Hi-Bias 25 Years - The Origin Of House

Overview:

For an independent label to survive twenty-five years in the volatile world of the music industry is an impressive feat. But Hi-Bias hasn’t just survived, it has thrived. And that is an achievement worthy of serious celebration.

The founder Nick Fiorucci’s background as an internationally-renowned club DJ stood him in good stead as a dance music label head. He first started as a DJ in Toronto at 17, lying about his age to get club gigs. One of these was at Affairs, a dance music institution in the late ‘80s. The seeds of Hi-Bias were sown when Fiorucci befriended another DJ there, Michael Ova.

In 1988 Nick created his first record label, the now legendary Bigshot Records. After some internal label issues, Fiorucci folded Bigshot and teamed up with fellow DJ Michael Ova to launch Hi-Bias. The label was an instant smash. Their debut release was the single “Get Into The Music” by DJ’S Rule. It became an immediate hit, reaching #1 on London, England’s radio station KISS-FM, charting internationally and getting licensed extensively overseas. DJ’s Rule was actually the duo of Michael and Nick. Intriguingly, they helped boost the career of future R&B singing star, Deborah Cox, by using her as front-person for a DJ’s Rule U.K. club tour.

The original motto of Hi-Bias was ‘The DJ’s Label.’ This mandate brought the fledgling label instant recognition and credibility upon its launch in 1990. “We started as a DJ label, primarily selling vinyl,” recalls Nick. “DJs would buy our titles from specialty dance music shops, and that would create a buzz about our tracks. We exported a lot as well, and that created interest from third party labels overseas, resulting in licensing of our masters.”

Throughout the ‘90s, the European export market (especially the U.K.) provided the bulk of Hi-Bias business. Hi-Bias 12-inch vinyl singles ended up in DJ specialty shops all over Europe, with many DJs there collecting every Hi-Bias release.

One incident illustrates Hi-Bias’ popularity on the hip London dance music scene of the early ‘90s. “I visited the famous Camden Market with our U.K. rep and was amazed to see a vendor with a Hi-Bias stand. It was full of Hi-Bias merchandise: caps, T-shirts, shorts, even key chains. The Hi-Bias logo had become so popular, people were bootlegging it. I thought it was flattering, so I didn’t think of suing them (Nick chuckles)!”

In 1999 the label’s driving force, Nick Fiorucci, was inducted into the Canadian “Dance” Hall of Fame. The Hall, dedicated to the pioneers and builders of Canadian music, recognized Hi-Bias as Canada’s most successful dance indie label.

Now celebrating its 25th year anniversary, Hi-Bias continues to stay relevant in an industry notorious for short-lived successes. 
The release of “Hi-Bias 25 Years - The Origin of House” collection features 25 hand-picked label gems spanning the labels history including 2 exclusive new previously unreleased singles showcasing the label’s fusion of passion, commitment to quality and innovation which is sure to see Hi-Bias remain a vital and valuable force for many more years to come.

For more information contact music@hibias.ca

Please respect the music. If you like what you hear please buy a copy. 
All rights reserved.

Hi-Bias 25 Years - The Origin Of House  (in Digital Stores May 5, 2015)

Hi-Bias 25th Anniversary Collection
https://soundcloud.com/nickfiorucci/sets/hi-bias-25-the-origin-of-house

DJ's Rule - Get Into The Music (Serious Club Mix)

Red Light - Thankful [feat. David Gordon] (Raw Club Mix)

deadmau5 - Fifths

Nick Fiorucci - Beggin

Shauna Davis - Get Away (Stonebridge & Nick Nice Club Mix)

Call him a musical renaissance man. Nick Fiorucci is not just an internationally in-demand dance music DJ, but a highly successful Producer, Remixer, Songwriter and Record Label head.

Nick Fiorucci was inducted into the Canadian Dance Hall of Fame. The Hall, dedicated to the pioneers and builders of Canadian dance music, declared that Hi-Bias be recognized as Canada’s most successful underground dance indie. In its over two decades of existence, the still-thriving label has notched the impressive tally of fifteen Juno nominations and two awards.

Having headlined some of the worlds most notable clubs including Ministry Of Sound, Hacienda, Heaven, Sterns, Guvernment, Mad, and numerous more Fiorucci still finds time to stay on top of the international dance music scene by taking select DJ engagements in North America and Europe.

Other labels have utilized Nick’s skills as a producer and remixer. An impressive list of international credits includes Katy Perry, Britney Spears, Sam Smith, TLC, Eiffel 65, Brandy, Laura Pausini, ATB, Gino Vannelli, Masters At Work, M-People, Single Gun Theory, Kristine W, Urban Cookie Collective, Hillsong United and many more.

This accumulated wealth of creative and business experience marks Nick Fiorucci as an invaluable asset for collaborative projects within the music industry.