Mr. Lady Records

Mr. Lady Records
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Name	Mr. Lady Records
Country	United States
Location	Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Mr. Lady Records was a record label based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, known for releasing music by riot grrrl and queercore bands, including Le Tigre, The Butchies, and Tribe 8. The label was closely associated with the riot grrrl movement, which emerged in the early 1990s and was characterized by its DIY ethos and emphasis on feminism and LGBTQ+ rights. Mr. Lady Records was also influenced by the punk rock scene, with bands like Bikini Kill and Hole being major inspirations. The label's music was often featured in zines like Jigsaw and Girl Germs, which helped to promote the riot grrrl movement and its associated bands, such as Heavens to Betsy and Sleater-Kinney.

● History

Mr. Lady Records was founded in the mid-1990s by Kaia Wilson and Tammy Rae Carland, who were both involved in the riot grrrl movement and had previously played in bands like The Butchies and Mudwimin. The label's early releases included music by The Need, The Quails, and Longstocking, which helped to establish Mr. Lady Records as a major force in the riot grrrl and queercore scenes. The label was also known for its strong feminist and LGBTQ+ politics, which were reflected in the music and artwork of its releases, often featuring collaborations with artists like Alien She and G.B. Jones. Mr. Lady Records was closely tied to the Olympia, Washington music scene, which was home to bands like Bikini Kill and Bratmobile, and the label often released music by bands from this scene, including Heavens to Betsy and Sleater-Kinney.

● Founders

The founders of Mr. Lady Records, Kaia Wilson and Tammy Rae Carland, were both influential figures in the riot grrrl movement. Kaia Wilson was a musician and artist who had played in bands like The Butchies and Mudwimin, and was known for her powerful feminist and LGBTQ+ politics. Tammy Rae Carland was also a musician and artist, and had been involved in the riot grrrl scene since its early days, often collaborating with artists like Jen Smith and Ani DiFranco. The two founders were committed to creating a label that would promote feminist and LGBTQ+ music and art, and Mr. Lady Records quickly became a major force in the riot grrrl and queercore scenes, with releases by bands like Le Tigre and The Quails.

● Artists

Mr. Lady Records released music by a wide range of artists, including Le Tigre, The Butchies, Tribe 8, and The Need. The label was known for its eclectic roster, which included bands from the riot grrrl and queercore scenes, as well as punk rock and indie rock bands. Mr. Lady Records also released music by solo artists like Kaia Wilson and Tammy Rae Carland, who were both influential figures in the riot grrrl movement. The label's artists often collaborated with other musicians and artists, such as Kathleen Hanna and Jen Smith, and the label's releases often featured artwork by artists like Alien She and G.B. Jones. Other notable artists who released music on Mr. Lady Records include Longstocking, The Quails, and Mudwimin, who were all part of the riot grrrl and queercore scenes.

● Discography

The discography of Mr. Lady Records includes releases by Le Tigre, The Butchies, Tribe 8, and The Need, among others. The label's early releases were often 7-inch singles and EPs, but it later released full-length albums by bands like The Butchies and Tribe 8. Mr. Lady Records also released compilation albums featuring music by a range of artists, including Bikini Kill, Hole, and Sleater-Kinney. The label's releases were often critically acclaimed, with albums like Le Tigre's Le Tigre (album) and The Butchies' Are We Not Femme? receiving praise from critics and fans alike. Other notable releases on the label include The Need's The Need (album) and Longstocking's Once Upon a Time Called Now, which showcased the label's commitment to promoting feminist and LGBTQ+ music and art.

● Impact

Mr. Lady Records had a significant impact on the riot grrrl and queercore scenes, and helped to promote feminist and LGBTQ+ music and art. The label's releases were often featured in zines like Jigsaw and Girl Germs, which helped to spread the label's music and message to a wider audience. Mr. Lady Records also helped to launch the careers of bands like Le Tigre and The Butchies, who went on to achieve significant success and influence in the music industry. The label's commitment to feminist and LGBTQ+ politics also helped to inspire a new generation of musicians and artists, including bands like Sleater-Kinney and The Gossip, who were influenced by the riot grrrl movement and its associated bands, such as Bikini Kill and Hole. Today, Mr. Lady Records is remembered as a pioneering label that helped to shape the sound and politics of the riot grrrl and queercore scenes, and its legacy continues to inspire musicians and artists around the world, including those associated with the Ladyfest and Queercore movements. Category:Record labels