Shut Up and Dance
The Group, The Productions, The Record Label
Started back in 1989 by good friends Smiley & PJ, this duo would go on to establish one of the most successful underground independently run record labels of that era, responsible for creating a whole new sound which the UK had NEVER heard before. Fusing so many genres of music into a style that was totally original.
But let’s back track....
Before starting the label, PJ & Smiley were both heavily into music, US Hip-Hop was sweeping across the UK & was fast becoming the youth music of the day, This was around early to late 80’s, sound systems were already embedded in UK culture, they themselves had built their own sound system alongside Smiley's twin brother Daddy Earl & close friend DJ Hype, (this all happened while they were all still at school, & prior to DJ Hype being known by that name, let alone him then going on to cement his name as one of the best DJ’s in the DnB scene), fast forward a few years and it's now 1989, Smiley & PJ were both rappers on the sound system & after finding themselves totally addicted to music & wanting to pursue it further, they decided that they wanted to get a record deal, to be signed by a record label of the day that were willing to invest in 2 guys from Hackney with bags of enthusiasm, and lots to say lyrically. But after getting many a door slammed in the face, they decided to take the plunge.... and DO IT THEMSELVES!
At a time when there were a limited amount of record labels even considering signing the style of hard-hitting music they were producing, it was inevitable that in the end, they would have no choice, but to go it alone.
Living by the Mantra; “And if you find that doors get slammed in your face, get in through the fireplace” (Lyric Quote: PJ Death is not the end) - They proceeded to make plans to Start up, Self-Produce all the music, and then release that music on their very own DIY record label...[This was unheard of back then].
There is so much more to this story, but the story would take many a year to tell
In short, they came, they saw, and they conquered
Many of today’s UK genres of music have grown from those early seeds sown by Shut Up and Dance, (Breakbeat, Drum & Bass, Jungle, Dubstep, Grime etc to name a few) with many of the UK's top DJ's & MC's hailing them as one of the pinnacle labels they followed at the time, which then led themselves to making the decision to start their own record labels as well, as they now saw, it could be done, and with success along the way.
Across many genres; that sound of a thumping reggae bassline, interlaced with Hip-Hop breaks & beats, layered with Dub, ambient strings, & techno & rap.
At that time - this sound was ahead of its time, and blew the doors off the competition.
The label went on to have success with acts like: The Ragga Twins, Peter Bouncer, themselves as Shut Up and Dance, Nicolette, Ad’ e…The list goes on. With all the music productions being done by themselves, Smiley & PJ.
They even made it on to Top of The Pop's scoring a number 1 hit with one of the biggest UK Rave tunes to this day "Raving I’m Raving" back in 1992.
If there is one track you are guaranteed to hear at every music festival, it’s this one.
For good music never dies and it remains timeless, and good music in the case of Shut Up and Dance records, is their legacy!
Sending Peace & love in your direction - ALWAYS.
PJ & Smiley
Shut Up & Dance Records
Update April 2026:
You can find a salute to Shut Up and Dance Records in many UK museums across the country, but most recently, at the now open V&A East Museum located near to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Where you can view and also listen to some audio from those early Shut Up and Dance productions.
‘The Music is Black: A British Story’ exhibition is now on at the V&A East Museum.
Additional Update
Music Documentary/Film
'RAVE CULTURE: A NEW ERA'
This is a music documentary/film currently enjoying a screening tour around the UK & indeed the world. Our record label, us, as well as the Ragga Twins also feature in this, so be sure to give it a watch if you get the chance.
