1913 Records is an American Independent record label that was founded in 2003 in Chicago, Illinois by Wally a.k.a Mr. Drama and Peyton T when they combined the production companies Smokey's Studio 1913 and Chilouis Productions. Originally named Life or Death Records, the label went on to sign a few local artists and developed them over the next couple of years. In late 2006, Life or Death Records was renamed 1913 Records in part because of the significance of some events of that year such as when the inventor of the record player Thomas Edison first started making disc records, Billboard Magazine put out it's first music chart and Hollywood became America's movie production center.

With a diverse Artist roster and staff comprised of eight different nationalities, 1913 Records is the center of music in Chicago and hopefully in the near future, the world. 1913 Music Group currently has 3 divisions 1913 Urban/ R&B , 1913 Latin ( Pop and Rock), 1913 Hip-Hop and is currently developing their 1913 Blues Division. 1913 has partnered with many local entertainment companies to form alliances that will serve their talented roster well locally and nationally. 1913 Records mission continues to be innovative, creative and always entertaining.

With the crime rate on the rise and last years all time high murder rate in Chicago of school children, the members of 1913 Records decided to get involved in a youth intervention program, geared towards giving youth an alternative to the streets by volunteering and becoming members of the Boy Scouts of America Venturing Crew 2057, in an effort to expose youth to the many career opportunities that the Music Industry has to offer.

Twice a week adult members of 1913 Records meet with the youth from several communities in Chicago to teach the “Music Industry, Film & Video Workshops” at a local YMCA, some of the courses include photography, DJ mixing, music & video recording, editing, producing and mixing as well as creative writing and music marketing.

1913 Records believes that a positive program like the “Music Industry, Film & Video Workshops” can lead youth from the streets into the studio and help to cultivate skills that will develop into career advancement for youth interested in the music industry.

1913 Records will continue to devote it’s time and resources towards providing productive programs that will offer youth throughout Chicagoland an alternative to the streets.

If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a youth member of the Venturing Program of contact Ed Rodriguez @ (773) 369-0557 or email us from our contact page.