From legendary indies to internet-based upstarts, these 33 labels are all doing something special.
July 26, 2017
Publishing a feature like this is almost like setting ourselves up to get yelled at on the internet. Yes, we probably didn't include one of your favorite indie labels, so let's be clear from the start—this list is absolutely not definitive, it's simply a snapshot of 33 labels that are doing awesome things. As always, we encourage you to do your own digging and share your own favorites with us, but as long as you discovered just one new label, artist, or piece of music that you love from this list, then we did our job.
So, from independent icons like XL Recordings and Warp to niche labels like Dream Catalogue and rising stars like Good Years and WEDIDIT, here are some of our favorite independent labels.
Year founded: 1989
Notable artists/releases: Radiohead, Adele, M.I.A., Kaytranada
Originally an offshoot of Beggars Banquet Records, XL Recordings was first launched to focus on rave and dance music in 1989. By the early 2000s, the label would expand its horizons and release music from a wider range of genres, including the White Stripes’ White Blood Cells, Dizzee Rascal’s monumental Boy in da Corner, and later, Radiohead’s In Rainbows.
Despite working with such big players—Adele, for example—XL has maintained a keen interest in discovering new artists, signing some of the best new artists of the past five years, including Ibeyi, Kaytranada, Arca, Låpsley, and Jungle. Bringing decades of experience but also retaining an affinity for the underground, XL Recordings has become one of the most influential indie labels in the game.
Year founded: 1984
Notable artists/releases: James Blake, Nicolas Jaar, Paul White
R&S may be one of the oldest indie labels on this list, but it hasn’t yet lost its sense for groundbreaking experimental music. Founded in 1984 in Belgium by Renaat Vandepapeliere and Sabine Maes, R&S was a response to the then lackluster music scene in Belgium. Vandepapeliere would feel the same boredom in 2000 (having released music from Aphex Twin, Ken Ishii, and more) and put the label on hiatus, before reviving R&S six years later.
When asked about why the label went on hiatus in a 2009 interview, Renaat Vandepapeliere explained that he felt as if “the whole dance music scene was repeating.” Since the label’s revival, R&S has brought on new artists such as James Blake, Vondelpark, Paul White, and Nicolas Jaar. Evidently, electronic music is experiencing another surge of inspiration.
Year founded: 1998
Notable artists/releases: Matthew Dear, Tycho, Tobacco
Since 1998, Ann Arbor, Michigan label Ghostly International has been responsible for some of the best electronic music North America has to offer. Built off the back of Detroit techno, the label has been expanding its sound ever since. They’ve put out a number of genre-spanning albums from Matthew Dear, Gold Panda, and Phantogram. In recent years they’ve only gotten more adventurous, too, with releases from Tobacco and Psymun among others.
Year founded: 2007
Notable artists/releases: Thundercat, Kamasi Washington, George Clinton
Flying Lotus’ label Brainfeeder has been a Los Angeles institution as one of the most exciting indie labels since 2007. The label’s roster has only been getting stronger since Brainfeeder’s inception, with the likes of George Clinton, Kamasi Washington, and Thundercat under its belt. Focusing on eccentric soundscapes and strong (often bizarre) visuals that constantly push the envelope, Brainfeeder has honed a very singular aesthetic.
Year founded: 2012
Notable artists/releases: Shlohmo, Ryan Hemsworth, RL Grime
Founded in 2012, WEDIDIT shines a light on intriguing and experimental electronic music. With a release catalog 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 tongue-in-cheek approach.
In 2015, WEDIDIT launched Tombstone Recordings, which aims to "release free music to the people from the people [they] like the most." WEDIDIT may be a small label, but you wouldn't be able to tell based on the number of projects they crank out on a yearly basis. They've quickly developed a reputation as a label to be reckoned with, especially if you're interested in boundary pushing music.
Year founded: 1990
Notable artists/releases: Bonobo, Actress, FaltyDL, The Bug
Ninja Tune was founded in 1990 with the desire to release underground, experimental music. They’ve stuck to that ethos ever since, putting out some of the best British electronic music in recent history. With Actress and Bonobo among those on the label, Ninja Tune has built up a fantastic track record and an incredible roster over the years, and has also branched out into vocal driven music by artists like Kelis as well.
With sister label Big Dada putting out killer hip-hop and grime, too, Ninja Tune has built an empire during their 25-plus years in the game.
Year founded:
Notable artists/releases: 2814, DJ Alina, WosX
Perhaps one of the coolest labels on all of Bandcamp, Dream Catalogue continues to impress. With a defined aesthetic that borrows as much from atmospheric anime as it does cyberpunk, the London-based net-label always kills it. Whether it’s the weird, aggressive sounds of hardvapour, or the glistening, rain-soaked cityscapes of the landmark 2814 album Birth of a New Day (新しい日の誕生), Dream Catalogue’s bandcamp is one of the nicest places on the internet to get lost in.
Year founded:
Notable artists/releases: Yung Lean, Nadia Tehran, Gud
While YEAR0001 was initially only putting out releases by Yung Lean and his associates in Gravity Boys, the label has since expanded to put out some excellent debuts and oddities. From the austere work of Viagra Boys to the audacious debut from Nadia Tehran, the label is quickly making a name for itself as one of the most daring Swedish labels around.
Year founded: 2013
Notable artists/releases: THEY., Gallant, ZHU
Los Angeles-based label Mind of a Genius is built for the modern age of music, but they're not catering to the fast-food approach of quantity over quality. Founded in 2013 by David Dann, the label has picked up only five artists: ZHU, Gallant, THEY., Klangstoff, and Kwaye. With each act, they're thoughtful and deliberate with the strategy and focused more on long-term development than quick hits.
Instead of capitalizing off viral success or a single moment, MOAG has worked to identify artists they feel can make a meaningful impact and a powerful connection with their audience. In the words of Vice President of the company, Azad Naficy, “It’s more about impact and giving the youth the same experience that we had. I want that 13-year-old kid to feel the same way the first time I heard Nas, or Sade, or Pac. They deserve that.”
Year founded: 2009
Notable artists/releases: Popcaan, Palmistry, Murlo
With a focus on dancehall of both the vocal and the instrumental variety, Mixpak is one of the key forces behind the genre’s growing popularity in America. One of their crowning achievements is Popcaan’s formidable debut album Where We Come From, but there’s a lot more going on, too. A few recent highlights have been the stunning Club Coil EP from Murlo and Palmistry’s captivating Pagan. They might not be the most prolific indie label, but they’re undoubtedly one of the best.
Year founded: 1996
Notable artists/releases: Bon Iver, Angel Olsen, Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Founder Darius Van Arman started Jagjaguwar in 1996 to release an album by his band The Curious Digit, and from those humble beginnings, an indie rock powerhouse was born. By 1999, Chris Swanson, one of the owners of the label Secretly Canadian, became a partner in Jagjaguwar, and the two labels remain closely connected to this day, working out of the same offices in Bloomington, Indiana. Jagjaguwar has an outstanding back catalog, including Daniel Johnston, Okkervil River, all three of Bon Iver's albums, but they are remaining current with new signings like Moses Sumney and Jamila Woods.
Year founded: 1980
Notable artists/releases: Grimes, Bon Iver, The National
Another Beggars Group (originally Beggars Banquet) affiliate, 4AD has been a staple for underground rock, first in the UK and eventually North America. With former acts such as Pixies, Bon Iver, Twin Shadow, and TV on the Radio, and Grimes, Future Islands, The National, and SOHN on their current roster, it’s clear that the label has an appreciation for innovative yet timeless sounds.
Fun fact: the label was originally named Axis Records, but once founders Io Watts-Russell and Peter Kent realized that Axis had already been taken, they had to scramble for a new name. Using a promotional flyer they had recently printed featuring a design that played on the idea of the year 1980 and the idea of progress (1980 FORWARD > 1980 FWD > 1984 AD > 4AD), 4AD was born.
Year founded: 1989
Notable artists/releases: Hudson Mohawke, Evian Christ, Aphex Twin, Boards of Canada
When it comes to electronic music, one would be remiss not to include Warp Records in the conversation. With a history of being the home to some of the most experimental acts in the game, including Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Death Grips, Hudson Mohawke, and many others, Warp Records’ influence extends well beyond its label’s independent status. In addition to setting up a number of subsidiaries, including Lex Records, Warp also launched a film company in 2004.
Many artists on Warp past and present are true game-changers, and with their expert curation, we doubt that will change any time soon.
Year founded: 1999
Notable artists/releases: Toro y Moi, Skylar Spence, Cloud Nothings
Washington D.C.’s Carpark Records has been a indie mainstay for a while now, responsible for launching the careers of Toro Y Moi, Dan Deacon, and Cloud Nothings. They support a very eclectic mix of artists, and have earned a reputation for high-quality music. From the obscure to the indie darlings, Carpark have a roster that would make some of the larger labels on this list blush. There’s always something on the horizon to look forward to when it comes to Carpark.
Year founded: 1993
Notable artists/releases: Blood Orange, Arctic Monkeys, Animal Collective
Since its humble beginnings—Jacqui Rice and Laurence Bell launched Domino Records in a South London bedroom—Domino has cemented itself as a staple of indie rock. It took some work to get there, evolving from a home for UK releases for US artists to an international powerhouse. Past releases include Neutral Milk Hotel, Elliott Smith, and Franz Ferdinand, and recent years have seen music from Blood Orange, Dirty Projectors, Hot Chip, and many more.
When it comes to indie rock, Domino is one of the most influential labels out there.
Year founded: 1993
Notable artists/releases: Stars of the Lid, Grouper, Tim Hecker
Everyone into ambient music has heard of Kranky, and those with even a passing interest in the genre have certainly heard some of the music they’ve put out. It’s definitely not the only thing they focus on, with a scattering of experimental rock releases from the likes of Deerhunter and Low, but there’s a reason they’re known for their ambient releases. Tim Hecker, Stars of the Lid, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor have all graced the label. Kranky have not only released some brilliant curiosities, but also some modern classics.
Year founded: 2010
Notable artists/releases: Deadboy, Jammz, D∆WN
There’s a bit of a theme emerging on this list when it comes to the U.K. and cutting-edge electronic music. Local Action might not as big as indie juggernauts like Warp, but with the quality of their releases, they definitely deserve to be right up there with the best, regardless of how long they've been around.
There’s a mix of ambient, outsider pop and exhilarating dance music on the label, and everything they put out deserves attention. There’s some very obtuse stuff like Yamaneko’s brilliant keygen-inspired release Project Nautilus, but also very immediate and accessible music, too. There’s something for every type of electronic music fan in their discography.
Year founded: 1999
Notable artists/releases: Sufjan Stevens, Julianna Barwick
Founded by Sufjan Stevens and his stepfather Lowell Brams, Asthmatic Kitty has grown beyond its origins to become more than just a home for Sufjan’s releases. While Sufjan’s awesome discography would be more than enough to warrant Asthmatic Kitty’s place on this list, the label goes above and beyond by releasing some stellar indie and folk music from the likes of Julianna Barwick and Angelo De Augustine.
Year founded: 2009
Notable artists/releases: Meishi Smile, LLLL
Despite being based in L.A., Zoom Lens is very much a worldwide label. Their roster confronts this ethos head-on, blurring the lines between experimental and pop music. Meishi Smile, LLLL, and more all tackle this divide and make it vanish with their sounds, as more extreme elements fade in and out among the colorful, obtuse pop aspirations. Releasing music from Japan, North America, and the Philippines, Zoom Lens is unique in erasing borders and uniting listeners.
Year founded: 2006
Notable artists/releases: FKA Twigs, The xx, SBTRKT, Sampha
Young Turks doesn’t have the largest roster in the world, but they definitely have some huge artists. With FKA Twigs, The xx, SBTRKT, Sampha, and more calling the label home, the London-based label certainly has set a high standard for itself. With their releases a little more spread-out, each project they put out feels like a big event in itself. From lesser-known talents like Koreless and NOLIFE to their heavy-hitters, the Young Turks name exudes quality.
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 with high expectations. Thankfully, they deliver when it comes to that description. The Los Angeles label has been putting out some of the most innovative club music around for over five years, and with Kelela's 2015 Cut For Me mixtape and Dawn Richard's Infrared EP, they showed how well their sound can work with contemporary R&B too.
This year label founder Kingdom released his immensely enjoyable debut album Tears in the Club, and Fade to Mind shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Year founded: 1996
Notable artists/releases: J Dilla, Dam-Funk, Madvillain (Madlib x MF DOOM)
As one of the most genre-varied independent labels on this list, Stones Throw is, as LA Weekly called it in 2016, an “eternally evolving experiment.” In addition to having acts like Dam-Funk, Madlib, and NxWorries on its roster, Stones Throw is most famously known for having released J Dilla’s legendary sophomore album Donuts. If you’re looking to understand just how influential the label is be sure to check out the 2014 documentary Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton, which looks at Stones Throw’s lasting impact on mainstream hip-hop.
Year founded: 2006
Notable artists/releases: Chromatics, Desire, Johnny Jewel
One of the beauties of independent labels is that niches can receive a home where they can thrive. There’s no better example of this than Italians Do It Better, a label focusing on a very particular strain of synth-pop, post-punk, and disco. For fans of vintage synth-led pop music, Italians Do It Better is the premier place to go. We’re still waiting on the arrival of the next Chromatics record, but the label has been putting out consistently great music in the meantime.
Year founded: 2007
Notable artists/releases: Zola Jesus, Lust For Youth, David Lynch
Born about a decade ago, Sacred Bones has grown to be one of those labels that’s easy to obsess over. With releases from Pharmakon, Lust for Youth, and even three directing legends with albums from John Carpenter, Jim Jarmusch, and David Lynch, Sacred Bones has an undeniable pedigree. A lot of their music tends to be experimental or on the more extreme side of things, but there’s no shortage of pop influences, either. Whatever it is they put it out, it’s guaranteed to be interesting.
Year founded: 2011
Notable artists/releases: GoldLink, Sango, Ta-ku
The special thing about Soulection is its emphasis on being a collective. In a 2014 interview with i-D, Soulection founder Andre Power emphasized how this closeness plays to their benefit. People, according to Power, are “really drawn to how [they] maneuver and work together as a family.” This cool, family business-feel hasn’t only attracted fans, but also some outstanding signees, like Ta-ku and Sango.
What sets Soulection apart most from other indie labels, though, is its radio component, now a Beats 1 Radio show. Just as the label features an eclectic mix of artists, so too do the mixes Soulection Radio shares each week. Tune in to Soulection Radio every Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. PST on Beats 1 via Apple Music.
Year founded: 2005
Notable artists/releases: Skepta, JME, Wiley
In many ways, Boy Better Know encompasses the idea of an indie label the most. After the dissolution of Meridian Crew—of which Skepta and JME were a part—and legal issues, the Adenuga brothers decided to launch their very own label. Thus was born Boy Better Know, which, since its founding in 2005, has established a signature aesthetic and developed an impressive roster, operating more as a crew or collective than a traditional label.
Beyond the short-lived Boy Better Know Mobile 3G network, the label has infiltrated the North American market thanks to its focus on putting out some of the best grime music from BBK’s two founders, as well as Wiley, Jammer, Frisco, Solo 45, and Shorty.
Year founded: 1986
Notable artists/releases: Fleet Foxes, Shabazz Palaces, Beach House, Nirvana
The legendary Sub Pop Records doesn’t need all that much of an introduction, considering its history with some of the most influential bands in music (Nirvana, for example). What started as a fanzine called Subterranean Pop and compilation tapes in the early 1980s would quickly gain traction in the Washington music scene and develop a reputation as a purveyor of good underground rock, thanks in no small part to founder Bruce Pavitt.
In an attempt to seek out and cultivate a “Seattle sound,” Sub Pop helped support and promote unknown bands like Soundgarden and Nirvana, putting the label—and the grunge genre—on the map. Sub Pop is now home to such acts as CLIPPING., Beach House, and Shabazz Palaces, and continues to focus on unearthing some of the best underground music.
Year founded: 1976
Notable artists/releases: Parquet Courts, Warpaint, The Strokes
The story of Rough Trade doesn’t begin with a record label. Instead, it was the name Geoff Travis’ record store in West London, which opened in 1976 and specialized in garage rock and reggae. The shop would later begin to record music after French punk band Métal Urbain asked Rough Trade to help promote their music, and the rest fell into place.
After the collapse of the Rough Trade distribution arm and its ultimate resurrection, the label would go on to release notable albums by The Strokes, Arcade Fire, and many more. Despite being over 40 years old, Rough Trade is still a go-to for innovative and quality independent music.
Year founded: 2004
Notable artists/releases: King Krule, Tobias Jesso Jr., Kelsey Lu
Founded in 2004 and now working as an imprint of Matador Records, New York-based label True Panther Sounds is responsible for some of the most unique sounds in the industry. The now-defunct San Francisco band Girls was True Panther’s first signing, and their debut album would go on to become one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2009.
Since then, True Panther Sounds has only grown stronger, and though Matador bought out TPS in 2009, the label hasn’t lost its drive to support 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.
Year founded: 2007
Notable artists/releases: Blue Daisy, Connie Constance, Rocks FOE
Established in 2007, Black Acre is devoted to discovering and curating new music. Consistently releasing compelling work by fascinating artists, it’s label founder Ian Merchant’s commitment to not compromising that sets the label apart.
“What I’m looking for is a feeling of discomfort,” Merchant says in a 2014 interview. “I hear so much great music that I can’t put out because there’s no risk in it. I’m looking for people that are 100% committed to their message, no compromise.” If you’re looking for avant-garde sounds that push the envelope, keep your eyes on Black Acre.
Year founded: 2012
Notable artists/releases: Lully, TALA, Klyne
Brixton, London-founded and based indie record label Aesop was launched in 2012, and originally aimed to share limited releases on 12-inch vinyl. With SOHN’s excellent The Wheel as the label’s inaugural release, Aesop proved itself to be a great platform for new artists.
TALA would join Aesop shortly thereafter, and the label helped develop her aesthetic and release two excellent EPs. While both SOHN and TALA eventually signed with major labels, it’s clear that Aesop helped pave their paths. Now, Aesop is working with the mysterious “electronic pop abstractionist” Lully, Dutch duo Klyne, and other electro-pop acts that are waiting to blow up.
Year founded: 2005
Notable artists/releases: Otenba kid
Tokyo-based Maltine Records has done a lot for pop-leaning dance music. Their releases are often bright and vivid, with no shortage of colorful sounds or visuals, and that’s exactly why it’s got the reputation it has. With Ryan Hemsworth among the label’s many fans, Maltine offers a distinctively Japanese take on dance music. The results are frequently stunning and joyful, always bound to bring a smile to listener’s faces.
Year founded: 2008
Notable artists/releases: The Last Artful, Dodgr, SiR, Knxwledge
Fresh Selects started as a blog in 2008, but evolved into a label in 2013 with the release of Mndsgn's Breatharian. Throughout its life, the label has consistently shared music with real soul and a human touch, spanning genres like hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, or a mix of all of the above. With artists like SiR, Knxwledge, and Mndsgn, going on to work with heavy hitters like Top Dawg Entertainment and Stones Throw, you know the right people are paying attention to Fresh Selects. You should do the same.
