Red Eye Records (label)


Red Eye Records was an independent record label started in 1985 in the rear of the pre-existing record store of the same name in Sydney, Australia. It had two sub-labels Black Eye Records and Third Eye. In 1990 the label entered a joint venture arrangement with Polydor Records to expand the label’s distribution and exposure.
The joint venture between the Red Eye Record Label and Polydor concluded at the end of 1996 with Red Eye MD John Foy retaining the Red Eye Record Label company structure, as he continues to do so to present day.
From its inception in 1985 to cessation of recording activities at end of 1996 the Red Eye Record Label was managed by graphic designer John Foy. A detailed history of Red Eye / Black Eye Records & Foy’s graphics was published as 252 page large format book titled ‘Snaps, Crack, Pop!’ In October 2018. The logo appearing on this page is the logo for the still-existing Sydney record retailer Red Eye Records - the Label logo was differentiated by a ring of type encircling the eyeball.
According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, "Sadly, as alternative became mainstream, one-time leaders in the field like Red Eye, Volition and Dogmeat shut down operations in 1996."

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