Thump Records is ramping up a series of releases in honor of its 19th anniversary. The Walnut, Calif.-based party label, best known as an early pioneer of “old school” hits compilations, will start the ball rolling July 22 with “Old School Oldies 3.”
Comprised of such classics as the Dramatics’ “In the Rain” and Jerry Butler’s “He Will Break Your Heart,” the forthcoming compilation was coordinated by Thump in collaboration with legendary DJ Art Laboe’s Original Sound Records. The full album will also be available digitally and through the Thump Records Web site.
“It’s a pretty tough business right now,” says Thump president William Walker, referencing the economy, the digital shift and record store closings. “But we’re not throwing in the towel. We’re also not trying to be big or super big. We’re just trying to come up with strong compilations and new artists, keep overhead down and do decent numbers.”
The rest of Thump’s summer/fall release slate — distributed via Universal Music Distribution — includes “Lowrider 2008 Tour” and “Monster Madness” (both July 29); “Dinero-Money, Power & Honor” and “Bossolo-Wes Rydin'” (Aug. 5); “Monster Soul” and Mal Habaldo-Bad Mouth” (Aug. 12); and “Mr. Trippalot-Reckless Life” and “Monster Cruise” (Aug. 19).
Thump artist MC Magic is currently promoting his recent release, “Magic City, Part 2.” There are also plans to launch the Thump Active Catalogue Entertainment Magazine and the Thump Active High School Tour, among other upcoming ventures.
