It is a widely perceived fallacy that there are very few properly independent labels active in the contemporary music industry. Whilst it is true that many historic independent labels have become consumed by the four majors (EMI, Warner, Sony and Universal) over the past 25 years or so, numerous new independent labels have proliferated or emerged, developing an interesting, new, parallel domain of genuine indie artists. These artists have developed in a flourishing, partially underground indie scene, full of fragmentarily observed artists with half-known tunes, smaller but furiously passionate fan bases, and genuinely innovative, eclectic and curious sounds. This strong, literally independent scene often seems to exist autonomously to the major label industry, only sometimes selling artists to the majors, committing much of its energies instead to nurturing robust new talent in a genuinely considered way in relation to fans and artists. Whilst major labels struggle against the changes in the music industry, chastising music consumers and crippling artist creativity, these new indie labels forge a path of innovative musical sounds, free downloads, appreciative consumers and productive musicians, creating a positive yet commercial grassroots industry.
This burgeoning appeal and workability of the independent label approach is not just for small time artists; it is clearly also apparent in the recent chart triumphs of artists like Adele, who is signed to indie label XL. Therefore, in celebration of this renaissance for independent labels and independent artists, I have decided to write a series on some of the best independent labels around, discussing the ethos and history of the labels themselves, and revealing some of their successful up-and-coming artists. Vive la difference!
Independent Label Number 1: One Little Indian
London based One Little Indian rose from the ashes of former punk label Spiderleg Records. Formed by members of Flux of Pink Indians, the label quickly moved away from its punk roots, housing a variety of acts including The Sugarcubes and Sneaker Pimps, and in more recent times they have also managed to acquire artists like Bjork, and Paul McCartney’s back catalogue. The label do not have a niche genre that they select artists from (they currently have punk, indie, classical and electro artists on their roster), but they do pride themselves on choosing to work with new and unsung artists as much as possible, and in particular musicians that are creative, innovative and interesting within their chosen field.
There is a very hip, knowing vibe to One Little Indian and its artists. They have the up-and-coming, intelligent/creative vibe that is so enticing to the Hoxton cool kids, and their roster of acts are often prolifically apparent at key new music festivals such as The Great Escape and Offset. There is also an introspective subtly in One Little Indian’s releases that is especially evident in their promotional artwork. Album sleeves and promo posters are typically beautiful or classic, filled with soft-faced youngsters, amber lights and ironic clothing. It is all very Hipstermatic, and naturally cool.
In many ways One Little Indian is perpetuating an example of an older style of record label, in that they focus on nurturing and developing artist creativity as opposed to purely being a hit-making machine. They even offer multiple album deals, a very unusual occurrence in the industry today. They certainly give off a vibe of being very focused and concerned with musicians who value the power and importance of artistry, inspiration, and truly accomplished music, and allow them to realise that potential. Without notable pretentions, the label seems to be making a tangible attempt to regress to an often lost, pre-1985 golden age of music, where development and creative innovation still had an important place in the record production business.
http://www.indian.co.uk/
Key Label Artists:
The Computers
Originally from Exeter, this all-male four-piece have just released their debut album, This is The Computers. The album was recorded in four days live, directly to tape, without any overdubs or (ironically) computer involvement. Such recording techniques are not simple gimmickry however; it adds a fresh degree of urgency, and is a perfect example of OLI’s willingness to nurture legitimate creative ideas. The Computers make “punk & roll” – a curious mixture of hardcore punk vocals ala Black Flag and Circle Jerks mixed with bluesy rock & roll. This music is no psychobilly however – The Computers are beginning to experiment with a whole new hybrid genre.
http://thisisthecomputers.com/
Flats
Flats are an emerging east London group who subscribe to an ideal of belligerent music on material formats. Taking influence from old school monsters including Black Sabbath, Iggy Pop, ATV and The Fall, this foursome are trying to regain some of music’s nastiness, with their own brand of fast, heavy, nihilistic aggression. They have an antagonistic mentality, and with a dirty, lurching, snotty sound, these snarling, thundering punks have released a number of EPs and singles, typically restricted to vinyl, and have had a lot of buzz floating around them in the BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music camps.
http://www.myspace.com/flatsofcourse
Hauschka
Hauschka, real name Volker Bertelmann, is a pianist and composer from Dusseldorf, Germany, who is expanding classical music into fresh new territory. Fusing elements of house, techno, pop and industrial with orchestral elements, Hauschka is as much a sound artist as a composer, using gaffer tape, foil, ping pong balls and even vibrators placed strategically inside his piano to alter and warp its traditional timbres. This innovative post-classical artist has been active for six years, and in that time has released an impressive eight albums, five of which have been released on OLI’s subsidiary label FatCat.
http://www.hauschka-net.de/
My Jerusalem
Originating from New Orleans, Louisiana, this band collective is made up of members from The Polyphonic Spree and The Twilight Singers amongst others. With a succulent background of horns and strings, My Jerusalem create genre mixing, bittersweet alternative Americana, which switches from spiked scorn to chilled transcendence seamlessly. They released an EP, Without Feathers, in 2009 and an album, Love for Good in 2010 on OLI.
http://thisismyjerusalem.com/
Wild Palms
This London band create a very hip, very attractive style of electronic post-punk revival. With varied influences, from Captain Beefheart to Sonic Youth, Wild Palms’ subtle yet formidable depth has been nurtured by OLI, who have granted the band a three-album deal. Combined with the complete creative control granted by OLI, Wild Palms have been able to developed their music with a real degree of concentration, elegance and intricacy. Their debut album Until Spring was released in March.
http://wearewildpalms.com/
