Guesthouse Music (Label)

Oakland, Ca

Since its launch in winter 2004, Oakland's Guesthouse Music has established itself as one of the premiere underground house labels in the world. Featuring a talent roster of more than 100 artists, the label—helmed producer/DJ Mes (aka Jason Sutton)—has gone on to drop 70 vinyl and digital releases by artists from 20 countries.

Guesthouse was born in a time of underground transition. As the first wave of new school house was redefining the rules established in the ’80s and ’90s, Mes—the label’s A&R—sought to embrace both schools of sound. Merging the two flavors resulted in an eclectic mix of old and new beats that proved groovy, jazzy and always bass-heavy. Today Guesthouse is best known for featuring chunky, well-produced tracks are equally fresh and funky.

That fresh vibe has carried over into the label’s talent roster, which has showcased both acclaimed and little known artists. One of its most touted successes includes the breakout release Gramophonedzie’s “Why Don’t You,” a cross-genre cut that was licensed by Capitol Records but has sold more than 15,000 to date.