Mad Decent

Name: Tools 4 Music
Address: US
Price range: Free

United States • Los AngelesFounded 2005

Mad Decent is an American independent electronic music label founded in 2005 by Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) in Philadelphia, now based in Los Angeles. It is home to Diplo, Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Baauer, Troyboi, Zeds Dead, and 100 Gecs. Mad Decent built its reputation on blending global bass music, dancehall, and pop, and is known for breaking acts like Baauer ('Harlem Shake') and Major Lazer.

Contact & HQ

Headquarters

Los Angeles, CA, USA

Ownership & Distribution

Label Type

Independent Label

Parent Company

Independently owned

Distribution

Independent distribution network

Additional Details

Genres

ElectronicDanceDancehallTrapPopGlobal Bass

Signing Process

Mad Decent runs its own A&R under founder Diplo. Unsolicited demos are not accepted. The label signs electronic and global bass artists through A&R scouting and Diplo's personal network. Mad Decent's model is built around Diplo's brand and his global music curation.

Demo Policy

No unsolicited demos. Mad Decent is founder-led and signs through personal relationships and A&R scouting.

Notable Artists

Diplo
Major Lazer
Dillon Francis
DJ Snake
Baauer
100 Gecs

Sub-Labels / Imprints

JeffreesMad Decent Publishing

Mad Decent is an American independent electronic music label founded in 2005 by Diplo (Thomas Wesley Pentz) in Philadelphia, now based in Los Angeles. It is home to Diplo, Major Lazer, Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Baauer, Troyboi, Zeds Dead, 100 Gecs, Aluna, and many others. Mad Decent built its reputation on blending global bass music, dancehall, and pop. The label is known for breaking acts like Baauer (whose "Harlem Shake" became a viral global phenomenon) and Major Lazer (whose "Lean On" became one of the most-streamed songs of all time).

Mad Decent's roster reflects Diplo's global music curation, spanning electronic dance music (Dillon Francis, DJ Snake), global bass (Major Lazer, Troyboi), and hyperpop (100 Gecs). The label has been instrumental in bringing global sounds (dancehall, reggaeton, Afrobeat, baile funk) into Western electronic music. Its 2026 roster includes a diverse range of artists from Aluna and Azzecca to Snow Strippers and SALEM, reflecting the label's continued commitment to genre-blending electronic music.

How Mad Decent Operates

Mad Decent runs dedicated A&R under founder Diplo from its Los Angeles headquarters. The label is built around Diplo's brand and his global music curation. Its model favors artists who blend electronic music with global sounds (dancehall, reggaeton, Afrobeat, baile funk). The label's strength is its connection to Diplo's global network and its track record of breaking viral hits (Baauer's "Harlem Shake", Major Lazer's "Lean On").

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you make electronic dance music, global bass, or genre-blending pop, Mad Decent is one of the most recognized independent labels in that space, founded by one of the genre's defining artists. Its track record of breaking viral hits and global crossover acts (Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Baauer) shows it can turn electronic music into global pop. Its connection to Diplo's global network gives signings access to collaborations and markets worldwide.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

Founder-led: Mad Decent is built around Diplo's brand and curatorial taste. New signings benefit from but also live in that shadow.
No unsolicited demos: Mad Decent does not accept cold submissions.
Global bass focus: Mad Decent favors genre-blending electronic music with global sounds. Pure underground techno or house artists may find it less relevant.
Track deals common: Mad Decent often signs individual tracks or singles rather than full artist deals.