R P M Records

R P M Records was founded by Roger Dopson, Simon Robinson and Mark Stratford in 1991. The label specialised in an eclectic catalogue of reissues from the 1960s to the 1980s.  The label’s first three CD releases were by Sandie Shaw, Joe Meek and Paul Young & The Q Tips.  Vinyl was considered but at that time the demand was very low and vinyl plans were shelved.

All three founders worked from their own office, and Simon Robinson operated the Sheffield Office, initially from his home and then from a unit at Aizlewood Mill, managed by his partner Ann Warburton. Simon handled all the artwork for the label (including the company logo design), and also the print and production.  Sleeve note duties were usually shared between Simon and Roger while Mark handled a lot of the licensing and co-ordination.  Manufacture of all releases was handled in the UK, initially through PDO in Blackburn. UK distribution was through Pinnacle Records to begin with, and in Europe through Edel in Germany for a time, then Soulfood.

RPM got great reviews for packaging (the label pioneered large fold out inlays with detailed sleeve notes and los of pictures and memorabilia) and music content, styling themselves For Collectors, By Collectors.  Sheffield wise the lable oversaw the first CD reissue of the Sheffield band Comsat Angels albums.  There were some contemporary releases via a sub label Thunderbird Records. The label operated until 1999 after which Simon Robinson left to run a reactivated Purple Records (also based in Aizlewood Mill) and Roger Dopson set up the Zircon label. The RPM label was continued by Mark Stratford through Cherry Red and in total RPM issued around 200 titles, some of which are now very sought after, before Mark ended the label.