a bit of history...
More than simply a record label dedicated to the discovery and development of the world’s most compelling artists and sounds, Quango is a truly tastemaker brand. Since being founded by former radio and club DJ Bruno Guez in 1993, Quango has expanded to include licensing, publishing, distribution, and digital marketing divisions.
On the label front, Quango’s eclectic repertoire incorporates a veritable living history of breakthrough artists and global-centric compilations from around the world, totaling more than 60s releases since the early 90s. In 2006, the label released 18 projects and 12 more in 2007. In addition to breaking artists like Zero 7, Kruder and Dorfmeister, Talvin Singh, Bomb the Bass, and Alex Reece, the label’s current roster features the popular trip-hop of Bitter:Sweet, the lush vibes of Bliss and Cantoma, the Afro-Peruvian styled Novalima, and the rhythmic dance grooves of Kraak & Smaak.
The label has received substantial critical attention from the media for its eclectic releases. Those looking for the latest in emerging music around the globe no doubt inspired CMJ’s rave that, “Much of Quango’s output is astonishingly ahead of its time and presaged today’s ubiquitous and constantly mutating global ethnicities plus- electronica groove esthetic.” The Los Angeles New Times called Quango “a guiding force for world flavored electronica music.”
Software giant Microsoft found Quango’s music so compelling that it not only pre-loaded the label’s music into its new iPod competitor, the Zune player, but is also using Bitter:Sweet, one of only 14 artists globally featured on the device. In addition, Microsoft is using Bitter:Sweet’s imaging to market the player globally.
Quango established itself as a leader in the lifestyle music revolution, by providing brands integrated turn key music solutions that propel and enhance brand creative vision and commercial objectives. Quango designs music identities for brands that reflect brand philosophy, aesthetic and lifestyle.
To date, Quango has created custom CD music lines for such diverse companies and tastemaker brands as Andre Belasz Properties, The Standard Hotel, American Rag Cie, Ron Herman, Da-Nang, Oliver Peoples Eyewear, Cirque Du Soleil and Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost Hotels.
Quango has also built the signature sound for some of the entertainment industry’s biggest franchises such as Cirque Du Soleil. The label actively serves the entertainment community in the areas of music supervision, music placement and publishing. Quango artists’ music are frequently licensed for use in film, television and commercials. In 2005/2006, Quango has had songs in numerous hit TV shows, including ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, CBS’ CSI: Miami, Showtime’s Weeds, HBO’s Entourage and Nip/Tuck. Quango’s music is also featured in motion pictures, including the trailer to Cameron Diaz’s “The Holiday.” The inclusion of two songs by the engaging duo Bitter: Sweet in the film and on the soundtrack to “The Devil Wears Prada” and in Clive Owen’s Shoot ‘Em Up is part of Quango’s ongoing immersion in the film and television worlds.
Today, Quango reflects the independent, cutting edge musical spirit of its maverick founder. When it all comes down to it, the cornerstone of Quango’s international success has always been the extraordinary musical sensibilities of one single human being—Bruno Guez, a man who is always listening closely to the sounds of emerging music from diverse corners of our globe.