Swing City Records is a London house music label co-owned by Grant Nelson, the DJ and producer often called the Godfather of UK Garage. It is home to Nelson’s own productions, from the vinyl-era Swing City DJ Tools series to recent digital singles such as Relentless (2023), and carries his trademark blend of US house, garage swing and soulful vocals.
Swing City Records at a glance
- Based in: London, UK
- Co-owner: Grant Nelson (also known as Wishdokta, Bump & Flex and N’n’G)
- Sound: house, UK garage and soulful house
- Sister label: Nice ‘N’ Ripe, Nelson’s other label
- Classic release: Swing City DJ Tools Volume 1 (2004), produced at Swing City Digital, London
- Still releasing: digital singles including Relentless, In Motion and Frequency
Grant Nelson: the man behind the label
Born in London in 1971, Nelson has been DJing and producing since 1986. In the early ’90s he made breakbeat hardcore as Wishdokta, before helping to shape UK garage, the British take on the swinging New York garage sound. He features in the 2013 documentary Rewind 4Ever: The History of UK Garage.
Hits and remixes
Nelson’s catalogue includes some of UK garage’s best-known records:
- N’n’G, Right Before My Eyes (2000): UK No.12 and No.1 on the dance chart
- Bump & Flex, Long Time Coming and Got Myself Together: both UK Dance top 3
- Grant Nelson featuring Jean McClain, Step 2 Me: a UK Dance top 10 hit with the Steppers Dub
- Remixes of Mis-Teeq’s B with Me (UK No.5) and James Brown’s Funk on Ah Roll (UK Dance No.1)
The Swing City DJ Tools series
The 2004 Swing City DJ Tools Volume 1 double-sided 12″ packed dozens of short loops, beats, chants and acapella shots designed for DJs to blend live. A second volume followed in 2005. These records are still sought after by DJs and producers who want that classic garage swing.
Swing City Records today
The label is now mainly digital, with catalogue numbers running past CITY1100. Recent singles such as Relentless, In Motion and Frequency show Nelson is still producing peak-time house with a garage swing. Browse the catalogue on Discogs.
Where to start listening
- Swing City DJ Tools Volume 1 (2004)
- Step 2 Me (Steppers Dub)
- N’n’G, Right Before My Eyes
- Relentless (2023)
Frequently asked questions about Swing City Records
Who owns Swing City Records?
The label is co-owned by Grant Nelson, the London DJ and producer known as the Godfather of UK Garage.
What music does Swing City release?
House and UK garage, mostly produced by Grant Nelson, from DJ tool records to vocal and peak-time singles.
Is Swing City Records still active?
Yes. It continues to release digital singles, including Relentless in 2023.
What other label does Grant Nelson run?
Nice ‘N’ Ripe, his other well-known label.
Read more about Nelson on Wikipedia and in the Grant Nelson profile.
Keep listening
Steve Bell plays soulful, deep and vocal house across the UK, Ibiza and beyond. Catch his monthly DancersHip show and live sets, or see the media pack to book Steve for your event.
