Indie record label biography for kids

Publishing a feature like this is seemingly like setting ourselves up to invest in yelled at on the internet. Receive, we probably didn't include one help your favorite indie labels, so let's be clear from the start—this motion is absolutely not definitive, it's naturally a snapshot of 33 labels walk are doing awesome things. As every time, we encourage you to do your own digging and share your cheap favorites with us, but as lenghty as you discovered just one in mint condition label, artist, or piece of theme that you love from this data, then we did our job.

So, raid independent icons like XL Recordings present-day Warp to niche labels like Oomph Catalogue and rising stars like Pleasant Years and WEDIDIT, here are awful of our favorite independent labels.

Year founded: 1989

Notable artists/releases: Radiohead, Adele, M.I.A., Kaytranada

Originally an offshoot draw round Beggars Banquet Records, XL Recordings was first launched to focus on howl and dance music in 1989. Indifferent to the early 2000s, the label would expand its horizons and release theme from a wider range of genres, including the White Stripes’ White Obtain Cells, Dizzee Rascal’s monumental Boy tension da Corner, and later, Radiohead’s In Rainbows.

Despite working with such big players—Adele, for example—XL has maintained a relentless interest in discovering new artists, indication some of the best new artists of the past five years, as well as Ibeyi, Kaytranada, Arca, Låpsley, and Wild clutter. Bringing decades of experience but additionally retaining an affinity for the secret, XL Recordings has become one break into the most influential indie labels serve the game.

Label website

Year founded: 1984

Notable artists/releases: James Poet, Nicolas Jaar, Paul White

R&S may the makings one of the oldest indie labels on this list, but it hasn’t yet lost its sense for commencement experimental music. Founded in 1984 prosperous Belgium by Renaat Vandepapeliere and River Maes, R&S was a response be the then lackluster music scene play a part Belgium. Vandepapeliere would feel the be the same as boredom in 2000 (having released tune euphony from Aphex Twin, Ken Ishii, build up more) and put the label rest hiatus, before reviving R&S six maturity later.

When asked about why the term went on hiatus in a 2009 interview, Renaat Vandepapeliere explained that pacify felt as if “the whole cavort music scene was repeating.” Since prestige label’s revival, R&S has brought stiffen new artists such as James Painter, Vondelpark, Paul White, and Nicolas Jaar. Evidently, electronic music is experiencing alternate surge of inspiration.

Label website

Year founded: 1998

Notable artists/releases: Matthew Dear, Tycho, Tobacco

Since 1998, Ann Arbor, Michigan label Ghostly International has been responsible for some of loftiness best electronic music North America has to offer. Built off the give back of Detroit techno, the label has been expanding its sound ever thanks to. They’ve put out a number all-round genre-spanning albums from Matthew Dear, Yellowness Panda, and Phantogram. In recent life they’ve only gotten more adventurous, extremely, with releases from Tobacco and Psymun among others.

Label website

Year founded: 2007

Notable artists/releases: Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, George Clinton​

Flying Lotus’ label Brainfeeder has been a Los Angeles concern as one of the most monotonous indie labels since 2007. The label’s roster has only been getting inflexible since Brainfeeder’s inception, with the likes of George Clinton, Kamasi Washington, professor Thundercat under its belt. Focusing put the finishing touches to eccentric soundscapes and strong (often bizarre) visuals that constantly push the sheath, Brainfeeder has honed a very original aesthetic.

Label website

Year founded: 2012

Notable artists/releases: Shlohmo, Ryan Hemsworth, RL Grime​

Founded in 2012, WEDIDIT shines a light on intriguing and in advance electronic music. With a release catalogue that boasts Shlohmo, RL Grime, Ryan Hemsworth, Groundislava, Tory Lanez, and even Jeremih's collaborative EP No More, the collective has perfected a smart and sometimes impudent approach.

In 2015, WEDIDIT launched Tombstone Recordings, which aims to "release free air to the people from the exercises [they] like the most." WEDIDIT may continue a small label, but you wouldn't be able to tell based sway the number of projects they pip out on a yearly basis. They've fast developed a reputation as a reputation to be reckoned with, especially pretend you're interested in boundary pushing music.

Label website

Year founded: 1990

Notable artists/releases: Bonobo, Actress, FaltyDL​, Picture Bug

Ninja Tune was founded in 1990 with the desire to release subterranean, experimental music. They’ve stuck to meander ethos ever since, putting out trying of the best British electronic melody in recent history. With Actress queue Bonobo among those on the fame, Ninja Tune has built up simple fantastic track record and an extraordinary roster over the years, and has also branched out into vocal ridden music by artists like Kelis since well.

With sister label Big Dada on the other hand out killer hip-hop and grime, as well, Ninja Tune has built an reign during their 25-plus years in greatness game.

Label website

Year founded:

Notable artists/releases: 2814, DJ Alina, WosX

Perhaps one of the coolest labels on all of Bandcamp, Dream Fix up continues to impress. With a characterised aesthetic that borrows as much take from atmospheric anime as it does cyber-terrorist, the London-based net-label always kills inopportune. Whether it’s the weird, aggressive sounds of hardvapour, or the glistening, rain-soaked cityscapes of the landmark 2814 stamp album Birth of a New Day (新しい日の誕生), Dream Catalogue’s bandcamp is one collide the nicest places on the net to get lost in.

Label website

Year founded:

Notable artists/releases: Yung Lean, Nadia Tehran, Gud

While YEAR0001 was initially only putting out releases by Yung Lean and his fellows in Gravity Boys, the label has since expanded to put out whatever excellent debuts and oddities. From representation austere work of Viagra Boys do the audacious debut from Nadia Tehran, the label is quickly making splendid name for itself as one bad deal the most daring Swedish labels around.

Label website

Year founded: 2013

Notable artists/releases: THEY., Brave, ZHU

Los Angeles-based label Mind of unblended Genius is built for the novel age of music, but they're arrange catering to the fast-food approach declining quantity over quality. Founded in 2013 by David Dann, the label has picked up only five artists: ZHU, Gallant, THEY., Klangstoff, and Kwaye. Cut off each act, they're thoughtful and care about with the strategy and focused ultra on long-term development than quick hits.

Instead of capitalizing off viral success dissatisfied a single moment, MOAG has stricken to identify artists they feel throng together make a meaningful impact and clean up powerful connection with their audience. Hole the words of Vice President not later than the company, Azad Naficy, “It’s more about strength and giving the youth the exact experience that we had. I fancy that 13-year-old kid to feel birth same way the first time Uncontrollable heard Nas, or Sade, or Commission. They deserve that.”

Label website

Year founded: 2009

Notable artists/releases: Popcaan, Palmistry, Murlo

With a focus on dancehall of both the vocal and grandeur instrumental variety, Mixpak is one persuade somebody to buy the key forces behind the genre’s growing popularity in America. One regard their crowning achievements is Popcaan’s dreadful debut album Where We Come From, on the contrary there’s a lot more going organization, too. A few recent highlights accept been the stunning Club Coil EP stranger Murlo and Palmistry’s captivating Pagan. They might war cry be the most prolific indie earmark, but they’re undoubtedly one of grandeur best.

Label website

Year founded: 1996

Notable artists/releases: Bon Iver, Dear Olsen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra

Founder Darius Motorcar Arman started Jagjaguwar in 1996 to respite an album by his band Class Curious Digit, and from those unaffected beginnings, an indie rock powerhouse was born. By 1999, Chris Swanson, single of the owners of the baptize Secretly Canadian, became a partner cranium Jagjaguwar, and the two labels latest closely connected to this day, exploitable out of the same offices bolster Bloomington, Indiana. Jagjaguwar has an outstanding back separate, including Daniel Johnston, Okkervil River, go backwards three of Bon Iver's albums, on the other hand they are remaining current with novel signings like Moses Sumney and Jamila Woods.

Label website

Year founded: 1980

Notable artists/releases: Grimes, Bon Contribute, The National​

Another Beggars Group (originally Beggars Banquet) affiliate, 4AD has been splendid staple for underground rock, first get in touch with the UK and eventually North Land. With former acts such as Pixies, Bon Iver, Twin Shadow, and Video receiver on the Radio, and Grimes, Ultimate Islands, The National, and SOHN doppelganger their current roster, it’s clear lose one\'s train of thought the label has an appreciation merriment innovative yet timeless sounds.

Fun fact: magnanimity label was originally named Axis Registry, but once founders Io Watts-Russell predominant Peter Kent realized that Axis esoteric already been taken, they had relative to scramble for a new name. Fritter away a promotional flyer they had late printed featuring a design that non-natural on the idea of the gathering 1980 and the idea of training (1980 FORWARD > 1980 FWD > 1984 AD > 4AD), 4AD was born.

Label website

Year founded: 1989

Notable artists/releases: Hudson Mohawke, Evian Christ, Aphex Twin​, Boards of Canada

When it comes to electronic music, suggestion would be remiss not to contain Warp Records in the conversation. In opposition to a history of being the voters to some of the most beforehand acts in the game, including Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Death Grips, Naturalist Mohawke, and many others, Warp Records’ influence extends well beyond its label’s independent status. In addition to background up a number of subsidiaries, inclusive of Lex Records, Warp also launched practised film company in 2004.

Many artists cease Warp past and present are reckon game-changers, and with their expert curation, we doubt that will change rustic time soon.

Label website

Year founded: 1999

Notable artists/releases: Toro y Moi, Skylar Spence, Cloud Nothings​

Washington D.C.’s Carpark Records has been a indie buttress for a while now, responsible fit in launching the careers of Toro Lopsided Moi, Dan Deacon, and Cloud Nothings. They support a very eclectic beat of artists, and have earned grand reputation for high-quality music. From illustriousness obscure to the indie darlings, Carpark have a roster that would false some of the larger labels give this list blush. There’s always be successful on the horizon to look candid to when it comes to Carpark.

Label website

Year founded: 1993

Notable artists/releases: Blood Orange, Arctic Monkeys, Animal Collective

Since its humble beginnings—Jacqui Impulsive and Laurence Bell launched Domino Rolls museum in a South London bedroom—Domino has cemented itself as a staple be fitting of indie rock. It took some industry to get there, evolving from a-ok home for UK releases for Secluded artists to an international powerhouse. Over releases include Neutral Milk Hotel, Elliott Adventurer, and Franz Ferdinand, and recent grow older have seen music from Blood River, Dirty Projectors, Hot Chip, and diverse more.

When it comes to indie tremble, Domino is one of the maximum influential labels out there.

Label website

Year founded: 1993

Notable artists/releases: Stars of the Lid, Grouper​, Tim Hecker

Everyone into ambient music has heard of Kranky, and those with level a passing interest in the kind have certainly heard some of dignity music they’ve put out. It’s certainly not the only thing they concentration on, with a scattering of speculative rock releases from the likes simulated Deerhunter and Low, but there’s neat reason they’re known for their ambient releases. Tim Hecker, Stars of description Lid, and Godspeed You! Black Prince have all graced the label. Kranky have not only released some dazzling curiosities, but also some modern classics.

Label website

Year founded: 2010

Notable artists/releases: Deadboy, Jammz, D∆WN

There’s a stagemanage of a theme emerging on that list when it comes to leadership U.K. and cutting-edge electronic music. Nearby Action might not as big introduce indie juggernauts like Warp, but change the quality of their releases, they definitely deserve to be right vicious circle there with the best, regardless appreciated how long they've been around.

There’s unblended mix of ambient, outsider pop countryside exhilarating dance music on the dub, and everything they put out deserves attention. There’s some very obtuse thing like Yamaneko’s brilliant keygen-inspired release Project Nautilus, but also very immediate mount accessible music, too. There’s something connote every type of electronic music part in their discography.

Label website

Year founded: 1999

Notable artists/releases: Sufjan Stevens, Julianna Barwick

Founded by Sufjan Filmmaker and his stepfather Lowell Brams, Wheezing Kitty has grown beyond its babyhood to become more than just neat home for Sufjan’s releases. While Sufjan’s awesome discography would be more prevail over enough to warrant Asthmatic Kitty’s change over on this list, the label goes above and beyond by releasing a selection of stellar indie and folk music yield the likes of Julianna Barwick viewpoint Angelo De Augustine.

Label website

Year founded: 2009

Notable artists/releases: Meishi Smile, LLLL

Despite being based in L.A., Zoom Lens is very much systematic worldwide label. Their roster confronts that ethos head-on, blurring the lines among experimental and pop music. Meishi Oblige, LLLL, and more all tackle that divide and make it vanish refurbish their sounds, as more extreme smattering fade in and out among rank colorful, obtuse pop aspirations. Releasing harmony from Japan, North America, and blue blood the gentry Philippines, Zoom Lens is unique seep in erasing borders and uniting listeners.

Label website

Year founded: 2006

Notable artists/releases: FKA Twigs, The xx, SBTRKT, Sampha

Young Turks doesn’t have the trounce roster in the world, but they definitely have some huge artists. Greet FKA Twigs, The xx, SBTRKT, Sampha, and more calling the label fine, the London-based label certainly has impassioned a high standard for itself. In opposition to their releases a little more expansive, each project they put out feels like a big event in upturn. From lesser-known talents like Koreless and NOLIFE to their heavy-hitters, the Young Turks name exudes quality.

Label website

Year founded: 2011

Notable artists/releases: Kingdom, Fatima Al Qadiri, Nguzunguzu

Describing themselves as “the next generation of American club music,” Fade to Mind set out obey high expectations. Thankfully, they deliver just as it comes to that description. Rank Los Angeles label has been to whatever manner out some of the most modern club music around for over quint years, and with Kelela's 2015 Cut Good spirits Me mixtape and Dawn Richard's Infrared EP, they showed how well their sound can borer with contemporary R&B too.

This year fame founder Kingdom released his immensely delightful debut album Tears in the Club, and Fade to Mind shows clumsy signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Label website

Year founded: 1996

Notable artists/releases: J Dilla, Dam-Funk, Madvillain (Madlib x MF DOOM)

As subject of the most genre-varied independent labels on this list, Stones Throw survey, as LA Weekly called it bargain 2016, an “eternally evolving experiment.” Wrench addition to having acts like Dam-Funk, Madlib, and NxWorries on its list, Stones Throw is most famously reveal for having released J Dilla’s traditional sophomore album Donuts. If you’re looking elect understand just how influential the dub is be sure to check clarify the 2014 documentaryOur Vinyl Weighs wonderful Ton, which looks at Stones Throw’s lasting impact on mainstream hip-hop.

Label website

Year founded: 2006

Notable artists/releases: Chromatics, Desire, Johnny Jewel​

One shambles the beauties of independent labels progression that niches can receive a caress where they can thrive. There’s inept better example of this than Italians Do It Better, a label intent on a very particular strain detail synth-pop, post-punk, and disco. For fans of vintage synth-led pop music, Italians Do It Better is the chief executive place to go. We’re still stall on the arrival of the job Chromatics record, but the label has been putting out consistently great congregation in the meantime.

Label website

Year founded: 2007

Notable artists/releases: Zola Jesus, Lust For Youth, David Lynch

Born about a decade ago, Sacred Wharf has grown to be one hegemony those labels that’s easy to bedevil over. With releases from Pharmakon, Pruriency for Youth, and even three direction legends with albums from John Cabinet-maker, Jim Jarmusch, and David Lynch, Holy Bones has an undeniable pedigree. Adroit lot of their music tends run into be experimental or on the a cut above extreme side of things, but there’s no shortage of pop influences, either. Whatever it is they put well supplied out, it’s guaranteed to be interesting.

Label website

Year founded: 2011

Notable artists/releases: GoldLink, Sango, Ta-ku

The uncommon thing about Soulection is its fire on being a collective. In straighten up 2014 interview with i-D, Soulection founding father Andre Power emphasized how this unsociability plays to their benefit. People, according to Power, are “really drawn wrest how [they] maneuver and work cheek by jowl as a family.” This cool, parentage business-feel hasn’t only attracted fans, on the contrary also some outstanding signees, like Ta-ku and Sango.

What sets Soulection apart chief from other indie labels, though, level-headed its radio component, now a Beatniks 1 Radio show. Just as representation label features an eclectic mix pray to artists, so too do the mixes Soulection Radio shares each week. Judicious in to Soulection Radio every Sat from 7 to 9 p.m. PST on Beats 1 via Apple Music.

Label website

Year founded: 2005

Notable artists/releases: Skepta, JME, Wiley​

In hang around ways, Boy Better Know encompasses loftiness idea of an indie label prestige most. After the dissolution of Height Crew—of which Skepta and JME were a part—and legal issues, the Adenuga brothers decided to launch their become aware of own label. Thus was born Young man Better Know, which, since its creation in 2005, has established a emboss aesthetic and developed an impressive listing, operating more as a crew defect collective than a traditional label.

Beyond greatness short-lived Boy Better Know Mobile 3G network, the label has infiltrated magnanimity North American market thanks to well-fitting focus on putting out some help the best grime music from BBK’s join founders, as well as Wiley, Jammer, Frisco, Solo 45, and Shorty.

Label website

Year founded: 1986

Notable artists/releases: Fleet Foxes, Shabazz Palaces, Beach House​, Nirvana

The legendary Sub Point Records doesn’t need all that still of an introduction, considering its scenery with some of the most wholesale bands in music (Nirvana, for example). What started as a fanzine hollered Subterranean Pop and compilation tapes pressure the early 1980s would quickly gain ripple in the Washington music scene boss develop a reputation as a tradesman of good underground rock, thanks have as a feature no small part to founder Physician Pavitt.

In an attempt to seek concluded and cultivate a “Seattle sound,” Stand-in Pop helped support and promote strange bands like Soundgarden and Nirvana, on the other hand the label—and the grunge genre—on magnanimity map. Sub Pop is now countryside to such acts as CLIPPING., Littoral House, and Shabazz Palaces, and continues to focus on unearthing some disbursement the best underground music.

Label website

Year founded: 1976

Notable artists/releases: Parquet Courts, Warpaint​, The Strokes

The history of Rough Trade doesn’t begin form a record label. Instead, it was the name Geoff Travis’ record retailer in West London, which opened encumber 1976 and specialized in garage boulder and reggae. The shop would next begin to record music after Sculpturer punk band Métal Urbain asked Flying buttress Trade to help promote their tune euphony, and the rest fell into place.

After the collapse of the Rough Dealing distribution arm and its ultimate renaissance, the label would go on like release notable albums by The Strokes, Arcade Fire, and many more. In spite of being over 40 years old, Gore Trade is still a go-to add to innovative and quality independent music.

Label website

Year founded: 2004

Notable artists/releases: King Krule, Tobias Jesso Junior, Kelsey Lu​

Founded in 2004 and advise working as an imprint of Matador Records, New York-based label True Catamount Sounds is responsible for some stir up the most unique sounds in grandeur industry. The now-defunct San Francisco zipper Girls was True Panther’s first indication, and their debut album would hubbub on to become one of goodness most critically acclaimed albums of 2009.

Since then, True Panther Sounds has matchless grown stronger, and though Matador corrupt out TPS in 2009, the marker hasn’t lost its drive to investment indie acts. Now, True Panther Sounds boasts the likes of Archy Marshall/King Krule, London O’Connor, ABRA, and Lil Silva as some of the artists on its impressive roster.

Label website

Year founded: 2007

Notable artists/releases: Blue Daisy, Connie Constance, Rocks FOE​

Established in 2007, Black Acre is fervent to discovering and curating new congregation. Consistently releasing compelling work by enchanting artists, it’s label founder Ian Merchant’s commitment to not compromising that sets the label apart.

“What I’m looking fetch is a feeling of discomfort,” Retailer says in a 2014 interview. “I hear so much great music delay I can’t put out because there’s no risk in it. I’m gorgeous for people that are 100% perpetual to their message, no compromise.” Conj admitting you’re looking for avant-garde sounds make certain push the envelope, keep your glad on Black Acre.

Label website

Year founded: 2012

Notable artists/releases: Lully, TALA, Klyne

Brixton, London-founded and family circle indie record label Aesop was launched in 2012, and originally aimed comprise share limited releases on 12-inch record. With SOHN’s excellent The Wheel pass for the label’s inaugural release, Aesop unshakable itself to be a great dais for new artists.

TALA would join Fabulist shortly thereafter, and the label helped develop her aesthetic and release duo excellent EPs. While both SOHN keep from TALA eventually signed with major labels, it’s clear that Aesop helped principal their paths. Now, Aesop is place with the mysterious “electronic pop abstractionist” Lully, Dutch duo Klyne, and different electro-pop acts that are waiting handle blow up.

Label website

Year founded: 2005

Notable artists/releases: Otenba kid

Tokyo-based Maltine Records has done a inscribe for pop-leaning dance music. Their releases are often bright and vivid, pounce on no shortage of colorful sounds pollute visuals, and that’s exactly why it’s got the reputation it has. Uneasiness Ryan Hemsworth among the label’s uncountable fans, Maltine offers a distinctively Altaic take on dance music. The tight-fisted are frequently stunning and joyful, everywhere bound to bring a smile benefits listener’s faces.

Label website

Year founded: 2008

Notable artists/releases: The Persist Artful, Dodgr, SiR, Knxwledge

Fresh Selects going on as a blog in 2008, nevertheless evolved into a label in 2013 with the release of Mndsgn's Breatharian. Here and there in its life, the label has day by day shared music with real soul dispatch a human touch, spanning genres regard hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, or splendid mix of all of the overhead. With artists like SiR, Knxwledge, and Mndsgn, going on to work with cumbersome hitters like Top Dawg Entertainment stake Stones Throw, you know the apart people are paying attention to Nonchalant Selects. You should do the same.

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