Posts

In Interview with Mike Weiss

/in , /by

Mike Weiss is Nervous Records and in many ways Nervous Records is Mike Weiss.

Mike Weiss is co-founder of the label along with his father, Sam Weiss, who himself was a founder of noted 1970s–1980s disco record label, SAM Records. Mike Weiss graduated from Stanford University in 1983 with a degree in economics, and from Syracuse University School of Law with a JD in 1986, and from Syracuse University Newhouse School of Communications with an MFA in 1986.

As one of the longest standing independent record labels in the US, Nervous Records has built its reputation through a willingness to take chances on new sounds and new producers. The label is noted for early productions by notable artists including Armand Van Helden, Mood II Swing, Masters At Work and Josh Wink.

The label was famous almost immediately when it started back in 1991 because of its eye-catching, very distinctive cartoon character logo. Nervous’ first major dance release came in 1992, with “Feel Like Singing” by Sandy B. It was not until 1994 that the label decided it was time to move into the electronic genre, and signed Josh Wink, who went by the artist name Winx. While Winx’s debut release was a critical success although not a major seller, Winx’s follow-up release “Don’t Laugh” became the American dance community’s most talked about single, and ended up selling several hundred thousand units worlwide.

As the hits grew in number in the coming years, so did the value of the catalogue for sampling purposes. Nervous songs have been sampled in major hits by Mariah Carey, New Edition, Coolio, Flip Squad, Basement Jax, George Michael, Soulsearcher and more.

In the past few years Nervous has linked forces with Miami’s premier House Music Brand Murk Records. Acting as distributor of Murk and releasing 6 outstanding albums from Oscar G, along with his anthemic singles “Back To You,” “What You Need,” and “Your Love.” Nervous has also collaborated with Oscar in producing one of Miami Music Week’s most important annual events The Made In Miami Pool Party.

With an almost 30 year history on his shoulders as head of Nervous Records, and with the landscape of New York City’s nightlife constantly changing, 6AM took the chance to sit down with Mike to discuss all of this and more.

 

Read more