Uncovering the Hidden Gems: A Quiz on Independent and Underground Record Labels

Dischord Records is an independent record label based in Washington, D.C., known for its contributions to the hardcore punk scene. Founded in 1980, the label has released albums by influential bands such as Minor Threat, Fugazi, and Jawbox.

K Records is an independent record label founded in Olympia, Washington, in 1982. It is known for its association with the lo-fi music movement and has released albums by artists such as Beck, Built to Spill, and The Microphones.

Def Jam Recordings is an independent record label founded in New York City in 1984. It is known for its significant contributions to the development of hip-hop music and has released albums by influential artists such as Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy.

Warp Records is an independent record label based in Sheffield, England. It is known for its focus on experimental and avant-garde electronic music and has released albums by artists such as Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Flying Lotus.

Sub Pop Records is an independent record label based in Seattle, Washington. It is known for its role in the rise of indie rock in the 1980s and 1990s and has released albums by influential bands such as Nirvana, Mudhoney, and The Afghan Whigs.

Burger Records is an independent record label based in Fullerton, California. It is known for its focus on psychedelic and garage rock music and has released albums by artists such as Ty Segall, Thee Oh Sees, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard.

Kill Rock Stars is an independent record label based in Portland, Oregon. It is known for its association with the riot grrrl movement and has released albums by artists such as Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, and The Gossip.

ECM Records is an independent record label based in Munich, Germany. It is known for its focus on jazz and improvised music and has released albums by artists such as Keith Jarrett, Chick Corea, and Jan Garbarek.

Factory Records is an independent record label based in Manchester, England. It is known for its association with the post-punk and new wave scenes and has released albums by artists such as Joy Division, New Order, and Happy Mondays.

Planet Mu Records is an independent record label based in London, England. It is known for its focus on experimental electronic music and has released albums by artists such as µ-Ziq, Venetian Snares, and Aphex Twin.

Victory Records is an independent record label based in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its association with the hardcore punk and metalcore scenes and has released albums by artists such as Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, and Bleeding Through.

Kranky Records is an independent record label based in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its focus on ambient and drone music and has released albums by artists such as Stars of the Lid, Tim Hecker, and Sigur Rós.

Sarah Records is an independent record label based in Bristol, England. It is known for its association with the indie pop and twee pop scenes and has released albums by artists such as The Field Mice, Heavenly, and The Pastels.

Harsh Noise Records is an independent record label based in New York City. It is known for its focus on noise and experimental music and has released albums by artists such as Merzbow, Whitehouse, and The Gerogerigegege.

Creation Records is an independent record label based in London, England. It is known for its association with the shoegaze and dream pop scenes and has released albums by artists such as My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and The Jesus and Mary Chain.