GO AHEAD - Why do it?
As first being the co-founder of Grapevine Records back in 1977 and then setting up the Expansion label in 1985, 25 years on it feels like now is the right time to create a label through which I can release my own all-time favourite soul songs from the past 40 years which I have enjoyed as a collector, shop worker, record company person, radio DJ and producer and journalist.
So many new soul fans are joining the scene every week as the music we love gets more international recognition and becomes more collectable.
I'm also keen to continue to promote vinyl as a lasting format, and the 7" 45 rpm single in particular.
GO AHEAD RECORDS will release 45s and compilation CDs on a regular basis, drawing from the rich vein of quality soul music with which I've been associated since 1970. Northern Soul and Deep Soul, Crossover and Rare Groove - our mission statement is that we will always look to release product sourced from original master tapes, and that the rights will always be professionally secured in a manner that gives back to the songwriters and performers.
Each release will have a winning song on each side, and wherever possible there will be a collectable picture sleeve made available where artist images allow and will include detailed information about each release. Each release will be pressed on solid centre, top quality vinyl and will be produced on a strictly limited edition run.
Top quality previously unreleased material will also be licensed in from time to time.
I'm proud, for our first release, (GO AHEAD TICK 001) to have one of the most famous "cover ups" of all-time from The Epitome of Sound and their fabulous double-header, "You Don't Love Me" coupled with "Where Were You". Many thanks must go to Kev Roberts of Goldsoul for tracking down the members of the group and to Bob Paladino for allowing me to use the story behind it's release for the reverse of our great picture sleeve, and to this day it remains one of the biggest floor-fillers ever.
For our second release, (GO AHEAD TICK 002) a Chicago Soul double-header, I've paired two of the biggest DJ favourites : Mel Britt's "She'll Come Running Back" with Ruby Andrew's "Just Loving You". Both of the artists are delighted to get their records re-issued on 7" legally and I'm proud to be able to present them both, initially as our second release, but then in early 2011 also as key tracks on our first GO AHEAD RECORDS compilation album.
I'm delighted to say that Sean Hampsey has agreed to come on board, taking care of all creative aspects for GO AHEAD RECORDS. You'll see from the sleeve design on the releases what a great job Sean has done - and with his knowledge and passion for the music I'm really looking forward to working closely with him.
More information on GO AHEAD RECORDS can be found by going to my blog: www.richardsearling.co.uk or by contacting me at info@goaheadrecords.co.uk
