Grade 9 Records is a non-profit record label founded by musician and music lecturer, Ray XVX Holroyd (Maissiann, 12 Ton Method, Needleye, etc.). All label and artist proceeds go to Music for Africa and Buskaid, two registered charities that provide music lessons and instruments to children in the townships of South Africa, Ray’s home country. Ray’s vision for Grade 9 Records was to recreate the old “development deals” that labels once offered young artists who had the raw talent but needed to gain knowledge, skills and experience before being launched into the music industry. To realise his mammoth dream, Ray partnered with the legendary Metropolis Studios, Copro Records, Plastic Head Distribution and Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College. The name Grade 9 has two meanings. On a humorous note, Ray has an ongoing joke with his students about “Grade 9”, as it does not actually exist (the highest graded music examination is Grade 8). In their final year at college though, he teaches them advanced theory and composition that is far beyond the syllabus, and every year one of his students always asks, "What grade is this?", and every year he always answers, "Grade 9!”. And on a philosophical note, music students often tend to focus their attention on learning theory and passing Grade 8, so Ray likes to challenge his students to think about life after Grade 8. He believes that musical life begins once you have passed Grade 8, as only after you have learnt the language of music can you begin to truly express yourself in a creative and unique way. This is a magical stage of a musician’s life, and Ray refers to this stage as “Grade 9”. Following on from the successful debut release last year, we are extremely proud to unveil "Metropolis Sessions 2010". Produced by Ray xVx Holroyd, recorded by Sam Wheat (The Who, Cheryl Cole, James Morrison, Rihanna, etc.), mixed by Rohan Onraet (Slipknot, Machine Head, etc.) and mastered by Frank Arkwright (The Smiths, Biffy Clyro, etc.), all at Metropolis Studios, the second release from Grade 9 Records features five tracks from three brand new G9 bands: Agnitio, Noiya & Angels of Zion, with influences ranging from Tori Amos to Rage Against The Machine. Watch Grade 9 Records for tomorrow’s stars today!