[1][2] Hydrofunk Records started in 1994 as a series of hip hop events to give local artists an avenue to perform.

In 1995, Hydrofunk founder DJ Katch met Dave Atkins through various live funk, jazz, and hip hop projects.

Together they decided to form Hydrofunk Records in response to Brisbane's lack of outlets for underground hip hop.

One year later Hydrofunk released Resin Dogs' Grinnin' which received significant airplay on both local and national radio, followed by the Volcanic Lab EP in 1998 which gained the band momentum with touring nationally.

This success enabled Hydrofunk Records to secure a label distribution deal with Virgin/EMI in 1999.