The Flat Records label was first established in 1986 by musician, songwriter
and producer Richard Coppen (a.k.a. Dr Crippen) who achieved much notoriety
throughout the 80's with his chart topping bands Tenpole Tudor,
Pearl Harbour
and King Kurt. The concept behind the label was simple;
To release the best and hardest new sounds before anyone else!
Whilst touring in the Far East during the mid 80's, Richard noticed how many of the multi-national record companies
looked to the smaller independent labels as a source of new talent, often
co-operating with their A&R managers in the field of 'Artist Development'.
It was then, on his return to London, that Richard decided that the time was right for
a totally new and innivative U.K. record company.
The first recordings were made in a rented flat above a high street video
shop (this is how the label found it's name) and although completed on a
shoestring budget, they proved extremely popular with the musicians who
recorded there, as well as the record buying public. The first ever release
on the 'Flat' label was the classic 'Mule Train' by Macavity's Cat
which is now a collector's item! The studio became a well known haunt for
musicians and local celebrities and a large, diverse stable of talent was established
with musicians from various bands 'guesting' on each others recordings.
This era came to an end when the lease on the flat expired, and in August 1988
the record label was re-located to Doods Road, Reigate. The first product to
be recorded and released from the new premises was a compilation album
suitably titled Get This! which included tracks from a number of well
known acts including Ministry Of Ska, Boyswonder
(n.k.a. Corduroy), Smash!, and Victor O'Jays among others. The relationship
with Boyswonder flourished and a mini album; 'Radio Wonder' along with a
12" club edit of the classic 'Eat me Drink Me' was released in
January 1990 to excellent reviews and extensive radio,
TV and press exposure. The popularity of these releases and the sales which
followed won the label it's first chart placing!
With the rapid growth of the label it was obvious that help would be needed,
so in April 1990 Richard Eddington was
approached with a view to becoming involved with the business. After a few brief meetings
Richard E. was enrolled as a co-director and the Flat
label was incorporated into a limited company.
Flat Records and its subsidery label U4Ria now have a growing
catalogue of
outstanding material and can proudly boast an extensive
roster of unique
and talented acts. With a strong commitment to searching out the best and
most original talent on the scene,
Flat Records are still totally independent, and yet are
rated as one of the most exciting, innovative and notorious indie labels in the U.K. !
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