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Labels
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The prevailing attitude of the time was that if you want something done you should do it yourself. Acting in that spirit, 4AD Records were responsible for catapulting bands such as Pixies, Cocteau Twins, Beirut, Nick Cave and Big Thief into the big time.
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Creation Records is an iconic British indie label that came to prominence in the '80s and '90s on the back of shoegaze, acid house and Britpop.
Their pedigree reached such a height that the British Labour Party
piggy-backed onto their 'Cool Britannia' image to reach young voters in
the 1997 general election.
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Dead Oceans see themselves as redefining indie music in the modern era by pushing singer-songwriters with an indie aesthetic. Their artists are independent, but not always indie rock.
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British indie label founded by a passionate fan of who wanted to champion independent artists.
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Island Records, based in Notting Hill, London, were crucial in bringing reggae and sound system culture to the UK. The very term 'reggae' was introduced into popular culture by the Island band Toots and the Maytals.
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Independent label with a focus on Canadian and Midwest bands.
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Now acquired by Beggars Group, the storied label continues to operate independently with a focus on artistic freedom and innovation.
- Hip hop label with a focus on soulful boom bap and jazzy beats.
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Mexican Summer provides a platform for musicians to work outside the boundaries of genre, allowing them to push boundaries and experiment in a safe environment.
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Founded by James Lavelle when he was 18 to provide a platform for electronic artists.
- Founded with substantial financial backing in the heart of New York City to provide artists with creative control while retaining expertise and resources.
- Began as a label to release the work of Daniel Miller. His unexpected
success heralded a five decades long triumph in electronica, industrial and indie music.
- The Canadian label made headlines in the 2000s for supporting
downloaded music in the face of industry opposition. It was a David & Goliath story that saw the small Canadian indie pitted against the collective might of the US industry.
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Iconic underground East Coast label responsible for launching the careers of rappers like Mos Def and Talib Kweli, and Pharoahe Monch as a solo artist. Released critically acclaimed albums around the turn of the millennium that helped propel the big apple back into the centre of hip hop by focusing on lyricism, innovation and creativity.
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Began importing American metal releases into Holland, only to become a major player in the genres independent scene around the world.
- Originally established by a record shop owner as a way of sharing profits with punk bands in West London. Has since become a key player in the landscape of British independent music.
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Seattle based label who played a crucial role in the spread of grunge.
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They focus their efforts on outsider artists in an effort to bring underserved voices into the mainstream.
