHIM - Listen to music m.soundcloud.com, retrieved April 17, 2019^
  34. Figure - Horns of the Apocalypse EP (Owsla) Your EDM, 2016-01-29, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  35. Skrillex Reunites With From First to Last, His Former Band, on New Track "Make War" pitchfork.com^
  36. Skrillex's Owsla Unleashes Free Exclusive Music From Zedd, Dillon Francis & More Your EDM, 2014-07-24, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  37. Salvatore Ganacci returns with another dramatic Tomorrowland set We Rave You, 30 July 2018, retrieved 2019-06-28^
  38. Gesaffelstein – Pursuit (Official Music Video) *Not Safe For Work* YourEDM, 2013-06-17, retrieved 2019-07-29^
  39. Billboard. Getter Dishes on Face-Melting Music Videos and 'Radical Dude!' EP Billboard, 2016-11-03, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  40. Billboard. Ghastly Talks Owsla, Metal, and Not Getting Comfortable Billboard, 2016-08-16, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  41. Jess GentileMar 25 2014, 12:00am. HeartsRevolution Has an Ice Cream Truck Made of One Million Swarovski Crystals - Thump Thump.vice.com, 2014-03-25, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  42. Krystal Rodriguez. Hundred Waters and Skrillex's New Team-Up Will Make You Feel Better - Thump Thump.vice.com, May 12, 2017, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  43. I Am Legion - Make Those Move [Owsla] Your EDM, 16 July 2013, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  44. Monsta On Signing To Skrillex's Owsla Label, Dubstep, and Moby? Village Voice, 2012-10-24, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  45. Owsla After Dark Part I - Jack Beats - NEST HQ NEST HQ, 2013-08-22, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  46. Corban Goble. Various Artists: Skrillex and Diplo Present Jack Ü Album Review Pitchfork, 2015-03-05, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  47. A New Track From JOYRYDE's High-Octane Owsla EP Is Here, "I WARE HOUSE" - NEST HQ NEST HQ, 2017-02-21, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  48. Ezra MarcusApr 6 2017, 9:17pm. Owsla's Anna Lunoe, Wuki, and Valentino Khan Team Up like Voltron for Walloping New Track - Thump Thump.vice.com, 2017-04-06, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  49. Album Review: Kill The Noise 'OCCULT CLASSIC' [Owsla] - NEST HQ NEST HQ, 2015-10-09, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  50. Billboard. Chris Lake Talks 'I Want You,' Owsla House Compilation 'Howsla,' and the Future of American House: Exclusive Billboard, 2017-03-22, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  51. NGHTMRE and LOUDPVCK's New Single for OWSLA Might Be the Hardest Song You Hear All Year - Thump thump.vice.com^
  52. Anna Lunoe Goes All Out On New Single "Radioactive" We Got This Covered, 2016-09-16, retrieved 2019-07-29^
  53. The M Machine - Superflat [Owsla] Your EDM, 2016-03-10, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  54. Billboard. Marshmello Launches New 'Ritual' Merch Line With Owsla Billboard, 2016-11-29, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  55. Billboard. Alex Metric Talks About His Owsla Single, 'Ilium': Watch Here Billboard, 2013-03-25, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  56. Owsla Artist Mija Sits for Tasteful, Gothy Playboy Shoot - Thump Thump.vice.com, 2016-02-02, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  57. Dabrye. Stream Moody Good's genre-hopping debut in full, forthcoming on Owsla and MTA Records - FACT Magazine: Music News, New Music Factmag.com, 27 May 2014, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  58. Sophia. MUST DIE! Announces New LP For Owsla Edmsauce.com, 2014-08-14, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  59. Eric Isom. OWSLA Producer/Singer josh pan Releases Jarring Video For "nowhere" Complex Magazine, 8 June 2017, retrieved 6 August 2025^
  60. Pennybirdrabbit "For Love EP" [Owsla/Big Beat] Your EDM, 13 February 2014, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  61. Owsla - The 15 Best EDM Labels Right Now Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  62. Dream - "This Isn't House" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  63. Skrillex signs Rusko to his Owsla record label NME, 2013-06-05, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  64. Seven Lions - Serpent Of Old [Owsla] Your EDM, 17 November 2013, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  65. Noisecontrollers & Showtek - Get Loose (Owsla) • Harderstate - Hardstyle & Hardcore Forum Harderstate.com, 28 December 2012, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  66. Skrillex Chops & Screws Renaissance Synths For Sirah's 'Deadbeat': Listen Billboard, 2017-09-29, retrieved 2019-07-29^
  67. Skream ft. Sam Frank - "Anticipate" - The 25 Best Songs on Owsla, So Far Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  68. EDM Wishes Skrillex A Very Happy 30th Birthday Your EDM, 16 January 2018, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  69. Skrillex's Latest Episode Of Owsla Radio Features Snails, What So Not & More Your EDM, 2017-06-08, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  70. Nicole Almeida. Striving for More: A Conversation with Star Slinger Atwood Magazine, 27 January 2017, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  71. TC Tightens His Grip On The Dance Floor With 'Get Down Low EP' Your EDM, 26 November 2013, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  72. Byanonymous superhero. Teddy Killerz - "Teddy Massacre" Complex, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  73. Tennyson Release New Single "Cry Bird" + Announce Uh Oh! EP On Owsla Runthetrap.com, 2017-09-01, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  74. Skrillex & TroyBoi Unleash Their Massive "WARLORDZ" Collaboration YourEDM, 2019-06-21, retrieved 2019-07-29^
  75. "Favor" with Vindata + Skrillex + NSTASIA Sounds Unlike Any Owsla Collab, Ever [LISTEN] Your EDM, 8 August 2017, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  76. OWSLA Comes Back Strong: Signs Virtual Riot & Releases Salvatore Ganacci Music Video Riverbeats.life, 18 April 2019, retrieved 2019-04-18^
  77. Check Out What So Not on Owsla After Dark Your EDM, 21 February 2014, retrieved 2018-01-30^
  78. Wiwek Releases Two New Tracks On Owsla [VIDEOS] Your EDM, 7 February 2017, retrieved 2018-01-30^