SDL Music started life in 1987 in Auckland under the name Scoop De Loop.

In 2002 the label was rebranded and became SDL Music.

Neil Hannan is the life and soul of SDL Music and his 50 plus years in the New Zealand music scene and working with local and international musicians has enabled him to develop an independent label with individuality and deep integrity.

Hannan’s mastery behind the music developed out of a passion for electronics and patching up PA systems for bands he was in. It proved to be a passion that developed into a record label and two custom-built studios for recording, mixing and editing.

Hannan describes the vision for the label as, “always to record our own music, as well as original music and musicians from varied genres in the Auckland and New Zealand scene.”

“Back in the 80’s one of the reasons I wanted my own label was so we wouldn’t be beholden to the bigger recording companies. I wanted to be able to record and produce material without time and financial restraints.”

“It took a hell of a long time to be taken seriously, we really did have a cultural cringe in NZ produced music, but hard work and some bloody great albums has seen that change.”

“Our main goal now is to help local artists release their material to digital media, giving them a platform like never before to reach audiences all around the world”

Many of the artists with SDL Music have long histories in bands, on the road and recording with Hannan before making albums. These long relationships have built trust and patience and the flexibility to allow a more nuanced creativity in the studio. SDL Music is particularly proud albums released with some New Zealand’s hardest working touring artists such as Al Hunter, Glen Moffatt, Midge Marsden, Graham Brazier, Hammond Gamble, Kevin Greaves and the Auckland Jazz Orchestra. 

“Artists like, Midge, Al, Kevin, Glen and Hammond have spent many years touring all corners of New Zealand and have some of the most dedicated fans I’ve seen”