Australian boutique record label Candle Records will cease to exist from March of next year.
The label was formed 12 years ago by Chris Crouch, with a vision for promoting lyrical pop music. Throughout this time, the label has promoted an array of Australia's most talented artists, including The Lucksmiths, Darren Hanlon, Anthony Atkinson, Tim Oxley, Jodi Phillis, Stella One Eleven and The Dearhunters.In a statement, Crouch lamented, "It's with a heavy heart that after 12 years of running Candle Records, I have decided to close the label on March 31, 2007. Candle Records has been a big part of my life, run on the passion and love of music. I have made so many good friends and have worked with an incredible group of talented people. Great friendships have formed and the Candle family has in fact felt like a family. I've been blessed to work with many talented and inspirational people. My job has involved managing bands, releasing albums, booking shows, publicising gigs, selling CDs, running the mail order and website and it's all been an absolute pleasure. But now is the time for change."
Candle Records was a luminous beacon in a cynical industry, a label who released art for art's sake. Its roster of artists retained all the rights to their music, and as such they will continue to retain all rights after the label's closure.
There will be a final series of Candle Concerts in February. Crouch will continue to run Polyester Records in Melbourne.
