Ratskin Records
Based in Oakland, California, Ratskin Records was founded in 2005 by Michael Daddona. It stands out as a fiercely independent collective label and archival imprint that has been championing experimental music since its inception. With a mission rooted in amplifying decolonial voices, the label focuses on artists from marginalized communities – LGBTQ+, Black, Native, POC, and disabled creators – whose work pushes sonic and political boundaries toward liberation. This dedication to equity and empowerment, rather than profit-driven motives, sets Ratskin apart in an industry often criticized for exploiting artistic labor.
The label’s catalog is a sprawling testament to its ethos, spanning genres like noise, industrial, electro-acoustic, and avant-garde electronic music. Releases range from the raw, unfiltered field recordings of Vertonen’s 2014 album Fait a La Machine – a cold, punishing exploration of industrial machinery – to the haunting, soulful synthwave of Dax Pierson’s Nerve Bumps (A Queer Divine Dissatisfaction). Projects like Coral Remain’s Empire Underwater (a multimedia LP/DVD/book) showcase Ratskin’s willingness to embrace ambitious, unconventional formats, while Tyler Holmes’ sweetly melancholic electro-pop and Beast Nest’s trauma-transmuting soundscapes highlight its emotional depth and diversity.
“a vital force in experimental music, blending activism with art in a way that feels both chaotic and purposeful.”
Ratskin’s curation feels deliberate and urgent, often reflecting the Bay Area’s gritty, rebellious spirit. Its 2017 compilation Rogue Pulse/Gravity Collapse – a 12-hour, 10-CD behemoth – serves as both a sonic archive and a fundraiser for Black Lives Matter, The Oakland Immediate Fire Relief Fund and St. James Infirmary, responding to political violence with radical solidarity. The label’s commitment to community is palpable, fostering a network where artists cross-promote and collaborate, creating a vibrant, interconnected scene.
Ultimately, Ratskin Records is a vital force in experimental music, blending activism with art in a way that feels both chaotic and purposeful. It’s not just a label; it’s a movement—one that thrives on the margins, wielding sound as a tool for healing and resistance. For those willing to embrace its unapologetic weirdness, it’s a treasure trove of innovation and heart.
Check out Ratskin Records on Bandcamp.
+ No AI in Music. Out a fake band here.
