List of record labels from Bristol
Encyclopedia
This is a list of notable record labels from, and associated with, the English city of Bristol
and its surrounding areas (including North Somerset
, Bath & North East Somerset, Western Wiltshire
, and South Gloucestershire
).
Bristol
Bristol is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007...
and its surrounding areas (including North Somerset
North Somerset
North Somerset is a unitary authority in England. Its area covers part of the ceremonial county of Somerset but it is administered independently of the non-metropolitan county. Its administrative headquarters is in the town hall in Weston-super-Mare....
, Bath & North East Somerset, Western Wiltshire
Wiltshire
Wiltshire is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers...
, and South Gloucestershire
South Gloucestershire
South Gloucestershire is a unitary district in the ceremonial county of Gloucestershire, in South West England.-History:The district was created in 1996, when the county of Avon was abolished, by the merger of former area of the districts of Kingswood and Northavon...
).
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- 3D RecordsRob FisherRob Fisher was a British keyboardist and songwriter from Cheltenham, England, who achieved chart success as a member of Naked Eyes, and later Climie Fisher...
: The own label of Bath band NeonRob FisherRob Fisher was a British keyboardist and songwriter from Cheltenham, England, who achieved chart success as a member of Naked Eyes, and later Climie Fisher...
. It issued their first single "Making Waves/Me I See You" in October 1980.
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- Amon Ra RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: Started in the 1970s, this is the classical label of parent Saydisc RecordsThe Village ThingThe Village Thing was an independent record label in the United Kingdom which published folk music, blues and acoustic music between 1970 and 1973, under the tag of "The Alternative Folk Label".-History:...
, based in Badminton, GloucestershireBadminton, GloucestershireBadminton, Gloucestershire, is a village in England famous for its horse trials, which take place in early May each year in the grounds of the Duke of Beaufort's residence, Badminton House...
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- Bicycle Records: Record label formed by Jane TaylorJane Taylor (musician)Jane Taylor is a Bristol-based guitarist, pianist, songwriter and vocalist. Jane won the UK and International Songwriting Competition in 2003 with her song "Blowing This Candle Out".-Early career:...
a Bristol-based guitarist, pianist, songwriter and vocalist. It is distributed by Pinnacle. Jane won the UK and International Songwriting Competition in 2003 with her song "Blowing This Candle Out".
- Bristol Archive Records: Subsidiary of Sugar Shack Records dedicated to re-releasing music from the Bristol music scene, mainly in downloadable format. It has a large catalogue of material that includes unreleased and live tracks from 1976 onwards.
- Bristol BeatBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: Released a cassette tape of Bristol Bands playing live at the Stonehouse.
- Bristol Recorder: Created as a combination magazine/record in 1980 as a spin off of Wavelength Records, it ran for 3 issues. It garnered publicity in NMENMEThe New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
and was able to showcase local bands like Electric GuitarsElectric GuitarsElectric Guitars were formed early in 1980 by Neil Davenport and Richard Hall who were both studying English at Bristol University. The band soon increased to a five-man line-up, with Andy Saunders , Matt Salt and Dick Truscott , they also later added two backing singers: Sara and Wendy...
, The X-Certs and Essential BopEssential BopEssential Bop were a Bristol based Post-Punk/Art band formed in early 1978 by Dave Robinson , with an initial line-up of Steve Bush , Mike Fewings , Simon Tyler , Nick Tufnell and Seng-gye Tombs Curtis...
, as well as Robert FrippRobert FrippRobert Fripp is an English guitarist, composer and record producer. He was ranked 42nd on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" and #47 on Gibson.com’s "Top 50 Guitarists of All Time". Among rock guitarists, Fripp is a master of crosspicking, a technique...
, The Thompson Twins and rare live tracks from Peter GabrielPeter GabrielPeter Brian Gabriel is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career...
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- Circus RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: Commercial label (distributed by Pinnacle) that in its short one year life (1981) produced 6 singles and a compilation LP.
- Clean Cut RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: See Bronnt Industries KapitalBronnt Industries KapitalBronnt Industries Kapital is a musical project from Bristol, England based around producer and multi-instrumentalist Guy Bartell. It has released three studio albums, Virtute et Industria, Häxan and Hard for Justice....
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- Children of the Revolution Records: More often known as COR, was a label specializing in punk, hardcore and thrash.
- Cup Of Tea Records: See Monk & CanatellaMonk & CanatellaMonk & Canatella is an indie/breakbeat musical group from Bristol, England, formed by Simon Russell and Jim Johnston in the mid-nineties. Their 1996 album on Cup Of Tea Records, Care in the Community, is a prime example of the trip-hop sound....
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- Disorder RecordsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
: The hardcore noise band DisorderDisorder (band)Disorder are a hardcore punk band that formed in the Bristol area of the United Kingdom in 1980, and has existed with varying line-ups to this day. Faithful to anarcho-punk ethics, Disorder are a band who aligned with politically-charged punk bands like Crass and Conflict.-History:Disorder formed...
launched their own label in 1981 with Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards, after Riot City RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
declined to sign them. Over a period of 3 years they released three 7" EP’s and one 12" EP, before moving on to local anarchist label Children Of The Revolution Records. A final 12” EP, The Singles Collection, was released in 1984.
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- Float RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: See Bronnt Industries KapitalBronnt Industries KapitalBronnt Industries Kapital is a musical project from Bristol, England based around producer and multi-instrumentalist Guy Bartell. It has released three studio albums, Virtute et Industria, Häxan and Hard for Justice....
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- Fried Egg RecordsFried Egg RecordsFried Egg Records was a record label set up in 1979 by Andy Leighton, administrator of the Bristol based Crystal Theatre. Its first release was by the Theatres anarchic “house band” Shoes For Industry...
: Founded in 1979 by Andy Leighton, administrator of the Bristol based Crystal Theatre. The initial release was a single by the Theatres band Shoes For Industry, and in its short lifespan it did produce records by several other notable Bristol groups: Art ObjectsArt Objects (band)Art Objects were a Bristol-based postpunk band who later evolved into the Blue Aeroplanes. Between 1978 and 1981 they released two singles and one album.Lineup:Gerard Langley: voiceJonathan J...
(later to metamorphose into The Blue AeroplanesThe Blue AeroplanesThe Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol, the mainstays of which: Gerard Langley, brother John Langley and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski originate from the earlier New Wave “Art band” Art Objects .-History:...
), Electric GuitarsElectric GuitarsElectric Guitars were formed early in 1980 by Neil Davenport and Richard Hall who were both studying English at Bristol University. The band soon increased to a five-man line-up, with Andy Saunders , Matt Salt and Dick Truscott , they also later added two backing singers: Sara and Wendy...
(later signed, then dumped, by Stiff RecordsStiff RecordsStiff Records is a record label created in London in 1976, by entrepreneurs Dave Robinson and Andrew Jakeman , and active until 1985. It was reactivated in 2007....
), The Fans (apparently still gigging in Japan), The StingraysThe StingraysThe Stingrays are a New Wave/Rockabilly band, which originally formed in 1977 in Bristol, England, and is still gigging today. ....
(now gigging out of WalesWalesWales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
) and Various Artists (who were also part of Art Objects).
- FSA RecordsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
: Set up in 1992 by Heartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
for the recently formed Bristol band Flying Saucer AttackFlying Saucer AttackFlying Saucer Attack was an experimental space rock band that formed in Bristol, England in 1992. David Pearce was the core member of the group, and Rachel Brook was a member for most of the band's lifetime....
. Their first single in 1992 had several limited editions, each with part home made sleeves of differing designs. The first album in 1993 was self-titled, but is sometimes referred to as "Rural Psychedelia". After their third single in 1994 the band joined Domino Records, however, in 1999 they returned to FSA Records issuing the LP "Mirror", before finally disbanding.
- Full Cycle RecordingsFull Cycle RecordingsFull Cycle Recordings was a record label based in Bristol, England specialising in drum and bass. The label was a sister label of V Recordings and is owned and run by Daniel Kausman , Paul Southey , Keith Thompson and Ryan Williams...
: Set up in 1993 and run by Daniel Kausman (DJ DieDJ DieDJ Die , is a British music producer and DJ. He was a founder of drum and bass label Full Cycle Recordings and a member of acts Reprazent and Breakbeat Era....
), Paul Southey (DJ Suv), Keith Thompson (DJ KrustKrustKrust or DJ Krust is an English drum and bass producer and DJ who is part of the Bristol based Reprazent collective, as well as releasing his own solo material such as "Burnin" which was released on Kickin Records.Krust was interested in hip hop, acid house and rave music as a youth, and was a...
) and Ryan Williams (Roni SizeRoni SizeRoni Size is a British record producer and DJ, who came to prominence in 1997 as the founder and leader of Reprazent, a drum and bass collective...
) since 1993, they specialize in drum and bass.
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- Glasstone RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: See EvitaEvita (band)-History:Evita started off with Aaron [Beider, vocals] and Jack [Sims, former guitarist] messing around making some acoustic songs back in August, 2006...
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- Green Goat Productions: Taking its name from the Green Goat Café (an old family business) the label currently produces material by Steve BushSteve BushSteve Bush is a former tight end and fullback in the NFL. He went to Arizona State University....
(ex-Essential BopEssential BopEssential Bop were a Bristol based Post-Punk/Art band formed in early 1978 by Dave Robinson , with an initial line-up of Steve Bush , Mike Fewings , Simon Tyler , Nick Tufnell and Seng-gye Tombs Curtis...
) and Fran Fey.
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- Heartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
: Is the parent of Heartbeat Records, Riot City RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
, Disorder RecordsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
, FSA RecordsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
and Trash City RecordsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
. Initially Simon Edwards set up Heartbeat Records in 1978, however over time subsidiary labels were added to cater for different musical styles and bands, all the labels are now grouped under Heartbeat Productions.
- Heartbeat Records: Started in 1978 as a partnership of local musician Simon Edwards and Tony Dodd of Tony’s Record Shop. Simon Edwards recorded and produced the first single, “I don’t want my heart to rule my head” by Social Security, after which Tony Dodd decided to concentrate on his shop and Simon Edwards took over sole control. The labels’ third release was the 12” EP, “This Is Your Life”, from the influential Glaxo BabiesGlaxo BabiesGlaxo Babies were a Bristol-based UK post-punk group, formed in late 1977. There were three distinct phases in the bands life and after initially breaking up in 1980, they reformed in 1985, only to finally break-up again in 1990.-First phase:...
. A number of other singles were released, however in order to accommodate the large number of bands around at the time they brought out the seminal "Avon CallingAvon CallingAvon Calling is an album of tracks featuring bands from Bristol, UK, on local record label Heartbeat Records, and was originally released in 1979...
" - The Bristol Compilation LP. Four further LPs were released: 2 by the Glaxo Babies, The TransmittersThe Transmitters (band)The Transmitters were a British alternative rock band active during the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s. Mixing elements of punk, jazz and psychedelia, the band were critical favourites throughout their lifetime and played support slots for a wide variety of underground and mainstream bands,...
and Art ObjectsArt Objects (band)Art Objects were a Bristol-based postpunk band who later evolved into the Blue Aeroplanes. Between 1978 and 1981 they released two singles and one album.Lineup:Gerard Langley: voiceJonathan J...
(later to form the nucleus of The Blue AeroplanesThe Blue AeroplanesThe Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol, the mainstays of which: Gerard Langley, brother John Langley and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski originate from the earlier New Wave “Art band” Art Objects .-History:...
) before the label became inactive in 1984. It was revived with the 1997 album release of a 1967 radio recording by American 60's psych band The Electric PrunesThe Electric PrunesThe Electric Prunes are an American rock band who first achieved international attention as an experimental psychedelic group in the late 1960s. Their song "Kyrie Eleison" was featured on the soundtrack of Easy Rider...
. Cherry RedCherry RedCherry Red is a London-based independent record label formed in 1978.-History:Cherry Red grew from the rock promotion company founded in 1971 to promote rock concerts at the Malvern Winter Gardens...
in recent years has repackaged tracks and albums from the Heartbeat back catalogue, including previously unreleased songs from the Glaxo BabiesGlaxo BabiesGlaxo Babies were a Bristol-based UK post-punk group, formed in late 1977. There were three distinct phases in the bands life and after initially breaking up in 1980, they reformed in 1985, only to finally break-up again in 1990.-First phase:...
, Art ObjectsArt Objects (band)Art Objects were a Bristol-based postpunk band who later evolved into the Blue Aeroplanes. Between 1978 and 1981 they released two singles and one album.Lineup:Gerard Langley: voiceJonathan J...
and The X-Certs.
- Hope RecordingsHope RecordingsHope Recordings, established in 1998 by Leon Alexander and Steve Satterthwaite, is a Bristol, UK based record label.The label is run by Leon Alexander, with English house music DJ and record producer Nick Warren in control of its A&R. It is home to progressive house and breaks artists such as...
: Started in 1998 by Leon Alexander and Steve Satterthwaite, the label is run by Leon Alexander, with DJ and record producer Nick WarrenNick WarrenNick Warren is an English house DJ and producer. He is well-known for his eight albums released in the Global Underground series and as a member of the duo Way Out West...
head of A&R. Its progressive house and breaks artists include: Starecase, Jaytech, Matt Rowan, and Parallel Sound.
- Household Records: Own label of The ChesterfieldsThe ChesterfieldsThe Chesterfields were an English indie pop band from Yeovil in Somerset. Hardcore fans tended to refer to them as 'The Chesterf!elds', with an exclamation mark replacing the 'i', following the example of the band's logo....
on which they released 3 singles and an album, before the band split in 1989.
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- Label7: An Electronic Music label that has released tracks from live breaks & techno dance act Bosch Stacey.
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- Monopause RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: This was Essential BopEssential BopEssential Bop were a Bristol based Post-Punk/Art band formed in early 1978 by Dave Robinson , with an initial line-up of Steve Bush , Mike Fewings , Simon Tyler , Nick Tufnell and Seng-gye Tombs Curtis...
s own record label. There were two releases, both in resealable plastic bags, with folded picture sleeves and lyrics printed inside: Eloquent Sounds (Moan 1001, 1980, 7” EP) and Croaked/Butler (Moan 1002, 1981, 7” single). Distributed by Bristols’ Revolver Records.
- More Rockers: Label set up by Smith & MightySmith & MightySmith & Mighty are a Drum and bass/Trip hop group from Bristol, consisting of Rob Smith and Ray Mighty. Their first releases, in the late 1980s, were breakbeat covers of "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "Walk on By"...
, which released their 1995 album Bass Is MaternalBass Is MaternalBass Is Maternal is an album by the Bristol-based group Smith & Mighty, originally released on More Rockers in 1995.-Track listing:#Hold On [Strange Mix] - 3:15#Jungle Man Corner - 4:20#Closer - 5:07#Walking - 4:09#Evolve - 4:36#Drowning - 3:43...
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- New Bristol RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: In 1977 Miles CopelandMiles Copeland IIIMiles Axe Copeland III is an American entertainment executive, best known for founding I.R.S. Records. His brother, Stewart Copeland, was part of the pop-rock trio The Police, which Miles managed...
helped set up a number of labels to ride the current Punk/New Wave. Bristols’ The CortinasThe Cortinas (punk band)The Cortinas were a 1970s Bristol-based punk rock band. Guitarist Nick Sheppard went on to play with The Clash. In 2001, the band’s debut single, "Fascist Dictator" , was included in a leading British music magazine’s list of the best punk-rock singles of all-time.-Biography:Named after a car, the...
had already signed to his Step Forward Records and New Bristol was another of the labels he set up. The label appears to have had only 2 releases, by The Pigs in 1977 and Gardez Darkx in 1978.
- Not Very Nice RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
: Initially a subsidiary of Riot City RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
, the first release was the 1985 spoof NOW! album, "NOW! That’s What I Call A Fuckin' Racket (Vol 1)" (GRR 1), by Chaotic DischordChaotic DischordChaotic Dischord were a punk rock band from Bristol, England, formed by members of Vice Squad and their road crew in 1981. The band also recorded a one-off EP under the name Sex Aids.-History:...
. Chaotic Dischord went on to release 2 other albums on the label.
- NP Records: Independent family run label that has released a 4 track EP by Manchester quartet, Coraline.
- Nubian RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: See Black RootsBlack Roots (band)Black Roots were a roots reggae band from the St. Paul's area of Bristol, England formed in 1979. They released several albums before splitting up in 1990.-History:...
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- Party RecordsThe Blue AeroplanesThe Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol, the mainstays of which: Gerard Langley, brother John Langley and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski originate from the earlier New Wave “Art band” Art Objects .-History:...
: Released The Blue AeroplanesThe Blue AeroplanesThe Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol, the mainstays of which: Gerard Langley, brother John Langley and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski originate from the earlier New Wave “Art band” Art Objects .-History:...
first album Bop Art in 1984, distributed by the CartelThe Cartel (record distributor)The Cartel, usually known as the Cartel without capitalisation but with the definite article, was a co-operative record distribution organisation in the United Kingdom, set up by a number of small independent record labels to handle their distribution to record shops...
. - Pop God released some absolutely wonderful records by the Moonflowers, Me and Praise Space Electric, amongst others.
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- Recreational RecordsRecreational RecordsRecreational Records was a British record label set up in 1981 by the Bristol record shop and distributor Revolver Records. Originally formed as an independent record label with its own distribution as part of the Cartel.-Revolver Records and the Cartel:...
: The label was started in 1981 by the Bristol record shop and distributor Revolver Records, with its own distribution as part of the CartelThe Cartel (record distributor)The Cartel, usually known as the Cartel without capitalisation but with the definite article, was a co-operative record distribution organisation in the United Kingdom, set up by a number of small independent record labels to handle their distribution to record shops...
. Amongst their artists were, Talisman a multi-racial Reggae Band who provided the labels second single and first UK Indie ChartUK Indie ChartThe UK Independent Chart or Indie Chart is a chart of the best-selling independent record releases in the UK.- History :In the wake of punk, small record labels began to spring up, as an outlet for artists that were unwilling to sign contracts with major record companies, or were not considered...
hit (#17). Dole Age also became Single of the Week and the 1981 Record Sleeve of the Year in the NMENMEThe New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
. Nine singles were released in total, including "Work/Don’t Wake The Baby" by Electric GuitarsElectric GuitarsElectric Guitars were formed early in 1980 by Neil Davenport and Richard Hall who were both studying English at Bristol University. The band soon increased to a five-man line-up, with Andy Saunders , Matt Salt and Dick Truscott , they also later added two backing singers: Sara and Wendy...
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- Resurrection Records: Short-lived label that released the first single by punk band Lunatic Fringe in 1981.
- Riot City RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
: Set up in 1980 by Simon Edwards of Heartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice SquadVice SquadVice Squad is a punk band formed in 1978 in Bristol, England. The band formed from two other local punk bands, The Contingent and TV Brakes. Songwriter and vocalist Beki Bondage was a founding member and is currently with the band, although there was a period of time when the band had a different...
, and distributed by the CartelThe Cartel (record distributor)The Cartel, usually known as the Cartel without capitalisation but with the definite article, was a co-operative record distribution organisation in the United Kingdom, set up by a number of small independent record labels to handle their distribution to record shops...
. Vice Squad's Last Rockers EP was Riot City's first release and Indie Hit, selling 22,000 copies. In its relative short lifespan the label had over 40 releases, selling nearly 250,000 records and was one of the prominent exponents of British punk music, regularly having hits in the UK Indie ChartUK Indie ChartThe UK Independent Chart or Indie Chart is a chart of the best-selling independent record releases in the UK.- History :In the wake of punk, small record labels began to spring up, as an outlet for artists that were unwilling to sign contracts with major record companies, or were not considered...
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- Riot State RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
: Subsidiary of Riot City RecordsRiot City RecordsRiot City was a British record label based in Bristol, active between 1980 and 1988, and run by Heartbeat Records boss Simon Edwards along with Dave Bateman and Shane Baldwin from the band Vice Squad...
that in 1982 released an American punk compilation album, "Hell comes to your House" (Reagan 1), licensed from Bemisbrain Records USA.
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- Sarah RecordsSarah RecordsSarah Records was a UK independent record label active between 1987 and 1995, best known for its recordings of indie pop.The label was formed in Bristol in 1987 by Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes, and grew out of the fanzine scene at the time, Haynes having previously edited Are You Scared To Get...
: Formed by Clare Wadd and Matt Haynes and active between 1987 and 1995, it is best known for its recordings of twee pop. Haynes subsequently established Shinkansen Recordings in London, where many Sarah artists went on to record.
- Saydisc RecordsThe Village ThingThe Village Thing was an independent record label in the United Kingdom which published folk music, blues and acoustic music between 1970 and 1973, under the tag of "The Alternative Folk Label".-History:...
: Parent label of Amon Ra Records and The Village ThingThe Village ThingThe Village Thing was an independent record label in the United Kingdom which published folk music, blues and acoustic music between 1970 and 1973, under the tag of "The Alternative Folk Label".-History:...
. Founded in 1965, and based in Badminton, GloucestershireBadminton, GloucestershireBadminton, Gloucestershire, is a village in England famous for its horse trials, which take place in early May each year in the grounds of the Duke of Beaufort's residence, Badminton House...
, it has diverse releases; from Traditional, World, Period, Exotic and Unusual recordings, through to Dialect, Folk and Meditative. Saydisc and Village Thing are featured in two books by Bristolian author, Mark Jones:- Bristol Folk provides a discographical history of many of the artists that recorded for Saydisc and Village Thing and also includes a partial history of the labels.
- The Saydisc & Village Thing Discography includes the most comprehensive available discographies for Saydisc, Amon Ra, Village Thing and other related labels, such as Matchbox and Matchbox Bluesmaster. The book includes pictures of all available sleeves plus all known label designs and it is rounded off with a history of Saydisc and Village Thing.
- Sheep WorryingBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: Bridgewater based magazine and record label.
- Shoc Wave RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: Based in Easton, Bristol, and run by Gene Walsh. It specialized in Dominican music and Jamaican reggae bands such as Joshua Moses and Buggs Durrant, but also released records from a variety of other genres including Dub, Disco and Ska. In 1980 they released the single “I Was Wrong / Stuck in a Boat” (SRP0007) by The Rimshots, five middle class white kids from Bristols’ northern suburbs playing 2-Tone styled ska.
- Silent Age RecordsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: See GravenhurstGravenhurst (band)Gravenhurst is a vehicle for the music of the singer-songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist, Nick Talbot, who lives in Bristol, England and is signed to Warp Records.-History:...
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- Sink and Stove RecordsSink and Stove RecordsSink and Stove Records is a record label. Set-up in 2000 to fill a void in the local area, Sink and Stove Records has quickly established itself as a main player in the UK’s independent and alternative scenes, despite its provincial base.-Early years:...
: Set up by Benjamin Shillabeer and Stuart Bell in 1998 to release their own conceptual album ‘The Fall Project’ followed by a compilation of tracks by bands/musicians they knew. A number of the bands who originally released albums on S&S later re-released material on other labels, including: ChikinkiChikinki-History:The band formed at Hiatt Baker Hall at the University of Bristol in 1996/1997. Originally there were six members: Rupert Browne , Ed East , Steve Bond , Simon Exton , Luke Sherwood and Trevor Wensley...
and GravenhurstGravenhurst (band)Gravenhurst is a vehicle for the music of the singer-songwriter, record producer and multi-instrumentalist, Nick Talbot, who lives in Bristol, England and is signed to Warp Records.-History:...
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- smallPRINT Records: Label set up by Tim Kirby that specializes in edgy hip hop, folk, electronica, musique concrete, leftfield, and avant rock.
- The Subway OrganizationThe Subway OrganizationThe Subway Organization was an independent music label founded in 1985 in Bristol, by Martin Whitehead.-Indie Pop and C86:The label was associated with the Indie Pop movement and the seminal NME cassette tape C86, that included the track It's Up To You by the Shop Assistants, from the label's first...
: Founded in 1985 by Martin Whitehead of The FlatmatesThe FlatmatesThe Flatmates, part of the mid 1980s British indie pop boom, were part of The Subway Organization, a Bristol record label formed by Martin Whitehead, who was also guitarist and main songwriter for the band....
. The label was associated with the Indie PopIndie popIndie pop is a genre of alternative rock music that originated in the United Kingdom in the mid 1980s, with its roots in the Scottish post-punk bands on the Postcard Records label in the early '80s, such as Orange Juice, Josef K and Aztec Camera, and the dominant UK independent band of the mid...
movement and the seminal NMENMEThe New Musical Express is a popular music publication in the United Kingdom, published weekly since March 1952. It started as a music newspaper, and gradually moved toward a magazine format during the 1980s, changing from newsprint in 1998. It was the first British paper to include a singles...
cassette tape C86C86 (music)C86 is a cassette compilation released by the British music magazine NME in 1986, featuring new bands licensed from independent labels of the time. As a phrase, C86 quickly evolved into shorthand for a guitar-based musical genre characterised by "jangly" guitars and fey melodies, although other...
, that included the track It's Up To You by the Shop Assistants, from the labels first release. Other artists included: The ChesterfieldsThe ChesterfieldsThe Chesterfields were an English indie pop band from Yeovil in Somerset. Hardcore fans tended to refer to them as 'The Chesterf!elds', with an exclamation mark replacing the 'i', following the example of the band's logo....
, Pop Will Eat ItselfPop Will Eat ItselfPop Will Eat Itself are an English alternative rock band, originally formed in Stourbridge in 1986, with members from Birmingham, Coventry and the Black Country. Initially known as a Grebo act, their style changed to incorporate sample driven indie and industrial rock...
, RazorcutsRazorcutsRazorcuts were an indie pop band formed in 1984 in London. The group centred around Gregory Webster and Tim Vass , with various musicians including Peter Momtchiloff of Heavenly. Early releases on the Subway Organisation label, including the debut Big Pink Cake led to a deal with Creation Records...
and The Soup DragonsThe Soup DragonsThe Soup Dragons were a Scottish alternative rock band of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Named after a character in the 1970s children's television show Clangers, the group is best known for its cover of the Rolling Stones' song "I'm Free."-History:...
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- Sugar Shack Records: Set up in 1985 by Mike Darby, a veteran of the Bristol Music Scene. Rock influenced label with releases by Redefine, Left Side BrainLeft Side BrainLeft Side Brain are an English-Welsh rock band from Bristol, England, who have released 3 albums on Bristol-based independent label Sugar Shack Records...
and MidasunoMidasunoMidasuno were a Welsh four-piece alternative rock band from South Wales. The band toured the United Kingdom extensively and recorded an exclusive single, mini album, EP and full length album...
, Its subsidiary label Bristol Archive Records is dedicated to re-releasing music and unreleased material from the Bristol area, mainly in downloadable format.
- Swarf Finger Records: Bristol based label that has released recordings by CrescentCrescent (band)Crescent are an alternative music band from Bristol, England, formed in the early 1990s by Matt Jones , Chris Locke and Jasper Larsen . Currently, the two principal members are brothers Matt Jones and Sam Jones...
, Experimental Pop BandThe Brilliant CornersThe Brilliant Corners, a British indie pop band from Bristol, England, recorded throughout the 1980s and into the early 1990s. The group formed in 1983, taking their name from a Thelonious Monk jazz album. The line-up included Davey Woodward The Brilliant Corners, a British indie pop band from...
and The Blue AeroplanesThe Blue AeroplanesThe Blue Aeroplanes are an English rock band from Bristol, the mainstays of which: Gerard Langley, brother John Langley and dancer Wojtek Dmochowski originate from the earlier New Wave “Art band” Art Objects .-History:...
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- Three Stripe Records: Released the ‘Stepper's Delight’ (1992) and ‘Remember Me’ EPs by Smith & MightySmith & MightySmith & Mighty are a Drum and bass/Trip hop group from Bristol, consisting of Rob Smith and Ray Mighty. Their first releases, in the late 1980s, were breakbeat covers of "Anyone Who Had a Heart" and "Walk on By"...
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- Trash City RecordsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
: Trash City was primarily set up by Heartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat ProductionsHeartbeat Productions is the parent company of a number of record labels originating from Bristol, England. Heartbeat Records was formed in 1978, and other labels have been added over the years to cater for specific niche markets or bands: Riot City Records in 1980, Disorder Records in 1981, FSA...
in 1994 to issue 7" singles by US garage bands. It only released one record in its first year and in wasn’t until 1996 and the signing of UK band Headcase, that the label issued another record. Three more singles and two albums were to eventually follow.
- Tribe RecordingsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
: See Danny ByrdDanny ByrdDanny Byrd is a drum and bass DJ, producer and musician from Bath in the South West of England. He is influenced by house, UK garage, R&B and the Old Skool Rave / Jungle Techno sound and releases his music primarily on Hospital Records, the UK based, independent dance music label.-History:Danny...
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- The Village ThingThe Village ThingThe Village Thing was an independent record label in the United Kingdom which published folk music, blues and acoustic music between 1970 and 1973, under the tag of "The Alternative Folk Label".-History:...
: Folk music subsidiary of SaydiscBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
that operated between 1970 and 1973. Records were pressed in relatively small numbers, although “The Folker” by Fred WedlockFred WedlockFred Wedlock was a folk singer best known for his UK hit single "The Oldest Swinger In Town". Wedlock performed at many venues in Britain and Europe, presented programmes for West Country TV and acted with the Bristol Old Vic and the Ministry of Entertainment, as well as undertaking after-dinner...
did go onto sell around 20,000 copies.
- Volatile Records: Own label of Post Punk/Goth band The EscapeThe Escape (band)The Escape were a post-punk-goth band from Bristol, formed in 1981 by Alan Griffiths and Emil from Apartment with bassist Stuart Morgan....
, releasing one single in 1982 "NoGo/I'll Pretend To Kill You", before signing with PhonogramPhonogram RecordsPhonogram Records was started in 1962 as a joint venture between Philips Records and Deutsche Grammophon. In 1972, Phonogram was merged with Polydor Records into PolyGram....
/Mercury RecordsMercury RecordsMercury Records is a record label operating as a standalone company in the UK and as part of the Island Def Jam Motown Music Group in the US; both are subsidiaries of Universal Music Group. There is also a Mercury Records in Australia, which is a local artist and repertoire division of Universal...
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- Wavelength Records: Released four singles by The Spics, Gardez Darkx, Joe Public and Colortapes before reinventing itself in 1980 as a combination magazine/record called the Bristol Recorder, which ran for 3 issues.
- The Western Star Recording Company: Specialising in Rockabilly, Psychobilly and 50's/60's Britpop-styled music, it has been owned and run by record producer and musician Alan Wilson since 2003.
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- Y RecordsY RecordsY Records was an independent record label set up in 1980 by Dick O’Dell in the United Kingdom, and distributed by Rough Trade.-History:Artists included The Slits, Shriekback and a number of groups that were associated with the Bristol Indie Bands from the late 1970s: The Pop Group, Glaxo Babies,...
: Set up in 1980 by Dick O’Dell and distributed by Rough TradeRough Trade RecordsRough Trade Records is an independent record label based in London. It was formed in 1978 by Geoff Travis who had opened a record store off Ladbroke Grove...
. Although not a Bristol based label, it did release a significant number of records by bands from the Bristol area, including: The Pop GroupThe Pop GroupThe Pop Group are a British post-punk band from Bristol, England, formed in 1978, whose dissonant sound spanned punk, free jazz, funk and dub reggae. Their lyrics were often political in nature...
, Glaxo BabiesGlaxo BabiesGlaxo Babies were a Bristol-based UK post-punk group, formed in late 1977. There were three distinct phases in the bands life and after initially breaking up in 1980, they reformed in 1985, only to finally break-up again in 1990.-First phase:...
, Maximum JoyMaximum JoyMaximum Joy were a post-punk band from Bristol, England.When the Glaxo Babies split in 1979, Tony Wrafter formed Maximum Joy with Janine Rainforth , and they were later joined by Dan Catsis and Charlie Llewellin , and John Waddington...
and PigbagPigbag-Origin and formation:Pigbag were formed in Cheltenham in late 1980 by Chris Hamlin, a fashion student at Cheltenham Art College. Hamlin recruited multi-instrumentalist Roger Freeman, an old friend from his hometown of Birmingham, along with Chris Lee on trumpet and James Johnstone, a guitarist,...
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See also
- Bristol Record LabelsBristol record labelsThe city of Bristol, in England, has since the mid 1970’s had a particularly fertile music culture, resulting in not only a great many influential musicians and bands, but also its own sound; Bristol Sound or Trip Hop. Along with the music scene, a number of local record labels also developed, some...
- List of independent UK record labels
- List of record labels
- List of Bands from Bristol
- Culture of BristolCulture of BristolBristol is a city in South West England. As the largest city in the region it is a centre for the arts and sport. The region has a distinct West Country dialect.-Events:...