Based in Los Angeles, CQQL Records is a “sequel” (hehe, get it? A sequel!) to the timeless production ethos of past decades whether classic or obscure: eras when labels truly invested in production and artist development, putting out releases that perpetually influence today’s generation of producers, djs, dancers, and collectors. We’re continuing the story of disco, boogie, AOR, funk, house, indie-soul, R&B, and more, developing and celebrating each artists’ tastes, individuality, and flair. We’re all fond of analog sounds and gear, feeling tangible media at our fingertips, and showing love to musicians, collectors, and djs, past, present, and future. An homage, but never a replication.
Our founders
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
Randy Ellis and Alaia Pareja grew up in valleys of Los Angeles (SFV and SGV respectively), journeying through music as listeners and collectors, learning to play instruments (one of them more than the other) becoming selectors and dj’s, producing (again, one of them more than the other lol). They spent some formative years attending weekly legendary dance parties Sweater Funk in San Francisco, CA and Funkmosphere here in LA. (respectively). They didn’t actually cross paths until 2018 but their shared passion for documenting, discovering, and preserving music off the beaten path of all genres led to the inception of CQQL.
In July 2021, release 001 hit the streets and thus CQQL Records was born. We’ve steadily been dropping new projects since and we’re stoked af to press records old and new for you all!!
Why (& How)
We Do It
We Do It
We discover artists in our backyard, across the country, or overseas, encouraging creative freedom across all projects and offering guidance to finesse fresh demos into mastered tracks prepped for vinyl pressing. We’re not specifically tied down to any one genre and definitely not trying to capitalize on fleeting trends or hard metrics, rather looking for unique sounds that simply move us (sometimes literally). If you’re reading this, we have a feeling you’re looking for that too.
Our sonic inspiration arises from past decades, and sometimes, our material does too. On occasion, we have the chance to work with seasoned artists important to our underground music communities, well-deserving of a second awakening. By reissuing their hard-to-find records, unearthing never-before-heard demos, or pressing their best-of to vinyl for the first time, we hope to introduce listeners to new (and old) gems.
Whether releasing brand new music or rekindling projects from another era, all releases are packaged up with art done in-house and sent over to the pressing plant. Somewhere along the way, we receive a test press, give the a-ok to press a full run, and a few weeks (or months) later, BOOM. They make their way to our doorstep, and we get them to yours. It’s not the quickest process but it’s so worth it.
There’s just something about being able to actually touch the music, to peep the grooves and discern how a needle touching down on that very record can translate waves into the sound you hear. Is that not wild??????
If you’re a dj manipulating the record on a turntable, or you’re a collector who enjoys listening at home, it becomes a physical relic with dedicated space in your bag or on your shelf.
You truly own a piece of art to show support for this independent artist and it won’t just disappear on you. How many songs disappear from streaming platforms overnight? Enjoy the permanence!
What *You* Get
