For roughly a century, record companies have been exploiting artists, particularly those from minority groups, for financial gain. Often, these artists had their royalties usurped from under them. For an example of how this process worked, one needs to look no further than the career of Richard Wayne Penniman, known by most as Little Richard.

One of the most innovative and successful musicians of the 20th century, the financial winnings of his art were funneled disproportionately to those who owned the means of music production:

"If you wanted to record, you signed on their terms or you didn't record," Penniman told his biographer. "It didn't matter how many records you sold if you were Black…. The very thought of it is sickening to me now. [Art Rupe] made millions and he should owe me millions."

This exploitation continues today.

In an article from Vice on the nature of this exploitation, Black label executives, entertainment attorneys, and music business said not much has changed.

“All too often, major labels prey on young, poor Black artists, offering them lopsided record deals in which the company owns their music in perpetuity,” the article summarizes.

As technology – from the internet to digital recording processes – democratizes access to the means of music production and distribution, the project of Hello, Exactly! Records is to reimagine the role of the record company in the 21st century, one not based on exploitation, but a community-minded entity founded in a deep understanding, and celebration, of the importance of diversity.

Our mission is to provide and augment services and platforms for diverse working class musicians to realize their creative vision and share their voice with their local and global communities.