Thrive Records was founded in 1997[2] by electronic music trailblazer Ricardo Vinas, as a joint venture with Sire/Warner Bros. Records—the label founded by Seymour Stein.[3] Vinas credits Stein as the most influential mentor in his career.
Thrive had early success in 1998 with the release of the soundtrack album for Darren Aronofsky’s Pi,[4] and launching the premiere DJ mix series, Global Underground. The label immediately had Paul Oakenfold and Deep Dish in its roster.
Thrive Records distributed Oakenfold’s label Perfecto Records for a decade. Paul Oakenfold received a 2006 Grammy nomination for his Thrive Records album, Creamfields (2006).[5][6]
Deep Dish delivered their most successful and Grammy nominated album, George Is On (2005), during their time at Thrive Records.[7][8][9] Thrive Records' artist roster has included the critically acclaimed Roni Size, A-Trak, former Underworld member Darren Emerson, Mark Ronson, Duck Sauce, Sander Kleinenberg, Josh Wink, Ferry Corsten, and Steve Aoki. The Thrive/Dim Mak single, "I’m In The House" featuring will.i.am, was Aoki's only American Top 40 radio crossover single until 2017.
Thrive Records was active in the film soundtrack arena. In addition to Pi, Thrive Records released the soundtrack albums for the Oscar nominated Christopher Nolan film, Memento, and Requiem For a Dream directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Thrive Records dabbled in alternative music after signing Foo Fighter's drummer, Taylor Hawkins, and his solo band, The Coattail Riders.[11][12]
The label was home to many of today's top EDM executives including former Thrive Records GM Lee Kurisu (Dim Mak Records President), and A&R executives Peter Torres and David Dann (Mind of a Genius Records GM, and Founder).[13]
Thrive Pictures was the film and television division for Thrive Records run by Hollywood film executive Bryan Brucks.[14]
Distribution
WEA Distribution was Thrive Records distributor from 1997 until 2000. Thrive Records moved to RED Distribution/Sony Music in 2001 and ranked consistently as one of RED's top performing labels.[15] Thrive Records provided North American distribution for several iconic European dance labels, including Perfecto Records, Renaissance Recordings, and Global Underground.[when?]
^Inc, Nielsen Business Media (2003-11-29). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. {{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)
^Inc, Nielsen Business Media (1997-12-06). Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. p. 96. joint-venture thrive records sire records group.{{cite book}}: |last= has generic name (help)