HI-BIAS - Biography |
For an
independent label to survive for close to two decade in the volatile
world of the record industry is an impressive feat. But Hi-Bias
hasn’t just survived, it has thrived. And that is an
achievement worthy of serious celebration.
In 1999, the label’s driving force, Nick Fiorucci, was
inducted into the CanDance Hall of Fame. The Hall, dedicated to the
pioneers and builders of Canadian dance music, recognized Hi-Bias as
Canada’s most successful underground dance indie.
Hi-Bias’s achievements in Canada only tell part of the story.
Its global vision has been a crucial ingredient in its success. Nick
Fiorucci has taken Canadian dance music to the world, and in turn
introduced new styles and artists to the domestic market.
The original motto of Hi-Bias was ‘The DJ’s
Label.’ This mandate brought the fledgling label instant
recognition and credibility upon its launch in 1990. “We
started as a DJ label, primarily selling vinyl,” recalls
Fiorucci. “DJs would buy our titles from specialty dance
music stores, and that would create a buzz about our tracks. We
exported as well, and that created interest from third party labels
overseas, resulting in licensing the tracks.”
Nick Fiorucci’s background as an internationally-renowned
club DJ stood him in good stead as a dance music label head. He first
started as a DJ in Toronto at 17, lying about his age to get club gigs.
One of these was at Affairs, a dance music institution in the late
‘80s. The seeds of Hi-Bias were sown when Fiorucci befriended
another DJ there, Michael Ova.
From breaking songs into hits, this adventurous duo progressed to
creating their own versions for the club, then making original demos.
“We modified them for the dance floor, took our cues from the
crowd, and they loved it,” says Fiorucci.
Nick then teamed with another partner to create his first record label,
the now legendary Bigshot Records. After some internal label problems,
Fiorucci re-teamed with Michael Ova to launch Hi-Bias. The label was an
instant smash. Their debut release was the single “Get Into
The Music” by DJ’S RULE. It became an immediate
hit, reaching No. 1 on the playlist of London, England’s
KISS-FM, charting internationally and getting licensed extensively
overseas. DJ’S RULE was actually the duo of Michael and Nick.
Intriguingly, they helped boost the career of future R & B
singing star, Deborah Cox, by using her as frontperson for a
DJ’s Rule U.K. club tour.
Other artists quickly became aware of this dynamic new label. The first
batch of Hi-Bias signings included Oval Emotion, Temperance and Red
Light, all destined to become major acts in Canadian dance music. Led
by powerhouse vocalist Lorraine Reid, Temperance fared extremely well
in both the dance and mainstream markets, and can now boast more Juno
nominations than any other dance act.
In the early ‘90s, the European export market (especially the
U.K.) provided the bulk of Hi-Bias business. Hi-Bias 12-inch vinyl
singles ended up in DJ specialty shops all over Europe, with many top
DJs there collecting every Hi-Bias release.
One incident illustrates Hi-Bias’ popularity on the hip
London dance music scene of the early ‘90s. “I
visited Camden Market with our U.K. rep and was amazed to see a vendor
with a Hi-Bias stand. It was full of our merchandise: caps, T-shirts,
shorts, even key chains.
The Hi-Bias logo had become so popular, people were bootlegging it. I
thought it was flattering, so I didn’t think of suing
them!”
The Hi-Bias commitment to quality and innovation remains undiminished,
even as its roster has expanded into other genres. “Our
production sound has naturally got stronger and more polished over the
years, but we haven’t lost the edge for the dance
floor.”
Now in its sixteenth year, Hi-Bias boasts a vibrant, varied roster. New
artist Sherrie Lea is already attracting major attention world wide her
cool and sultry sound. Winnipeg-based producer Taras has enjoyed
impressive success with ‘Liftoff’, his full-length
Hi-Bias debut, including two radio hits ‘I Love
You’ and ‘I Will Love Again’.
Additionally, Hi-Bias has developed extremely successful compilation
brands including the popular ‘A Trip
In…’, ‘Retro Active’, and
‘Old School Nation’ series, among others. Now, with
a website averaging one million hits a month, and a complete digital
catalogue, Hi-Bias continues to stay relevant in an industry notorious
for short-lived successes.
Outside his responsibilities as Hi-Bias head, Fiorucci remains a much
in-demand club DJ, remixer, and producer. Nick’s credits
include Britney Spears (two hit singles), T.L.C. (a hit version of
“No Scrubs” for BMG), British stars M-People,
Sunscream and Nomad, Euro-popsters ATB, Eiffel 65, 2 Brothers On The
4th Floor, and Urban Cookie Collective, US successes De’
Lacy, Jay Williams, Masters At Work and Pulse, Nettwerk industrial act
Single Gun Theory, and popular Canadian artists such as Celine Dion,
Gino Vannelli, Jacksoul, Shawn Desman and Keshia Chanté.
“I love the challenge of remixing,” explains Nick.
“You get to re-create and re-structure something, gearing it
to a different audience.” His own reputation as a remixer
helped Hi-Bias recruit such aces as Frankie Knuckles, Todd Terry,
StoneBridge and Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley for their
‘Greatest House Remixers In The World’ collection.
These non-label gigs keep Fiorucci on the cutting edge of new sounds,
styles and production techniques, and ensures the Hi-Bias is on top of
its game.
Hi-Bias’ role in giving Canadian dance music an international
profile and boosting confidence in domestic talent cannot be
over-estimated. The label’s fusion of passion, ability and
determination will see Hi-Bias remain a vital and valuable force for
many years to come.
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