Happy Hardcore is a music you either love religiously or avoid at all costs.
The unique sound that blasted out of cars and bedroom windows alike in the mid to late 90’s and was a part of the suburban landscape up and down the UK, especially outside London.
As we’ve reported on in the past, oldskool Happy Hardcore and it’s close relative Bouncy Techno are seeing a growing resurgence of late and it looks set to continue as the number of labels is growing as well as the number of artists making modern day 90’s style music in general.
So to help this burgeoning scene grow and give us oldies another dose of the soundtrack to our formative years and pave the way for a new generation of ravers to support and maybe create music like this.
So Retroheadz is showcasing the best new oldskool happy hardcore labels out there right now for you to reignite that Hardcore flame that is still burning bright for many out there.
El Capitano Records
Pushing the oldskool Happy Hardcore sound is El Capitano Records. Launched at the beginning of 2022 it focusses on stomping Happy Hardcore and Bouncy Techno mainly and is firmly stuck in the 90’s with regards to the style and energy.
Based in Hastings, UK and with a host of artists from across the UK and Europe and it’s mascot is a time and space travelling Pirate captain who dishes out the treasure on a monthly basis.
More info
Buddha Beats
Taking its que straight from classic Dutch labels of the mid 90’s such as Dwarf, Babyboom and Pengo this North East UK label is already gaining traction as one of the ones to watch.
Headed up by Triple XL, a hugely popular Makina producer, this label’s main focus is on Bouncy Techno and the happier side of Gabber.
More info
Rave Muzik
Rave Muzik has been established for a while now and it’s modus operandi is to focus on the 90’s side with a modern day twist.
The label is headed up by German DJ/Producer Stormtrooper and Glasgow based Al Twisted. Both big names in the scene and they have a diverse and global selection of veteran and new artists on the label.
More info
Richter Party Records
Richter Party Records was launched in 2022 by Ben & Simon (AKA Richter Party) with the sole purpose of releasing “new” oldskool happy hardcore.
Heavily influenced by classic Helter Skelter tape packs like “Imagination” the RP crew like to create melody driven vocal happy hardcore anthems for the Hardcore massive!
More info
Lazarus Recordings
Headed up by DJ Deluxe, this label focusses more on the faster breakbeat Hardcore side of things, however it’s not exclusive to this as they’ve had some cracking Happy Hardcore tracks released on this growing label and we expect many more!
More info
4 The Core Records
Like Lazarus it covers all types of Hardcore, from breakbeat to the classic Oldskool Happy Hardcore sound in E.P releases.
This is one label to support if you love the pre kick drum Happy Hardcore and one to watch out for when it releases the big kick sounds.
More info
So there you have it, a whole load of new Happy Hardcore labels to check out, help revive and support as the releases come out.
We’re sure there will be more labels coming out soon but this is a great place to start.
Let everyone know your thoughts below on the revival and if you are a fan of the music please spread the word out as we know it would mean a lot to the labels and artists involved.