Simon Grigg
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Simon Grigg | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1955 (age 70–71) Auckland, New Zealand |
| Occupations | Music businessman, writer, producer, musician |
Simon Grigg (born 1955) is a New Zealand music businessman, writer, broadcaster, publisher, producer, DJ and archivist. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, he attended Palmerston North Boys High, Auckland Grammar and the University of Auckland.[1]
As a teenager in the 1970s Grigg formed the Suburban Reptiles, one of New Zealand's first two punk rock bands, the other being The Scavengers. With both bands on the bill, In June 1977 he co-promoted New Zealand's first major punk concert, which was the impetus behind a large number of so-called "second generation" punk bands.[2]
Propeller Records
In 1980 he formed the independent record label Propeller Records. Between June 1980 and August 1983 Propeller had a string of influential releases and hit singles and albums, including a number one with The Screaming Meemees, also managed by Grigg.
A second label, Furtive Records, was formed in 1981 to release the debut by Tall Dwarfs and The Newmatics.
In 1982 he was awarded the Record Industry Association Award for Outstanding Contribution to the New Zealand Recording Industry.
The label was seen as ground breaking, and inspired an explosion of independent labels in New Zealand.[3]
Late 1980s and 1990s
In 1986 Grigg opened the first house music nightclub in Australasia, The Asylum in Mt Eden.
A new label, Stimulant, in the mid-1980s had enormous success with UK dance artist Princess and licensed recordings from US labels.[4]
His Def Jam collection Its The New Style was released globally.[5]
The Auckland clubs Box and Cause Celebre, co-owned by Grigg, were important venues and focal points in the Auckland live and dance music scenes from 1988 to 1997.[6]
In 1994 Grigg launched the record label, Huh!, releasing debuts by Nathan Haines and OMC. The latter's "How Bizarre" was a worldwide hit over 1996 and 1997, reaching number one in 15 countries. It remains one of the most successful records released from New Zealand, selling several million copies.
In 1999 Huh launched the first of the Nice 'n' Urlich series, co-ordinated and co-compiled by Grigg, which went multi-platinum across three volumes.
