The Deep Roots of Om Records
After making his way to San Francisco in 1992, Smith dove right into the local music scene, spending countless hours sifting through downtempo and European electronic records at iconic local stores like BPM, Clear, Zebra, and Tweakin. This journey into the musical depths not only shaped his taste but also led him to cross paths with key figures in the industry. Among them was Steve Gray, co-founder of Om Records, whose fateful encounter with Smith took place at Tweakin shortly after the label’s inception. Soon after, Gray returned to England, but his impact reverberated through the label’s burgeoning catalog.
Meeting Farina: A Convergence of Sounds
A pivotal moment for Smith occurred at an early-morning afterparty at DNA Lounge, where he met Mark Farina. Farina was spinning tracks that would later find their home on the influential Mushroom Jazz Vol. 1 album. This collection, characterized by its fusion of jazz, hip-hop, and soul-infused downtempo beats, transformed into a cultural phenomenon. It became a staple not only at college parties but also in trendy restaurants across cities like Los Angeles and Miami, solidifying its place as Om’s most recognized release.
Celebrating Three Decades of Musical Innovation
Fast forward three decades and over 800 releases later, Om Records is gearing up for a milestone celebration. On May 8th, the label will drop a 30th anniversary compilation album, followed by a vibrant Day Party on Embarcadero Plaza on May 9th. This event will feature beloved artists from the label’s roster, including Farina, Colette, DJ Heather, and J.Boogie. Produced in collaboration with Another Planet Entertainment (APE) and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, the gathering aims to infuse a sense of optimism into the city’s cultural landscape after years of uncertainty.
A Changing Landscape
Interestingly, while Om Records has garnered significant accolades over the years, it has not maintained a household name status within San Francisco itself. Many of the city’s younger inhabitants have not been around for a decade, let alone three; they remain oblivious to the rich history and contributions of the label. Despite the explosive popularity of electronic music and the rise of big-money industry trends, Om chose not to conform to the mainstream EDM wave, even as some of its original artists, such as Kaskade and Claude VonStroke, found themselves at the forefront of this evolution.
A Commitment to Authenticity
Smith reflects on this decision, stating, “There were so many trends that came along that were, in my view, so cheesy.” He acknowledges the respect he has for artists like Kaskade but makes it clear that the mainstream EDM sound simply does not resonate with him. “Maybe there were opportunities that we may have missed. I’ve just been more programmed into liking underground music,” he adds, emphasizing the label’s ongoing commitment to authenticity over market trends.
Balancing Act: Nightlife and Family
While the last decade has seen a slowdown in Om’s release calendar, Smith has been busy focusing on other ventures. He co-founded local nightlife hotspots such as The Great Northern and Monarch while also running restaurants like The Pawn Shop and Sonoma Pizza Co., where he spends much of his time with family. In his absence, longtime general manager Gunnar Hissim has taken on the day-to-day operations, ensuring that Om continues to thrive.
A Day to Remember
Looking towards the anniversary concert, excitement is palpable. APE’s Bryan Duquette noted that over 6,000 people had RSVP’d for the Day Party—an impressive testament to Om’s lasting impact and the community’s interest in celebrating its legacy. As the lineup features local talents and seminal artists who shaped the electronic music scene, the event promises to be one for the books.
Reflecting on Digital Disruption
With the advent of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, the music industry has undergone significant transformations that haven’t always favored niche labels like Om. Smith notes that while his label benefited from early digital partnerships, the surge of artist-centric streaming environments has often left Om’s rich catalog overshadowed.
“We weathered all those storms, but it was challenging,” he recalls, reflecting on the evolution of music consumption from traditional formats like CDs and vinyl to digital downloads and streaming.
Staying True to Their Roots
Despite these challenges, this weekend represents not just a celebration of Om Records’ collective achievements but also a reminder of what sets it apart: an unwavering dedication to quality and underground music. “We’ve never been a label that hops on a trend. We always stuck with what we love,” Smith concludes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining artistic integrity amid an ever-changing landscape.
