Unidisc

[Erik]

Hi.

Erik here from Unidisc in Montreal. I want to introduce myself and let you know I'm available to answer any questions. Suggestions and comments are more than welcome. Feel free to pm me here or email me at ehodgson@unidisc.com.

Cheers,

Erik

[Videoskooter]

Erik, great to have you here. I think you can expect a whole lot of questions as Unidisc is an absolute classic Disco label.

Let me start :icon_lol:

Is there any chance that Unidisc will be releasing material from Alec R. Costandinos again?

Like Alec R. Costandinos Love and Kisses / Alec R. Costandinos and the Syncophonic Orchestra Greatest Hits Disco Music.com

[needlefingers]

Hi Erik,

Any chance of putting the Unidisc library up for downloading? There is a ton of stuff from Unidisc, including special mixes, that I would be interested in getting.

[Erik]

Needlefingers,

We are in the process of creating a website and online store for Unidisc. Downloads will be available through our online store.

I'll update in this forum in the coming weeks on the website/store progress.

We are uploading titles everyday to iTunes. So keep checking there for the tracks that you are lokoking for. If there is anything specific let me know and I'll do my best to see if we can upload it.

[needlefingers]

Thanks for the heads up. I look forward to shopping at your website.

I'll start putting my list together and will check iTunes.

[Erik]

Unidisc dosn't have the rights to this Alec R. Costandinos title anymore. This was a title that Unidisc wanted to have but we didn't have any luck getting it after the license expired.

[Bernie]

Erik,

Thank you so much for taking time to introduce yourself and Unidisc to the members of DiscoMusic.com. We've all purchased Unidisc titles over the years and many of us go back to the original vinyl days of the late 70s and 80s with MTL Express and Nightlife Unlimited singles.

I would love it if you could give us a little history on Unidisc, how you've grown and where the company hopes to go, especially in regards to downloads. Do these digital downloads have DRM and what is the bit rate? Also what is the prospect for the continuation of the compact disc in the foreseeable future?

Many members may not be aware of the difficulties faced by labels such as Unidisc when it comes to licensing music or acquiring master tapes so if you could shed a little light on that then that would be great. Besides Unidisc, Matra, Uniwave and Prelude... what other labels has Unidisc purchased over the years? Finally, is George Cucuzzella still in charge at Unidisc? Thanks!

[kdavid13]

Hi Erik

Nice to have you in here.Since I've been buying,collecting and singing the praise of Unidisc (Any proud Montrealer should do that...) ever since I bought my first 12" single in the 70's.

I was wondering if a Carolyne Bernier compilation could happen ?

Her Secret Agent Love Lp (originally on London) and her Unidisc debut album Carolyne Bernier (with production by Edwin Starr) should be out on CD.

"Love I don't wanna hear about it" on Unidisc was and still is in my top 5.
The sound of the drum was heavenly...So loud and so unforgettable.

[DonaldCleveland]

Hi.

Erik here from Unidisc in Montreal. I want to introduce myself and let you know I'm available to answer any questions. Suggestions and comments are more than welcome. Feel free to pm me here or email me at ehodgson@unidisc.com.

Cheers,

Erik

Hello, Erik. I have done reissues for a few labels in America. I have done the bulk of my work at Universal. It is my opinion that over time, due to savvy business dealings Universal has the best "toys" to play with. In America, anyway.

YOU have so much at your disposal it is amazing. You even have everything on the De-lite label (except for Kool and the Gang) much to the consternation of several Universal execs. (Including myself.)
What is funny is that UNIDISC is to Canada what UNIVERSAL is to AMERICA. The label with all of the cool toys.

And I'm gonna stop here. Look at your private email. I am sure I will probably end up typing several pages of suggestions. I encourage everybody here on THIS SITE to do exactly the same thing.

Lets ALL give Erik the help he wants. He wants to help us. Few label guys CAN and do nowadays. Let's appreciate it.

[mrkick20000]

Hi,

Please let me take this opportunity to say that I sincerely hope the long out-of-print Unidisc CD single ''Risky Changes--Bionic Boogie'' will come out again. Thanks.

[Erik]

Erik,

Thank you so much for taking time to introduce yourself and Unidisc to the members of DiscoMusic.com. We've all purchased Unidisc titles over the years and many of us go back to the original vinyl days of the late 70s and 80s with MTL Express and Nightlife Unlimited singles.

I would love it if you could give us a little history on Unidisc, how you've grown and where the company hopes to go, especially in regards to downloads. Do these digital downloads have DRM and what is the bit rate? Also what is the prospect for the continuation of the compact disc in the foreseeable future?

Many members may not be aware of the difficulties faced by labels such as Unidisc when it comes to licensing music or acquiring master tapes so if you could shed a little light on that then that would be great. Besides Unidisc, Matra, Uniwave and Prelude... what other labels has Unidisc purchased over the years? Finally, is George Cucuzzella still in charge at Unidisc? Thanks!

Hi Bernie,

One of our goals for the Unidisc website is to have the history of the labels and artists properly documented. We want to build out online profiles for specific artists and labels to create a strong online presence. This serves a purpose for celebrating and honouring the amazing artists and music and will help people find the titles they are looking for. We are in the planning stages for the store and our goal is to offer DRM free downloads (What bit rate do you prefer?), CDs, Vinyl and merchandise...Prelude t-shirts anyone?

George is the owner of Unidisc and I see him here at the office everyday.

I'll prepare a list of labels that Unidisc distributes...more later.

Erik

[Erik]

Hello, Erik. I have done reissues for a few labels in America. I have done the bulk of my work at Universal. It is my opinion that over time, due to savvy business dealings Universal has the best "toys" to play with. In America, anyway.

YOU have so much at your disposal it is amazing. You even have everything on the De-lite label (except for Kool and the Gang) much to the consternation of several Universal execs. (Including myself.)
What is funny is that UNIDISC is to Canada what UNIVERSAL is to AMERICA. The label with all of the cool toys.

And I'm gonna stop here. Look at your private email. I am sure I will probably end up typing several pages of suggestions. I encourage everybody here on THIS SITE to do exactly the same thing.

Lets ALL give Erik the help he wants. He wants to help us. Few label guys CAN and do nowadays. Let's appreciate it.

Hi DonaldCleveland,

I have a major label background too. I worked with Polygram which distributed A&M/Island/Motown here in Canada, then Mercury/Island, then Island Def Jam.

It's nice to see your passion for the music. Bring on the suggestions.

Erik

[Shamir]

Hi DonaldCleveland,

I have a major label background too. I worked with Polygram which distributed A&M/Island/Motown here in Canada, then Mercury/Island, then Island Def Jam.

It's nice to see your passion for the music. Bring on the suggestions.

Erik

Hi Erik

Here's a few for you

Unlimited Touch - 1981 prelude full lp
Archie bell - Harder and harder 12'' plus lp 1981.. Beckett
Bliss - funn 12''- 1981 w.m.o.t
R j's latest arrival- ultimate masterpiece/ wind me up buddah 12''s
Dazzle 1979 lp De lite
Pam todd & love exhange lp
Thompson Brothers you brought love into my life 1980 w.m.o.t
Jean Napolli - lets make love vigor/ delite 12''
Black Ivory s/t and "Feel it" lps
Sins of satan - Dance and free your mind 12'''
The Entire West End 12'' Catologue etc

We could go on... You'd make a lot of people very happy

[FunkyChris]

Hi Erik,

will you offer the downloads in lossless quality?
That would be fantastic! :icon_cool:

A few years ago you released reissues of some Salsoul LPs, "Charo - Olé Olé", "Flashlight - Flashlight" or "Silvetti - Spring Rain" for example. The sound quality is really good. Are these vinyl to cd transfers or did you use the master tapes?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
FunkyChris

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Erik,
SO glad you're here!:icon_biggrin:
For so many of us... When the US labels proceeded to adandon the genre, in 1980, UNIDISC picked-up the ball and ran with it. Until the UK's Hi-NRG sound took-hold, UNIDISC (and the SFO labels) were all we had to work with.
I've mixed a few releases for George, over the last few years. I recall it was such a complete thrill to see my name on my first UNIDISC release!
Please send my very best wishes to George.
I've completed a couple ideas that I'd kicked-around to him, a few years ago. Should I e-mail them to you, now? Or directly to George?

all the best... all the time...
Stephen L. Freeman

[Erik]

Erik,
SO glad you're here!:icon_biggrin:
For so many of us... When the US labels proceeded to adandon the genre, in 1980, UNIDISC picked-up the ball and ran with it. Until the UK's Hi-NRG sound took-hold, UNIDISC (and the SFO labels) were all we had to work with.
I've mixed a few releases for George, over the last few years. I recall it was such a complete thrill to see my name on my first UNIDISC release!
Please send my very best wishes to George.
I've completed a couple ideas that I'd kicked-around to him, a few years ago. Should I e-mail them to you, now? Or directly to George?

all the best... all the time...
Stephen L. Freeman

Nice to hear from you Stephen. Best bet is to send your ideas to me and I'll pass them along to George.

[Erik]

Hi Erik,

will you offer the downloads in lossless quality?
That would be fantastic! :icon_cool:

A few years ago you released reissues of some Salsoul LPs, "Charo - Olé Olé", "Flashlight - Flashlight" or "Silvetti - Spring Rain" for example. The sound quality is really good. Are these vinyl to cd transfers or did you use the master tapes?

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
FunkyChris

Dually noted about lossless quality downloads.

The master tapes were used with the Salsoul LPs in question.

[Mr.Ree]

Hi Erik

Nice to have you in here.Since I've been buying,collecting and singing the praise of Unidisc (Any proud Montrealer should do that...) ever since I bought my first 12" single in the 70's.

I was wondering if a Carolyne Bernier compilation could happen ?

Her Secret Agent Love Lp (originally on London) and her Unidisc debut album Carolyne Bernier (with production by Edwin Starr) should be out on CD.

"Love I don't wanna hear about it" on Unidisc was and still is in my top 5.
The sound of the drum was heavenly...So loud and so unforgettable.

does Unidisc release "2fers"? I bought Unidisc's release of Musique's "Keep on Jumpin'" and I like the sound but wonder why they didn't just go ahead and include the "Musique 2" album on the same disc? There was plenty of room.

[Videoskooter]

Erik, I might be wrong but I don't think that the famous "Hot Plates" were ever available on CD. Great mixes! Is there a chance of bringing 'em back?

[Disco Funk]

Looks like you're going to be kept pretty busy here, Erik! :)

Welcome to the board. I'm a huge fan of the Unidisc CD releases. I bought a few non-disco CDs like the Dr Music albums, but I've focused mainly on the disco stuff. There are still so many I still need to get. I managed to collect all of the Salsoul albums because of my love of the philly sound, heck I bought even the ones that I already had from the Charly label, because you guys are so awesome with your value-added extra tracks. So many other companies just put on the LP, using up only 40 minutes on a CD, whereas you guys maximize the capacity with 12in mixes, etc...

I've got a lot of questions, but I guess I'll focus on these ones:

1. Any scheduled release dates for some other Salsoul LPs you haven't yet released, namely the Claudja Barry Sweet Dynamite album, and the Gaz LP? Or CD compilations with tracks like Moon Boots by ORS or Soul Sister by Ronnie Jones that were remixed by Tom Moulton? Or are those licensed to someone else?

2. Do you have the Butterfly records catalog? Would you be putting out THP's albums?

3. Of all the De-Lite stuff, one that stands out that wasn't released was the Benny Troy 'Tearin Me To Pieces' LP, which is highly sought after on Ebay. Was there a licensing problem with that one or will it be coming out later?

4. I was a little disappointed that the Bumble Bee Unlimited CD had a poor sounding mono mix of 'Love Bug'. Will that be fixed if you offer the song for download from your website (i.e. the stereo version will be put up?). Also, did you acquire that album from RCA or from Red Greg/Greg Carmichael? Will other Greg Carmichael produced stuff be released through you guys?

Keep up the good work over there at Unidisc!

Disco Funk

[Disco Funk]

does Unidisc release "2fers"? I bought Unidisc's release of Musique's "Keep on Jumpin'" and I like the sound but wonder why they didn't just go ahead and include the "Musique 2" album on the same disc? There was plenty of room.

But then wouldn't that would mean leaving off the 12" remixes of 'Keep On Jumpin' and 'In The Bush'? Or would both albums plus the remixes have fit on one CD?

Disco Funk

[kdavid13]

does Unidisc release "2fers"? I bought Unidisc's release of Musique's "Keep on Jumpin'" and I like the sound but wonder why they didn't just go ahead and include the "Musique 2" album on the same disc? There was plenty of room.

I once saw Lime 1 and Lime 2 on the same CD and was foolish enough to pass on it.

I'm still kicking myself...

I am collecting UNIDISC CDs and usually jump on anything I find...
Being a Montrealer - it has so many memories attached to them.I used to go to school and would pass by the warehouse where I'd see boxes of records and the posters on the wall.

[ehuerta]

Erik,

I'm so glad you finally joined us, Unidisc records has been around in this forum for years with lots of unanswered questions.

First of all, I would like to know why your website has not been updated in years, when global presence trough the internet is vital? We've noticed your scarce CD Releases only through this forum community.

Did you ever release Love and Kisses' '"How much, how much I love you" album on CD?, it's been a rumor for years.

And last, I've read somewhere else that Unidisc owns the Prelude Catalog, but never seen the following artists released on CD: Peter Jacques Band, Theo Vaness and Martin Circus, although thety were liscenced to Prelude, will they ever see the light in CD or download?, We would also like to see Ann Joy, Champagne Explosion, MTL Express, Extensive Care, among others.

Thanks a lot

[neonlights]

Hello Erik,

Thanks for reaching out and soliciting suggestions. It's great to see some changes coming with the Unidisc website, since it looks like it hasn't been updated in years. I remember the Salsoul reissues that Unidisc had put out around three years ago and how one really had to search to find out about them. There was nothing on the website about them and little anywhere else, for that matter. I thought a lot more could have been done to get the word out about those.

I'm a huge supporter of what Unidisc has been doing not just as far as reissuing classic disco but as an independent Canadian label, perhaps one of the only North American indie disco labels still around today (has it been 30-31 years now?). I think it would be great if Unidisc took come cues from labels in the UK, like Suss'd and Hed Kandi in terms of their brand identity and marketing their catalogue.

I'm not sure how this bodes today with the emergence of digital, but I really admire what Ian Dewhirst had done with his Mastercuts series and more recently with Suss'd and the Salsoul back-catalogue (taking some cues from Hed Kandi, perhaps) with creatively assembled compilations from the tracklists to the artwork. The Suss'd Salsoul compilations, while flawed in terms of things like sound quality, were excellent in their presentation and I think had done a great job as far as opening up the Salsoul back-catalogue to new audiences. With innovative tracklists and informative liner notes, they also provided something for long-time listeners as well.

As much as I appreciate compilations like Star Funk, Rare Preludes and the great number of album reissues Unidisc has put out, presentation and artwork are things that I find lacking in a lot of the Unidisc product these days. I understand you guys are a small label, but I really think some more emphasis on that (to echo the great artwork on the Lime albums) would do a lot for the label's brand. With Montreal being the creative, artistic city that it is, I'm sure there are some great local artists who could contribute something..

On that note, as great as the Prelude, De-Lite and Megatone labels are, I think it would be wonderful if Unidisc shone the spotlight on itself a little more. I think there are some treasures in Unidisc's own catalogue that are well worth revisiting, as mentioned earlier in the thread. I, personally would love so see something highlighting the Montreal disco sound that Unidisc had been such a major purveyor of.

By the way, I think label t-shirts are a GREAT idea!

[PierreConstantin]

A question regarding Musique's second album re-issued on cd: where did you find the six bonus mixes labelled "Patrick Adam's" (different from Kevorkian's mixes)?