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Global Underground - An Iconic Progressive House Series

Global Underground - An Introduction 




As a music lover and a fan of electronic dance music, I've always been interested in the history of record labels and the impact they have on the music industry. One label that has always stood out to me is Global Underground, a record label that was at the forefront of the progressive house movement in the late 90s and early 2000s.


Global Underground was founded in 1996 by Andy Horsfield and James Todd, who were both passionate about electronic music and had a vision to create a platform for both seasoned veterans and emerging DJs to showcase their skills. The label's mission was to release high-quality mix compilations featuring DJs who were pushing the boundaries of progressive house, techno, and trance.


The Global Underground Compilation series and its releases were the backbone of the label, with each release featuring a different DJ from around the world. The series quickly gained a cult following among music enthusiasts, with fans eagerly anticipating the next release.


For a number of years, I was one of those fans. The compilation CDs were the soundtrack to my life. Danny Tenaglia took me to Athens and Deep Dish mesmerised me in Toronto. I sought out vinyl copies of the compilations and played tracks from them in the clubs and bars I played at in the South West of the UK. These were good times. 


A Bit About The History Of The Series


The first compilation, aptly titled "Global Underground 001: Tony De Vit – Live in Tel Aviv," was released in 1996 and set the tone for what was to come. The compilation was a huge success, with De Vit's energetic mixing style and track selection showcasing the best of the UK's hard house scene.


Over the next few years, Global Underground continued to release critically acclaimed compilations, featuring DJs such as John Digweed, Sasha, Danny Tenaglia, and Deep Dish as I’ve just mentioned. The label's signature sound of atmospheric, melodic, and hypnotic electronic music became synonymous with the term "progressive house."


Global Underground's success was not just due to the quality of the music, but also the label's innovative approach to marketing and branding. The label's iconic logo, featuring an underground train and the words "Global Underground," became instantly recognizable and synonymous with the progressive house movement.


In addition to the music and branding, Global Underground was also known for its cutting-edge designs and packaging. Each release was packaged in a double CD case, with artwork inspired by the city where the mix was recorded. These designs became collector's items and added to the label's appeal.


Global Underground's success continued throughout the early 2000s, with the label releasing compilations from DJs such as Nick Warren, Lee Burridge, and James Lavelle. However, as the music industry changed and the popularity of progressive house waned, Global Underground began to struggle.

The Global Underground Down Turn


The label attempted to diversify its output, releasing compilations featuring genres such as breaks, electro, and house. However, these releases failed to resonate with fans in the same way as the label's earlier output.


In 2008, Global Underground filed for bankruptcy, leaving fans wondering what had happened to the iconic label. However, the label's legacy lived on, with its compilations and branding remaining highly sought after by collectors and fans alike.


New Beginnings


In 2015, the label was relaunched under new ownership, with the focus returning to its roots of releasing high-quality mix compilations from emerging DJs. The relaunch was met with enthusiasm from fans, with the label receiving praise for its commitment to quality and its recognition of the importance of the underground dance scene.


Today, Global Underground continues to release compilations featuring the best in progressive house, techno, and trance. The label also hosts events around the world, featuring a roster of top DJs and up-and-coming talent.


For fans who want to experience the magic of Global Underground's compilations, there are a number of ways to access the label's releases. The easiest way is to visit the Global Underground website, which features a comprehensive list of all the label's releases, as well as information on upcoming events and featured DJs.


Buying Global Underground Releases


Another option is to visit online music retailers such as Beatport and iTunes, which carry a selection of Global Underground compilations. For collectors who are looking for rare and out-of-print Global Underground releases, online marketplaces such as Discogs and eBay are great resources. These sites feature a large selection of both new and used Global Underground releases, with many hard-to-find releases available for purchase.


In conclusion, Global Underground is a record label that has had a profound impact on the electronic dance music scene. The label's focus on releasing high-quality mix compilations from emerging DJs, coupled with its innovative branding and packaging, helped to establish the progressive house sound and cemented the label's place in music history.


While the label faced challenges in the early 2000s, its legacy continues to live on, with fans around the world still eagerly anticipating each new release. Whether you're a long time fan of the label or a newcomer to the progressive house sound, there are plenty of ways to experience the magic of Global Underground's iconic releases.
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Location: W2R3+FJ Winkleigh, UK

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