Bent Hedonism Records

BENT HEDONISM RECORDS launches in 2025 to showcase the musical creations of recent guests and emerging talent across the north-west. The imprint, founded primarily to amplify voices from the UK’s queer-led subcultures, will feature like-minded artists whose approach to composition aligns with Manchester’s distinct sound aesthetic. Conceptually, the label focuses on the current movement of liberation through queer raves while paying homage to the rich LGBTQIA+ heritage of dance music.

Manifesto

  • BENT HEDONISM was founded to showcase the vibrant array of sounds heard at the Derby Brewery Arms in Manchester and the broader UK queer rave scene.
  • BENT HEDONISM believes that music is the language of freedom, self-expression, and diversity, and this ethos will be reflected by its release pool.
  • BENT HEDONISM isn’t an exclusively queer label — it’s a space for artists who honour the cultural roots of dance music and share a commitment to creativity as a form of community care.
  • BENT HEDONISM will prioritise vinyl and digital formats, intentionally omitting streaming platforms due to their ongoing role in devaluing artists and their creative output.
  • BENT HEDONISM acknowledges and celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of early LGBTQIA+ and POC artists whose influence continues to shape modern music.
  • BENT HEDONISM emphasises that these visionaries, who laid the foundations of dance music, predominantly came from marginalised backgrounds that must be recognised, honoured, and celebrated.