Jayrem Records is a New Zealand record company founded by James ('Jim') Moss in 1975 under the name Record and Cassette Distribution.^[1] Moss changed the name to Jayrem Records in 1981 and released the first singles on that label in 1982.^[1] Moss stated at the time: "Musicians should write and play music, not waste time and talent running around trying to promote and sell. their records ... that's where people like myself can help out".^[2] Moss owned the Chelsea Records chain of record shops during the 1980s and was able to identify niche markets that weren't being catered for by other labels.^[1] Initially concentrating on alternative rock and indie music, the Wellington-based company was, for many years, the main rival to South Island based Flying Nun Records, and produced records which had a similar sound to its southern compatriot, though concentrating less on the Dunedin-sound groups which formed a major part of Flying Nun's repertoire. Jayrem's repertoire extended into Urban Pasifika and Māori music, as well as folk/roots and reggae. They also imported labels from overseas.^[3]

Over 200 albums have been released on the Jayrem label,^[4] with notable releases from artists ranging from Upper Hutt Posse and Dalvanius Prime to Jordan Reyne and Cassandra's Ears.

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