Rainbow Blonde Records

Rainbow Blonde Records is an independent record label founded by José James, Talia Billig (aka Taali) and Brian Bender. [1] The label was initially formed when James received the rights back to his first album The Dreamer from Brownswood Recordings,[1] and grew to include original releases from a roster including artists Ben Williams, Taali, Jharis Yokley and Bright & Guilty.[2]

Rainbow Blonde Records
Founded2018 (2018)
FounderJosé James, Talia Billig, Brian Bender
GenreJazz, R&B, singer-songwriter, Electronica
Country of originU.S.
LocationNew York City, Los Angeles
Official websitewww.rainbowblonderecords.com

History

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Rainbow Blonde was founded by James and Billig in 2018 in New York City.[1] The two met while Billig was working at Blue Note Records[3] for Bruce Lundvall.[4]

In building Rainbow Blonde, James and Billig worked to create a collective as much as a new record label.[1] Rainbow Blonde's collective includes house photographer Janette Beckman, filmmaker Madelyn Deutch, business manager Kristin Lee and many others.[5]

Taali's debut LP "I Am Here" was the first full-length original release for Rainbow Blonde in 2019.[6] In February 2020, Ben Williams released his first LP on Rainbow Blonde with his critically acclaimed civil rights album "I Am A Man.".[7] José James released his first new LP on Rainbow Blonde with his album No Beginning No End 2 in March 2020.[8]

Discography

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  1. The Dreamer (10th Anniversary Edition) (2018) – José James
  2. I Am Here (2019) – Taali
  3. I Am A Man (2020) – Ben Williams
  4. No Beginning No End 2 (2020) – José James
  5. Blackmagic (10th Anniversary Edition) (2020) – José James
  6. José James: New York 2020 (Live) (2021) – José James
  7. When Did The World Start Ending? (Live at Levon Helm Studios) (2021) – Taali
  8. Merry Christmas from José James (2021) – José James
  9. On & On (2023) – José James
  10. taali (2023) – Taali
  11. 1978 (2024) – José James
  12. Sometimes, Late At Night (2024) – Jharis Yokley
  1. Were Most Of Your Stars Out? (2019) – Taali
  2. Were You Busy Writing Your Heart Out? (2020) – Taali

Instrumental LPS

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  1. No Beginning No End 2: Mentals (2020) – José James
  2. I Am A Man: Mentals (2020) – Ben Williams
  3. I Am Here: Mentals (2020) – Taali
  4. Bright & Guilty: Mentals (2020) – Bright & Guilty

Singles/Remixes

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  1. Soft Age (2019) – Bright & Guilty
  2. STDs (2020) – Bright & Guilty
  3. Soft Age (KoolKojak Remix) (2020) – Bright & Guilty
  4. Hear You Now (TR/ST Remix) (2020) – Taali
  5. High Road Pt. 2 (Natasha Diggs and Ian Wallace Remix) (2020) – Ben Williams

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d Bacior, Robin. "Label Spotlight: Rainbow Blonde". Spotify For Artists. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  2. ^ "Rainbow Blonde Discography". Discogs. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  3. ^ Murph, John. "José James' Upcoming Album Reverberates with the Warmth of the 1970s". Downbeat Magazine. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  4. ^ "Meet Taali". Voyage LA. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  5. ^ "Rainbow Blonde Collective". Rainbow Blonde. Retrieved November 2, 2020.
  6. ^ Zeitlin, Alan. "This New York Singer Gets Down To Earth With Her Jewish Roots In New Album". The New York Jewish Week. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  7. ^ Himes, Geoffrey. "Ben Williams' Righteous Vocal Power". Downbeat Magazine. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
  8. ^ Graff, Gary. "José James Premieres Aloe Blacc Collab 'Turn Me Up,' Talks Running A Label". Billboard Magazine. Retrieved November 2, 2020.