Whitelabel

The term “whitelabel” refers to 12″ vinyl records with simple white labels. These pressings are typically produced in small quantities, often less than 300 copies, by small labels or DJs. They are particularly popular in the house and hip-hop scenes.

In the United States, the phrase “White Label Promo” refers to a promotional pressing whose label carries the text and logo of the commercial label, but on a white background, instead of the usual color or graphics. Originally, this practice emerged when rival DJs would tear the labels off their vinyl to prevent others from discovering their most special, rare tracks or their “secret weapons.”

Today, white label pressings are commonly used to promote new artists or upcoming albums from established artists. They can also serve to conceal an artist’s identity, allowing DJs to judge the music without preconceived notions linked to the name. Many electronic music producers use white labels to test the club audience’s reaction to their new productions.

Many of these records contain unsolicited remixes or tracks that are not yet licensed or officially released, also called “bootlegs.” They can be referred to as “promos,” promotional copies that top DJs receive and sometimes play weeks or months before a track’s public release.

The music genres associated with this practice are mainly electronica, house, electronic music in general, techno, and electro house.