In this time of a challenged economy and volatile world situations the record industry has been grappling to stay afloat. Not surprisingly, major labels have cut budgets and dropped artists, and many independent labels have been forced out of the running altogether. Noc On Wood Records is the birth of a new ideology in independent enterprise - bringing forth a fresh approach to business and forging unique marketing strategies. Showcasing dynamic new artists and producers, Noc On Wood Records is giving a voice to urban music born in the Pacific Northwest. The company's attitude legitimizes art from all walks of life, uniting the struggle of today's youth and honoring the principles and beliefs on which Hip Hop culture was originally founded.

Prior to the forming Noc On Wood Records in 2001, brothers J. Thomas Wood, Jr. and Robert Wood spent time studying the industry from all angles. They set up their headquarters in Seattle, and established branches in New York and Santa Barbara. Launch parties for the label and their first signed group, Nocturnal Rage, were held in Los Angeles and Seattle in the fall of 2001.

Nocturnal Rage is a trio of fiery emcees backed by an incredible live band. With A&R input from Hip Hop legend Daddy-O of Stetsasonic fame, the group has attracted the attention of industry insiders including "Nasty Nes" Rodriguez and Davey D. Their unforgettable hooks and highly energetic style have had audiences on their feet at every show. The first Nocturnal Rage single "Miss Mary Jane" was released in the Spring of 2002, and was immediately remixed with funk legend Rick James singing on the hook. Both versions were made into full-length videos, and the group got play on various indie video shows, including "The Roof" on the Mundos Network in Miami. They also released a DVD that included their video, live footage from shows, and interviews with the band.

The Nocturnal Rage self-titled album was released in the summer of 2002, and the group played shows throughout the country appearing with the likes of DJ Quik, MC Lyte, Warren G, and the Wu Tang Clan. They went on to perform in Amsterdam, Italy, London, and France, where they attended the 2003 Midem conference. Nocturnal Rage has received recognition from industry and mainstream media including BRE, Murder Dog, RIME, Insomniac, Illtip, The Source, MTV Radio and more.

For the second venture, Noc On Wood Records signed Mad Ro, a three-man Hip Hop sensation from Boise, Idaho. Mad Ro locked down their hometown and surrounding areas with their mesmerizing lyrics and beats prior to being signed, so the union was natural and beneficial for the group and the label. In 2002 Mad Ro’s first single "Say That Then" garnered over 1500 P1 radio spins nationwide, and their follow-up singles "No Matter" and "Good To Ya" were well received. A blend of freestyle and formal composition on Mad Ro’s debut album with Noc On Wood "Out Tha Woodwerk" garnered a lot of attention for the group. In 2002 they opened for the likes of Ja Rule, Ashanti, Wu-Tang Clan, B2K and LL Cool J. There have been some changes in the group’s membership, but each move has made the group stronger and musically cohesive.

In the Fall of 2003 the label began reaching for new talent, and signed emcee Pop, a strikingly enigmatic rhyme spitter with an amazing history and a bright future in the rap game. They also brought Northwest emcee Gator aboard to start recording his debut album.

Noc On Wood Records is intent on doing for the Northwest for urban sounds what SubPop records (of Nirvana fame) did for alternative music. The label has built up solid record pool contacts, and has been producing internationally distributed mixtapes for their groups. The Promotion team has been visiting retail stores nationwide in their three colorfully wrapped vehicles, while the label crew has attended the largest music networking events.

Noc On Wood Records will continue to grow, and their team is determined to showcase the incredible caliber of unique talent that thrives in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.