Sometimes the best art comes from stepping back and completely rethinking the rules. That’s exactly what rehab(it)recordings is doing today as they step into the indie music world with two singles that showcase just how different their approach is going to be.
The label’s founding reflects a growing trend of artists taking control of their creative destiny. Stretching across continents, rehab(it)recordings has assembled an impressive roster scattered throughout Canada, the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. This geographical spread isn’t just for show – it’s baked into the label’s DNA, fostering a creative exchange that spans from Regina to Paris.
Today’s launch showcases this diversity with two debut singles. The first, “Gravity Isn’t Real Today,” brings together Regina-based artist NOT THA ONE and Toronto’s Vanessa John in what could best be described as a love letter to 90s techno-warehouse rap, reimagined through a contemporary lens. The second release, “msg no.5” by Vanessa John, takes listeners in an entirely different direction, exploring the often-overlooked territory of platonic love through dreamy indie-rock soundscapes.
“We’re seeing the emergence of something special here,” notes a veteran industry observer who’s been following the label’s development. “These aren’t just musicians throwing tracks at the wall – there’s a genuine artistic vision at play.”
The label’s initial roster reads like a who’s who of underground innovators. From Canada, the lineup features NOT THA ONE out of Regina, whose raw energy and garage-core aesthetics set the tone for the label’s experimental edge. Toronto-based Vanessa John brings her hypnagogic indie sensibilities, while Montreal’s Ira Lee carries forward their reputation as a pioneer of Canadian hip-hop. Vancouver’s scene is represented by both NTS SleepS and one half of the Lemon-Aids project, while Sleepsearch holds it down in Yorkton. Regina’s underground continues to pulse through HazeShallow and the intriguingly named OKAN’S OLD MUFFIN.
The international contingent is equally impressive. Brooklyn’s Deacon LF brings East Coast innovation to the table, while Paris-based Polly Say Phalle adds a European perspective to the mix. The UK scene gets its due through 73Stan out of Warwickshire, and MR.CONSTRIKTUS represents from Minot, North Dakota. The mysterious MS.GOD, operating between Canadian and American borders, rounds out this diverse collective.
The label’s digital headquarters at rehabitrecordings.ca launched simultaneously, offering a window into their multimedia approach. Rather than simply hosting music, the platform will showcase what the label calls “video mixtapes” – an innovative blend of visual art and musical expression that speaks to their interdisciplinary ambitions.
Looking ahead, rehab(it)recordings has already lined up several promising projects. A double album titled “The Found CDs,” featuring NOT THA ONE and Vanessa John, is slated for release later in 2025. Meanwhile, fans can expect a music video for “Gravity Isn’t Real Today” in early summer, featuring work by Toronto’s respected interdisciplinary artist soJin Chun.
The label’s approach to artist development seems refreshingly holistic. Rather than focusing solely on music production, they’re creating what they call “worlds for the synthesis of underground music and avant-garde video.” This philosophy extends across their entire roster, with each artist bringing their own unique perspective to this creative ecosystem.
Perhaps most striking about rehab(it)recordings is its clear sense of purpose. In an era where independent labels often struggle to differentiate themselves, they’ve carved out a distinct identity that bridges multiple artistic disciplines. Their launch isn’t just another entry in the crowded music industry landscape – it’s a statement about the possibilities that emerge when visual arts and music collide.
Somewhere between the raw garage recordings and polished studio sessions, between the visual experiments and innovations with sound, rehab(it)recordings has found its voice. As their artists continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions, they remind us that true creativity isn’t just about making music – it’s about building worlds where art can flourish in all its forms. You can explore these worlds at rehabitrecordings.ca.
