Strictly Rhythm

Prolific New York City-based house label, Strictly Rhythm, was established in 1989 by music executive Mark Finkelstein and A&R Gladys Pizarro. The label quickly gained recognition and expanded into Europe under the leadership of Phil Cheeseman. Throughout the 1990s, Strictly Rhythm not only released its own music but also manufactured and distributed independent labels. After a brief UK subsidiary in 2001, the label folded in October 2002 but regained control four years later. Relaunched in 2006 with Defected, Aaron Ross became the A&R manager. In 2013, BMG Rights Management acquired the label's catalogue while still releasing new recordings. Finally, in 2019, BMG acquired the brand name.