Vancouver-based 604 Records is proud to celebrate over 20 years as a fiercely independent and successful record label with the release of 604/Twenty, a special vinyl compilation.
The label has an accomplished and storied history with many awards, accolades, and fan-favourite hits from artists across multiple genres including rock, alternative, pop, dance, and country.
604 Records has released over 290 singles that have been certified Gold or higher, and it’s one of the few labels to boast a Diamond-selling (10 million+ units) single, with Carly Rae Jepsen’s pop smash “Call Me Maybe”.
That track has also joined the exclusive “billions club,” racking up over 1 billion streams on Spotify and over 1 billion video views.
604 Records was started in 2002 on a bit of a whim by Nickelback’s Chad Kroeger, and his lawyer, Jonathan Simkin.
When Kroeger wasn’t touring he liked producing other artists and together he and Simkin would shop those artists around to labels.
After getting a deal with Nine Inch Nails’ label TVT for Langley rockers Default, the pair realized they could start their own.
The first 604 Records release was Theory of A Deadman’s self-titled debut album, which earned them a JUNO Award, and the rock act later received two SOCAN Awards and a BMI Pop Award.
“It’s hard to comprehend that 20 years ago we came up with the idea of starting a label, and even harder to believe that two decades later we are still going strong. I’m thrilled to celebrate this milestone and all of the amazing 604 artists,” says Chad Kroger 604 Records co-founder and member of Nickelback.
Following the success of Theory of Deadman, 604 Records continued to produce hit records and has proven to be a nurturing place for artists to develop.
Over the years, 604’s diverse roster has included artists such as Carly Rae Jepsen, Coleman Hell, Dallas Smith, Faber Drive, Jojo Mason, Josh Ramsay, Marianas Trench, Mathew V, The Organ, and Thornley.
The songs on the 604/Twenty compilation were chosen because they represent something impactful for 604 as a company.
“Call Me Maybe” changed 604 Records in many ways, but other songs also influenced the label’s direction.
Jessie Farrell’s song “Let’s Talk About Love” was 604’s first success in the world of country music and paved the way for country becoming a core part of the label with artists such as Dallas Smith, Jojo Mason, and Andrew Hyatt.
Marianas Trench’s first album Fix Me transformed the way 604 marketed bands.
Or “Dancing in the Sky” by Dani and Lizzy, one of the biggest hits in the 604 Records catalogue with over 100 million combined views on YouTube, had streams propelled by word of mouth and video content.
““I’m so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish with this record label, not only in terms of our successes, but also in terms of being able to support West Coast-based artists. I hope that the legacy that we leave will be about more than just the music, but also about the role we played in bringing West Coast music to the rest of Canada, and also to the rest of the world,” said Jonathan Simkin, Co-founder and President of 604 Records.
“Choosing 20 artists and songs from a 20 year history of releasing music is like trying to answer the question “which of your children is your favourite?” In other words, it was an impossible task that caused all sorts of anxiety, but also reinforced what an incredible roster of artists we’ve worked with over the years.”
604 Records may be one of the most successful record labels in Canada, but it’s also an independent label in the truest sense of the word.
In 2015, 604 opened a new office and studio facility in the Railtown District of Vancouver.
The 604 Records building creates a space in which artists can meet, grow, and work together.
It’s a hub of activity for artists in Vancouver, and brings writers, musicians, producers and videographers together in a state of the art recording, video production, soundstage, content creation, and live streaming facility.
604 Records is proud to have been a leader in label and artist content creation, inspiring many others in the industry.
604 has now expanded into multiple genres under its imprint labels Light Organ, for alternative music, Comedy Here Often?, for comedy, and new ambient/instrumental label Intraset, which releases songs by 604’s in-house producers.
Andrea Jin’s album Grandma’s Girl was released via Comedy Here Often? and won the 2022 JUNO Award for Comedy Album of the Year.
Light Organ is the home of JUNO nominated alt-rock band The Zolas, and critically acclaimed producer Kevvy, and Louise Burns.
604’s latest venture is launching a digital collectibles store, 604 INFINITE.
604 is thrilled to celebrate its rich 20+ year history, but is even more excited for what’s next.
For more information visit 604records.com.