Thread: Your favorite indie record label?

This is probably (certainly) a stupid question that almost no one will respond to, but what is you favorite indie label and why?

Personally, I'd have to choose SubPop records out of Seattle. Instrumental in the alternative scene of the late 80's and early 90's, the label is still putting out consistent music and introducing you to bands you would not have otherwise heard of. Best know for bringing the world bands like Nirvana, Mudhoney, and Soundgarden, the label is going strong to this day. Aside from the seminal aformentioned groups, some excellent artists/groups are currently signed or were signed to the label - Band of Horses, Blitzen Trapper, and Mark Lanegan (until 2001) are my personal favorites - and the SubPop roster also includes bands like The Shins, The Postal Service, Flight of the Conchordes, Sunny Day Real Estate etc.

Sub Pop Records

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvnHBcvbV0ghttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to_dIQOPNwkThe Shins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11Kr1-q-pA

I'm a little confused over the term "indie". It means independant, right? But it tends to be used to describe a particular style of music. Guitar oriented pop/rock with emphasis on vocal harmony?

It seems to me the term indi used to be used to describe a band that handled it's own production/ distribution, but now we are talking about indi labels?

Don't mean to pick nits or anything, but humor me with your definition of an indie label.

Maybe a label that keeps costs down by not spending a ton on production and marketing? One that does not cater to the mainstream? A way for bands with limited exposure to get recorded without spending a ton of dough?

Originally Posted by CGM

I'm a little confused over the term "indie". It means independant, right? But it tends to be used to describe a particular style of music. Guitar oriented pop/rock with emphasis on vocal harmony?

It seems to me the term indi used to be used to describe a band that handled it's own production/ distribution, but now we are talking about indi labels?

Don't mean to pick nits or anything, but humor me with your definition of an indie label.

Maybe a label that keeps costs down by not spending a ton on production and marketing? One that does not cater to the mainstream? A way for bands with limited exposure to get recorded without spending a ton of dough?

I HATE to use wikipedia as a source for anything, but this explains it pretty well: Independent record label - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Equal Vision Records

I like Equal Vision Records, they tend to have interesting stuff on their label.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQkYNXWXRzk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaiZOpvstq8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AORKzSacViw

second to that I like Saddle Creek records

Saddle Creek Records

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StEIc...eature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtxIJt2J7tg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eVef-ub44k

The HUT record lable for the "Verve"

Nice thread.

SubPop has to be up there, if only for its cultural relevance (back then at least). Also, some great music has come out of there, and then I didnt even know that Band of Horses (who I love) was on the label.

I do have a soft spot for Factory and Rough Trade , though.

Alternative Tentacles
DOA Lard Dead Kennedys all on one label,whats not to love?

Originally Posted by killersheep

Equal Vision Records

I like Equal Vision Records, they tend to have interesting stuff on their label.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQkYNXWXRzk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaiZOpvstq8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AORKzSacViw
second to that I like Saddle Creek records

Saddle Creek Records

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StEIc...eature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtxIJt2J7tg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eVef-ub44k

equal vision, saddle creek, drive-thru (used to be great) triple crown and..

TOOTH AND NAIL is a great label.. copeland and underoath.

I should have mentioned Nuclear Blast and Roadrunner as well. They've been putting out some nice metal for a while now. Any labels that have acts like Meshuggah or Soulfly are all right with me.

I don't know any so this threat doesn't apply to me. I just wanted to make that clear, so from here on out, I won't post in it again.

Originally Posted by Von Milash

I don't know any so this threat doesn't apply to me. I just wanted to make that clear, so from here on out, I won't post in it again.

Thanks for informing us.