Cheeky Monkey Records became the resident name for North Devon Colleges’ Foundation Degree in Music Technology and Production course Record Label in 2003. Originally, the company was to be called Pie In The Sky, the label was to be run as an on going concern, with each subsequent year giving the label its own name and identity.
The label was to be run and managed as any independent record label, with an emphasis on getting real experience of A&R, Production, Marketing and Promotion of recorded material.
Students would adapt professional roles and engage in them (as well as others) during the academic year. Students would be encouraged to look outside of college to seek talent. Chosen bands would be signed to a professional contract, repertoire would be recorded and produced to a professional standard; product would be professionally manufactured then sold commercially.
The first label was Shorecut Records, which saw the signing of local band Café Luna (Gravity), also produced was a DJ compilation CD called Grandma Makes Great Soup.
In 2004 the label was christened Cheeky Monkey Records and signed local Ska punks Junction 27 (What Just Happened).
Due to the popularity of the group and the establishment of the label name, it was decided that in 2005 and onwards, Cheeky Monkey Records would remain the labels identity. Next to be added to the roster (2006) were the popular rap funk crew named The Breaks.
That year saw the release of the popular local songwriter Rosie Jones (places I have never been) who continues to promote her career to this day. Also that year, in conjunction with Lantern Radio, (a competition run and promoted by them) saw the release of competition winners Purple Olive (Purple Fusion), a group of music students from a local Secondary school.
2008 saw the signing of the talented Tabloid Press.
Cheeky Monkey Records runs independently of the college but is supported and funded by it through the Foundation Degree course.
With the support of the local music industry and media, the label will continue to provide an introduction, experience and opportunities for students and signed artists alike.
