The Most Successful Independent Record Labels

Island Records was founded by Chris Blackwell in 1959 in Jamaica. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Bob Marley, U2, and Amy Winehouse.

Motown Records was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1959 in Detroit, Michigan. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.

Def Jam Recordings was founded by Rick Rubin in 1984 in New York City. It is known for releasing music by artists such as LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and Jay-Z.

Sub Pop Records was founded by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman in 1986 in Seattle, Washington. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney.

Mo' Wax was founded by James Lavelle in 1992 in London, England. It is known for releasing music by artists such as DJ Shadow, UNKLE, and Badly Drawn Boy.

Ninja Tune was founded by Matt Tong and Jonathan More in 1994 in London, England. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Coldcut, Amon Tobin, and The Cinematic Orchestra.

Warp Records was founded by Steve Beckett in 1989 in Sheffield, England. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Squarepusher.

XL Recordings was founded by Richard Russell in 1994 in London, England. It is known for releasing music by artists such as The Prodigy, Radiohead, and Adele.

Dischord Records was founded by Ian MacKaye in 1980 in Washington, D.C. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Minor Threat, Fugazi, and Jawbox.

SST Records was founded by Greg Ginn in 1978 in Lawndale, California. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Black Flag, Minutemen, and Dinosaur Jr.

Touch and Go Records was founded by Corey Rusk in 1982 in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Big Black, The Jesus Lizard, and Shellac.

Alternative Tentacles Records was founded by Jello Biafra in 1979 in San Francisco, California. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Dead Kennedys, Butthole Surfers, and Melvins.

Fat Wreck Chords was founded by Bobsled in 1995 in San Francisco, California. It is known for releasing music by artists such as NOFX, Lagwagon, and Rancid.

Epitaph Records was founded by Brett Gurewitz in 1980 in Los Angeles, California. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Bad Religion, The Offspring, and Pennywise.

Hopeless Records was founded by Louis Posen in 1993 in Van Nuys, California. It is known for releasing music by artists such as New Found Glory, Saves the Day, and The Starting Line.

Victory Records was founded by Tony Brummel in 1989 in Chicago, Illinois. It is known for releasing music by artists such as Hatebreed, Shadows Fall, and Bullet for My Valentine.