[4] Edwards, who provided the financial backing for the venture, utilized his personal shareholdings in the family business as collateral to fund the necessary equipment, living expenses, and rent.
I was rather aghast, but I believed in artistic integrity and felt they knew better than I did.”[2]In pursuit of his ambitions, Edwards brought on board John Coletta, a designer with an advertising background, and Ron Hire, to establish HEC Enterprises.
The group settled in a farmhouse in Hertfordshire, where they developed a sound deeply influenced by Vanilla Fudge, an American band renowned for their elaborate cover songs.
Ian Paice, the drummer and sole continuous member of the band through its various line-ups, reflected on the early tumultuous days of Deep Purple, recognizing Edwards as a stabilizing presence amidst the frenetic and often volatile music industry.
[4] Safari Records made headlines by signing Wayne County, a New York punk scene figure and transsexual artist, along with the British band The Electric Chairs.
Under Edwards' guidance, the artist Toyah Willcox transitioned from an independent music favorite to being named the Best Female Singer at the British Rock & Pop Awards in 1982.
[5] Safari Records was known for its diverse and unconventional catalog, which included a punk-country rendition of Kenny Rogers' "Ruby, Don't Take Your Love To Town" performed by Gary Holton, and "Scatterlings of Africa" by Juluka, a South African band notable for its racially integrated lineup, led by Johnny Clegg.