About
Get to know us a lil more.
About
Get to know us a lil more.
About
Get to know us a lil more.
About
Get to know us a lil more.
Who We Are : )
Who We
Are : )
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.
you can call us "cool" but we're
you can call us "cool" but we're
you can call us "cool" but we're
you can call us "cool" but we're
Why (& How)
We Do It
We Do It
In an era where convenience often overshadows connection, we chose inconvenience ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
In an era where convenience often overshadows connection, we chose inconvenience ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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.
Quick Question...
Why wax?*
Why wax?*
Why wax?*
Why wax?*
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!
*We do focus on physical media but worry not, my friend. All tracks are available for digital download and streaming too.
Quick Question...
What *You* Get
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Our founders
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
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!!
About
Get to know us a lil more.
About
Get to know us a lil more.
About
Get to know us a lil more.
About
Get to know us a lil more.
Who We Are : )
Who We
Are : )
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.
you can call us "cool" but we're
you can call us "cool" but we're
you can call us "cool" but we're
you can call us "cool" but we're
Why (& How)
We Do It
We Do It
In an era where convenience often overshadows connection, we chose inconvenience ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
In an era where convenience often overshadows connection, we chose inconvenience ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
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.
Quick Question...
Why wax?*
Why wax?*
Why wax?*
Why wax?*
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!
*We do focus on physical media but worry not, my friend. All tracks are available for digital download and streaming too.
Quick Question...
What *You* Get
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Vinyl
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Mixtapes
Further honoring DJs and their importance in underground music culture, we ask our favorites to lay down an exclusive mix for us to press to cassette–a dressed-up version of the classic mixtape.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Events
Live music, DJ sets, record swaps, and community events: we’re bout it bout it. The ultimate way to connect with the scene and create something memorable by giving our artists the best platforms we can.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Radio
A personal extension of the label: Day Care on NTS Radio hosted by our founders DJ Randy Ellis and The Alaia. Every episode is a different assortment of influences and tastes–a grab bag of genres and moods much like the CQQL catalog.
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Gear
Merch, because why not? Do you need another band t-shirt or logo cap in your closet? Probably not, but how else are you gonna show people that you support indie labels?
Our founders
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Randy Ellis
Co-Founder, Manager
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
Alaia Pareja
Co-Founder, Art Director
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!!