The Most Unique Independent Record Labels

Island Records was founded in Jamaica by Chris Blackwell and is known for its iconic reggae and ska releases, including artists like Bob Marley and The Wailers.

Geffen Records was founded by Neil Young and Elliot Roberts and is known for its alternative rock and folk releases, including artists like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, R.E.M., and Sonic Youth.

Factory Records was founded by Tony Wilson and is known for its post-punk and electronic music releases, including artists like Joy Division, New Order, and The Happy Mondays.

4AD was founded by Ivo Watts-Russell and is known for its ambient and experimental music releases, including artists like Cocteau Twins, This Mortal Coil, and Dead Can Dance.

Nothing Records was founded by Trent Reznor and is known for its industrial and electronic music releases, including artists like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, and How to Destroy Angels.

Mo' Wax was founded by James Lavelle and is known for its trip hop and electronic music releases, including artists like DJ Shadow, UNKLE, and Badly Drawn Boy.

Hyperdub was founded by Richard Russell and is known for its dubstep, grime, and electronic music releases, including artists like Burial, Kode9, and The Bug.

Gorillaz was founded by Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett and is known for its virtual band releases, including the eponymous Gorillaz and The Good, the Bad & the Queen.

Warp Records was founded by Kieran Hebden and is known for its electronic and experimental music releases, including artists like Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Flying Lotus.

Erased Tapes was founded by Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood and is known for its experimental and electronic music releases, including artists like Ólafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm, and A Winged Victory for the Sullen.

DFA Records was founded by James Murphy and is known for its dance-punk and electronic music releases, including artists like LCD Soundsystem, The Rapture, and Hot Chip.

Accidental Records was founded by Matthew Herbert and is known for its experimental and electronic music releases, including artists like Herbert himself, Max Richter, and Plaid.

Ninja Tune was founded by Kieran Hebden and is known for its electronic and experimental music releases, including artists like Amon Tobin, Bonobo, and The Cinematic Orchestra.

XL Recordings was founded by James Lavelle and is known for its electronic and experimental music releases, including artists like The Prodigy, Radiohead, and Thom Yorke.

Hyperdub was founded by Richard Russell and is known for its electronic and experimental music releases, including artists like Burial, Kode9, and The Bug.