grow records

Grow Records is an independent grassroots record label based out of the cultural Mecca of Berkeley, CA. Grow Records true origin of date is not recognized. On any particular afternoon two thousand years Anno Domini on the shores of California’s central coast the initial prophecies of Grow were introduced to the world. Grow Records officially banded when those prophecies came to fruition in late 2005. With the help of artists and revolutionaries, Erich Zuver founded Grow Records. Grow has become one of the most aspiring and inspiring grassroots record labels in the bay area.



Grow Records first official recording artist was the hip-hop group Rising Asterisk. When producer mc Jeremy “Remshot” de la Cruz and Erich Zuver met at Expression Studios in 2005 the two proclaimed their love for music and the desire for change within the industry. Together they formed a union that would eventually see to the release of 3 albums. The first record, Shift 8 Mixtape (2006) was originally pressed to 300 copies, however after an almost immediate sell out, the record was re-pressed and distributed. Seeing the initial successes prompted Rising Asterisk and Grow Records to return to the studio and work on their next release Five Point Theory EP (2007). The release of the Five Point Theory EP was a success on many levels for both parties. It ultimately led to the reformation of the band. After an amicable parting of ways with mc Dee.Fusion, the group added two female vocalists Judith and Jeanne Flandez. This led to goals of assembling another record, thus Remshot and Rising Asterisk returned to the studio to work on their first full length LP Rise & Shine (2008). The release was another success culminated by an unforgettable release party in San Francisco. The title track off the record, Rise & Shine was made into a music video by Eisen Tuazon. Today Remshot is focusing on his producing and engineering career at 17-Hertz studio. The Rising Asterisk and Grow Records still have a relationship however there are no immediate plans of another release. Remshot has expressed an interest in releasing an instrumental album under Grow Records later this year.



At the same time Grow Records was embarking on the hip hop scene they were also working on the rock side of music. In 2006 Grow formed a union with the band Redhouse. When Matthew Parker (keys) and Paul Oliphant (drums) moved from Gunnison, CO to Berkeley, CA to join alliances with Brod Rob (guitar, vocals) they were immediately greeted by Grow Records. Together they put on countless shows in the bay area. With the help of Grow Records, Redhouse quickly made the legendary and unforgettable Canvas Gallery their home. Playing over 35 shows in a year and a half Redhouse earned recognition in the industry as an innovative and boundary defying band. Their live performances were as unforgettable as the times themselves. This led to the release of their live EP (Live from Meyer Hall in (2007). Today Redhouse remains an enigma. Although not actively playing together the musicians remain great friends and the music is alive in all of the hearts that they touched.



Brod Rob the front man for Redhouse has been diligently working on his debut full-length record with the help of drummer Paul Oliphant and friends (Steve Labella – Mama’s Cookin’, Todd Hollway – formerly of Mama’s Cookin’ , Jaimie Riotto – The Moanin Dove and John Vanderslice, Rob Shelton – The Moanin Dove). Rob has been producing the record with engineer Aaron Cohen and it’s sure to make quite a statement when it’s released later this year.



With the help of Redhouse, Grow Records was able to cross paths with The Moanin Dove. Originally from Amherst, MA The Moanin Dove moved out to San Francisco in 2006 to further pursue their music careers. The Moanin Dove is edgy and dark, a sonic collision of history, literature and rock on the modern canvas. When Grow Records noticed the sheer talent and drive of the group they were eager to form a bond with such dedicated musicians. Together they went into the venerable Hyde Street Studios with engineer Scott McDowell to record an EP. Unfortunately the EP never saw the light of day however the recordings still exist and will be heard at some point in time.

Encouraged by the undeniable response of the crowds to their live show the group is heading into the studio with producer Sep Valizadeh (Crown City Rockers) to begin production of a second EP highlighting the bands refined underground pop sound. Rest assured music enthusiasts have much to look forward in the coming days of The Moanin Dove.



Two members of The Moanin Dove, Jaime Riotto (bass) and Rob Shelton (keys) have a side project with the drummer of Sea Sick Sam Levine called The Mother Turtle Trio. In December of 2008 the trio recorded a soon to be released EP in their home studio with engineer Nick Buford. The recordings are still being worked on and will see an early summer release.



Grow Records is proud to announce the signing of their newest family member Kacey Johansing. Kacey recorded her debut album (Many Seasons) at Hyde Street Studio with engineer Scott McDowell. Many Seasons will be released in the early fall of 2009 after she returns from a European tour. Her record is the culmination of years of songwriting and truly resonates the ideals that Grow stand for.



Grow Records aims to cater to the unheard voices of musician’s, poets and artists. Together we strive to bridge the gap between art and music by building a simple harmony in the world in which we all belong. Grow Records is changing the music industry by breaking the old vine standards of major label monopolization. By giving our artists total creative control, Grow is bringing the essence of artistic flow back to our musicians. We give life to the community by sewing the seeds for the people who help support us. The communities of individuals that help lead this movement seek to expand the barriers of social thought to ultimately aid in social change. Through it’s existence Grow Records has become more than a record label, it has become a movement.

- July 2009 -