Ed Graves Launches Rainbow Wood Records

photo by Valeriia Zhdanova

Music week article

ARTISTS AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS ARE INVITED TO CELEBRATE THE LABEL LAUNCH ON 24TH APRIL WITH THE RELEASE OF NEWLY SIGNED 

ELLYSSE MASON’S SINGLE “CRY BABY”

Renowned producer, artist, and songwriter, Ed Graves, proudly unveils Rainbow Wood Records. Founded on a legacy of creativity and excellence, Rainbow Wood Records is a platform for artists seeking unparalleled music expertise and exposure. Spearheaded by label founder Ed Graves, it offers a range of production services with unmatched assistance and visibility for artists.

Embracing an innovative range of musical talent and technology to support their artists, Rainbow Wood Records is an addition to the portfolio of services offered by Rainbow Wood, which includes Rainbow Wood Studios (two state-of-the-art recording studios with accommodation), Rainbow Wood Sessions (for artists to showcase their live raw talent at the studios and venues beyond), and Rainbow Wood Library (a catalogue of music produced at Rainbow Wood Studios that is actively pitched to the industry. The Library has already amassed over 170 million streams and achieved Billboard chart success.)

From Bath in the UK, Ed Graves possesses a rich musical background, having honed his skills as a classical guitarist from the age of 7 before stepping into the role of lead guitarist and composer in award-winning bands, which he continued into his youth. At 18, he pursued formal training as a music producer and writer at Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he held the school’s prestigious Guitar and Achievement Scholarships as well as obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude. His journey then led him to New York City, where he garnered experience performing residencies, composing for television and film (including Spider-Man) and collaborating with Grammy Award-winning artists, producers, and engineers.

Returning to the UK in 2020, Ed established Rainbow Wood Studios in Bath, serving as a hub for global and independent artists alike. He has thoughtfully designed every element himself, from hand-making acoustic panels to bespoke studio furniture, to create the best possible environment for artistic expression. In anticipation of the platform's launch, Ed has also unveiled a new addition to the portfolio: The Writing Room. This state-of-the-art space is dedicated to collaborative songwriting sessions and upcoming writing camps. Rainbow Wood Studios is set in a large woodland paradise, walking distance from Bath railway station with several outside spaces including an 18th-century temple and nature walks to enhance visiting artists’ creativity.

As a producer, writer, instrumentalist and vocalist himself, Ed Graves has notably collaborated with prominent figures such as Hot Since 82, Laidback Luke, Alok, Secondcity, and Audien, amassing over 170 million streams on credited works whilst securing success on the Billboard charts. Furthermore, Ed's contributions extend beyond individual projects, as he has hosted over 400 sessions at Rainbow Wood Studios and played a generous and pivotal role in developing artists whose works are signed to prominent labels including RCA Records, Ultra Records, Sony Music, Ministry Of Sound, Armada, Defected, Warner Music Benelux, The Orchard, Spinnin' Records, and Knee Deep In Sound.

Rainbow Wood works in collaboration with a range of brilliant in-house and visiting musicians that contribute to sessions as needed. Dan Lewis Neale (Massive Attack, Liz Cass, Ellysse Mason) has an extensive drum and percussion setup at Rainbow Wood Studios and joins sessions when needed. Dan also supports Rainbow Wood’s artists on the live front and can be seen playing on the first Rainbow Wood Sessions video. Singer/Songwriter mainstays include Jantine Heij, Liz Cass, and Tamica Nacson (XIRA).

Post-production and mixing are regularly outsourced to Oli Jacobs, a two-time Grammy Award-winning engineer. Oli has mixed four out of the five tracks from Ellysse Mason’s debut EP on Rainbow Wood Records.

photograph by William Graves

Ed has been receiving legal support for his work on Rainbow Wood and as a producer from Andrew Myers and Ben Foulston at Clintons Solicitors. William Graves is the in-house videographer and photographer for the studio and label. Jared Harris, the label manager, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Rainbow Wood Records whilst assisting in administrative tasks. Jared has been the sole manager responsible for overseeing all operations at a grassroots music venue in London, in addition to acquiring practical expertise in event coordination and artist management.

“Taking on the role as label manager has allowed me to build up a great relationship with the artists and other parties associated with the label, and I’m excited to continue growing and contributing to Rainbow Wood.” Jared said.

With the signing of Ellysse Mason as Rainbow Wood Records' inaugural artist, the label embarks on a mission to elevate emerging talent to new heights. Powered by AWAL Distribution, Rainbow Wood Records is focused on signing artists who require production support and facilitation for their releases. Building on Ed Graves' expertise in producing artists who later secure major and indie record deals, the label offers favourable terms directly to artists, covering production, studio and accommodation, and more. Currently in the process of signing three more exciting artists, the label aims to expand its roster while also recruiting more in-house producers and writers to work with Rainbow Wood Studios and to expand Rainbow Wood Library.

On the launch of the label and the first release to Rainbow Wood Records, Ed Graves said:

“I am so excited to mark the launch of Rainbow Wood Records, within the Rainbow Wood portfolio, with the release of the talented Ellysse Mason’s “Cry Baby”. For me this represents the logical expansion of works begun in the US, culminating in the establishment of my own studio – Rainbow Wood Studios, a growing hub for collaboration and creativity. I just want to make music that we’re really proud of and I welcome artists and managers to get in touch.”