Track Records

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Track Records, arguably the most successful and significant of the 60’s Independent record labels, brainchild of feted aristocratic hothead, Kit Lambert and his street wise partner, Chris (brother of actor, Terence) Stamp, is alive once more.
It is now run by former Stranglers, Cult, Big Country, manager - Ian Grant.
Originally the home of Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown & Thunderclap Newman in the 60’s. Grant who was given the right to reform the label by former co-founder and original owner Chris Stamp, initially re-introduced Track with Theatrical Impressario Bill Kenwright in 1999 says “We will be releasing music by artists that have existing catalogue, still tour or have an active fan base and record new material, particularly from the late 60s ‘psychedelic’ through ‘punk rock’ period”. Too often artists are told they are “past their sell by date” or a “one hit wonder”. This wouldn’t be said of bluesmen or rock and rollers of the 30’s - 50’s but is often said by so called trend setters, music critics and the executives at major record labels if the artist is no longer selling to the mass market. If its good music its good music no matter the artists age or genre.
In early 1998 I had the pleasure in meeting CHRIS STAMP. I was helping ARTHUR BROWN trace unpaid royalties and in my attempts at doing such, I thought were better to start but with the co-founder of Track and Arthurs manager at the time?
I held Chris and the late KIT LAMBERT in high esteem when I was young. For Gods sake, they worked with some of my favourite acts of the time (eg:The WHO,The JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE, THE CRAZY WORLD OF ARTHUR BROWN etc). The first band I saw in 1967 was The WHO. So when Chris and I had dinner in New York and he suggested I form a "management led label" using the Track name and original logo, I was honoured and somewhat humbled to say the least. Track had such a strong image and signed some of the most innovative artists there have ever been it was a monumental suggestion.
By the end of the year I had become acquainted with Theatrical Impresario (and currently new owner of EVERTON FC) BILL KENWRIGHT. Bill is also somewhat legendary in his own right. He suggested we become partners in the new Track.
So, now I had the opportunity to put into practice all my wild ideas and dreams that were just that until then......Dreams.
Check out the original Track Record discography .The pedigree speaks for itself and not much else can be added to what has been written about the acts concerned over the years.
You will also see one of the first press releases circa 67 from Track. Times are obviously so different. But, if I can emulate just a fraction of what Lambert & Stamp achieved, I will be a fulfilled person.
I cannot sign acts that are "unstoppable" or guarantee Top Ten with every act. Such an audacious statement but then again, if you had discovered Hendrix and The Who, wouldn't you have felt as bullish and confident as Kit & Chris did.
Ian Grant - February 2000
" The real new Track is about a future with a management based record company existing, with you as the managerial talent. Artists want a record company that thinks managerially in tune with and able to carry out the important ideals and to make money but not only to make money. That has been the only thing happening on the scene for the last ten or so years and from my perspective it has been pretty bleak and uninspiring" . Chris Stamp. March 1998
http://www.trackrecords.co.uk