The Most Visionary Independent Record Labels

Island Records was founded by Chris Blackwell in Jamaica in 1959. The label is known for its reggae and ska releases, and has released music by artists such as Bob Marley, U2, and Cat Stevens.

Motown Records was founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in Detroit in 1959. The label is known for its soul and R&B releases, and has released music by artists such as Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and Marvin Gaye.

Sub Pop Records was founded by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman in Seattle in 1986. The label is known for its grunge and alternative rock releases, and has released music by artists such as Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Mudhoney.

4AD was founded by Ivo Watts-Russell in London in 1980. The label is known for its ethereal and experimental releases, and has released music by artists such as Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, and This Mortal Coil.

Mute Records was founded by Daniel Miller in London in 1978. The label is known for its electronic and industrial releases, and has released music by artists such as Depeche Mode, New Order, and Einstürzende Neubauten.

Touch and Go Records was founded by Steve Albini in Chicago in 1981. The label is known for its punk and indie rock releases, and has released music by artists such as Big Black, Shellac, and The Jesus Lizard.

Dischord Records was founded by Ian MacKaye and Jeff Nelson in Washington, D.C. in 1980. The label is known for its hardcore punk and post-hardcore releases, and has released music by artists such as Minor Threat, Fugazi, and Rites of Spring.

SST Records was founded by Greg Ginn in Long Beach, California in 1978. The label is known for its hardcore punk and thrash metal releases, and has released music by artists such as Black Flag, Minutemen, and Hüsker Dü.

Matador Records was founded by Gerard Cosloy in New York City in 1989. The label is known for its indie rock and alternative country releases, and has released music by artists such as Pavement, Yo La Tengo, and Belle & Sebastian.

XL Recordings was founded by Richard Russell in London in 2004. The label is known for its electronic and experimental releases, and has released music by artists such as The xx, Radiohead, and Sampha.

Warp Records was founded by Steve Beckett and Rob Mitchell in Sheffield, England in 1992. The label is known for its drum and bass and electronic releases, and has released music by artists such as Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada, and Flying Lotus.

Ninja Tune was founded by Matt Black and Jonathan More in London in 1990. The label is known for its trip hop and electronic releases, and has released music by artists such as DJ Shadow, Amon Tobin, and The Cinematic Orchestra.

Hyperdub was founded by Kode9 in London in 2004. The label is known for its dubstep and grime releases, and has released music by artists such as Burial, Kode9, and The Bug.

Mo' Wax was founded by James Lavelle in London in 1991. The label is known for its trip hop and electronic releases, and has released music by artists such as DJ Shadow, UNKLE, and Badly Drawn Boy.

Rough Trade Records was founded by Geoff Travis in London in 1979. The label is known for its post-punk and alternative rock releases, and has released music by artists such as The Smiths, The Fall, and Pulp.