Label It: Heist or Hit Records

People often assume all music is made by and for music lovers; Heist or Hit is no exception to this unspoken rule. Originated by Mick Scholefield, a former radio station host for WOXY, new music discovery in the UK was not only his job, but also his passion. During his time at WOXY, Scholefield professionally and personally supported a smaller act called The Answering Machine. After growing close to the band and starting his own label, Scholefield brought in Martin Colclough and Pat Fogarty, two members of The Answering Machine. According to Heist or Hit’s biography, the record label had humble beginnings in 2008 despite their connections to the music industry, yet has grown into a modern powerhouse.

Humble Beginnings

Based out of a warehouse in Manchester, Heist or Hit doesn’t necessarily support acts from a specific genre; rather, they target talented unknowns who align with the label’s non-conformist approach. The label originally aspired to bolster an international roster, but understood that developing talent right outside their door was both more achievable and best for the bands’ success. 

Heist or Hit defines their catalogue of performers as diverse, but sharing the same musical DNA: an eternal pop sound with an overarching indie tone. Embracing the Manchester scene and invigorated by the romanticism around DIY shows and sub-cultures, the label found its footing and signed then-anonymous acts Pizzagirl and Her’s. Heist or Hit was scoring win after win with festivals in foreign countries and awe-inspired album reviews until 2019.

Her's and Ours

Heist or Hit’s legacy is forever intertwined with the story of one of their earliest bands, Her’s. The band consisted of the duo Stephen Fitzpatrick and Audun Laading, who quickly found a loyal audience through their dream-pop hooks mixed with indie rock riffs. Tragically, Fitzpatrick and Laading, along with their tour manager (Trevor Engelbrektson), were killed in a head-on collision in Arizona while traveling between shows on their North American tour. 

The misfortune didn’t end on March 27, 2019, when the accident occurred; while fans across the globe gave an outpouring of grief, Heist or Hit had to manage theirs along with the label. Almost folding entirely, Heist was only able to bounce back due to a reciprocal effort between them and fans to keep the memory and music of Her’s alive: 

“Determined no one would ever forget the incredible catalogue their flagship band channelled into the world, rarely a day goes by when Heist isn’t actively celebrating them, protecting their legacy, interacting with the fanbase and working for their families.” (Heist or Hit) 

As a way to maintain Her’s as a permanent fixture of Heist or Hit, the label keeps their status as “active” on their roster so that every “win” is shared with Fitzpatrick and Laading. Heist is also a proud supporter of Friends of Her’s, a not-for-profit that focuses on teaching “transferable creative skills” to those affected by homelessness in Liverpool, the duo’s meeting place. (Friends of Her’s)

Brighter Horizons

Friends of Her’s isn’t the only foundation that Heist associates with; they also collaborate with Music Evermore to better their city of Manchester by “ensuring that every child and young person can access meaningful, high-quality music education, regardless of background or circumstance.” (Music Evermore)

Heist or Hit continues to harbor newfound talent and help them grow with acts like cruush and Westside Cowboy. The trio behind the label describe the process of picking raw and obscure artists like rolling dice, “addictive and rewarding.” Even when it doesn’t work out, Heist remains optimistic. Their creative freedom is entirely uncompromised, and that earnestness seems to resonate far beyond any warehouse doors.