Remembering Cleopatra Records

Remembering Cleopatra

Looking back at the 90s, Cleopatra Records was more than just a label. It was a pivotal part of my musical journey, alongside other 80s and more current record labels I follow. It was during this time, while chasing down rare and obscure music, that I first encountered Cleopatra's roster. For someone deeply embedded in gothic, industrial, and experimental music, finding albums under their label felt like unlocking a hidden treasure.

"Cleopatra Records was more than just a label; it was a pivotal part of my musical journey."

"Each compilation introduced me to a diverse array of artists and subgenres that enriched my musical landscape."

I vividly remember going from store to store, Musicland Cubao, CD Warehouse, Phoenix Music Library in Quezon City, Makati Cinema Square, Groove Nation and Tower Records, searching through rows of CDs, cassettes, and vinyl. It was an era when the hunt for music was as rewarding as the music itself. I stumbled upon Cleopatra's iconic compilations such as Gothik (1995) at CD Warehouse, which became a gateway to a whole new sound beyond the acts I was already listening to from 4AD, Beggars Banquet, and other indie labels. Other notable compilations I discovered included Goth Box (1996), Industrial Revolution (1993), Dark Noise: A Collection of Gothic Industrial Madness (1997), and The Unquiet Grave (1999). Each of these compilations introduced me to a diverse array of artists and subgenres that enriched my musical landscape

"Cleopatra, alongside labels like Projekt and Metropolis, played a crucial role in reigniting the gothic scene."

Back then, the resurgence of the gothic scene felt like a cultural revival. Cleopatra, alongside labels like Projekt and Metropolis, played a crucial role in reigniting the scene that had been birthed in the late 70s and 80s but was finding new momentum in the 90s. Cleopatra's lineup introduced me to bands like Christian Death, Rosetta Stone, Ex-Voto, Eva O, and Alien Sex Fiend—bands that became synonymous with the alternative edge that defined that time. Their compilations were the perfect soundtracks to those late nights when I was immersed in the evolving gothic subculture.

"The thrill of responding to classifieds for rare vinyl and cassettes added an extra layer of excitement to my music exploration."

The thrill of responding to classifieds in Buy & Sell or the weekend newspaper for rare vinyl and cassettes added an extra layer of excitement to my music exploration. The community of fellow music enthusiasts I met-often through these classifieds or while rummaging through dusty stacks in record shops-included some who became friends, as well as others from the clubs I frequented. These very same individuals later went on to establish the first series of gothic events, which ultimately evolved into the local gothic scene now known as "Subkulture," of which I was a part in the early years.

Among the notable event outfits that emerged from Subkulture were An Elysium, Circa1849 Artist Network, and Coffin Clutter. Each played a crucial role in contributing to the growth and vibrancy of the Manila Gothic scene, further enriching our shared passion for music and community

As I revisit some of Cleopatra's newer acts on Spotify today, I can't help but feel nostalgic. The label provided a lifeline to a world of sound that was always a little bit darker, more mysterious, and more offbeat than the mainstream, but it was the soundtrack to my world. Now, years later, I still find myself tracing my musical roots back to those early discoveries. The sounds Cleopatra helped popularize remain just as vibrant, haunting, and evocative as they were back then.