Founded in 2008 by musician and producer Nick Mitchell, Grasshopper Juice Records (GJR) has become more than just an independent record label — it’s a living, breathing collective that reflects the heartbeat of Cincinnati’s underground music scene. Born out of a frustration with the limitations and bureaucracy of traditional music industry models, the label was established by Mitchell — then fronting the genre-blending experimental group Chick Pimp, Coke Dealer at a Bar — as a way to empower artists to create, release, and promote music on their own terms.
Grasshopper Juice began as a DIY initiative but quickly grew into a tight-knit community of musicians, visual artists, and activists. Instead of focusing on a specific genre or aesthetic, GJR embraced a broad and inclusive vision of creativity. Its early years were marked by eclectic releases that blended indie rock, hip hop, jazz, electronica, and experimental pop. Artists like The B.E.A.T., Abiyah, Counterfeit Money Machine, MVLΛMBΛ, and Revenge Piñata — all with vastly different styles — found common ground in the label’s open-ended ethos.
A key part of the GJR story is its use of unique creative spaces. Soap Floats Recording Studio — a reimagined 100-year-old church in Northside, Cincinnati — became a sonic sanctuary for the label’s artists. There, experimentation was not only encouraged but required. The space has played host to countless recording sessions, rehearsals, and even immersive art events. GJR also partnered with other community-minded entities like BUNK News to organize multimedia installations and pop-up performances.
Grasshopper Juice has always valued authenticity and risk-taking over commercial success. Their releases are unpolished in the best way: honest, raw, and deeply personal. Whether it’s the lo-fi poetry of a Chick Pimp live session or the glitchy, jazz-infused textures of The B.E.A.T., the label’s catalog is proof that great art often lives outside conventional boundaries.
But GJR isn’t just about releasing music — it’s about building culture. Through organizing festivals (like AYE and Catapult), hosting live showcases, and offering a creative haven for artists across genres, Grasshopper Juice Records has cultivated a resilient countercultural spirit. As Cincinnati continues to evolve, GJR stands as a testament to what can happen when community, creativity, and independence take center stage.