Too Pure
Encyclopedia
Too Pure is a London-based independent record label
that was formed in 1990 by Richard Roberts and Paul Cox.
Faced with increasing money issues, 4AD
co-founder Ivo Watts-Russell
contributed a cash infusion by purchasing a third of the company. This enabled the label to continue, specifically to release the debut album from PJ Harvey
.
They discovered PJ Harvey
and Stereolab
, among many others. The label was briefly distributed in the US by American Recordings through Warner Bros. Records
during the 1990s.
Too Pure is affiliated closely with the Beggars Group
and from 1998 was run by Jason White, formerly of Foundry Records, following the departure of founder Richard Roberts.
On 7 July 2008, it was announced on its Web site that Too Pure "is no more" and that "the artists currently on those labels will be released through 4AD
," yet it will continue operating its Too Pure Singles Club.
Too Pure singles club had a bumper year in 2009 and signed bands including Pulled Apart by Horses
, Friendship, Bear Hands, and Tape the Radio. It is run primarily by Paul Riddlesworth.
Signings in 2010 include JEFF the Brotherhood
and Esben and the Witch.
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...
that was formed in 1990 by Richard Roberts and Paul Cox.
History
Too Pure started off as a small experimental label and had built their reputation by releasing primarily alternative/independent music which they felt was being ignored by the major labels. At its inception the label was largely occupied by the so-called Camden Lurch scene, through its 'Sausage Machine' night in North London (which it documented with its Now That's Disgusting Music (1990) compilation).Faced with increasing money issues, 4AD
4AD
4AD is a British independent record label that was started in 1979 by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, funded by Beggars Banquet Records, and is still active today...
co-founder Ivo Watts-Russell
Ivo Watts-Russell
Ivo Watts-Russell was joint-founder with Peter Kent of the English indie record label 4AD. He has also produced several records, himself preferring to use the term "musical director" to explain his role in the creation....
contributed a cash infusion by purchasing a third of the company. This enabled the label to continue, specifically to release the debut album from PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey
Polly Jean Harvey is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, and most recently, the autoharp.Harvey began her career in...
.
They discovered PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey
Polly Jean Harvey is an English musician, singer-songwriter, composer and occasional artist. Primarily known as a vocalist and guitarist, she is also proficient with a wide range of instruments including piano, organ, bass, saxophone, and most recently, the autoharp.Harvey began her career in...
and Stereolab
Stereolab
Stereolab are an alternative music band formed in 1990 in London, England. The band originally comprised songwriting team Tim Gane and Lætitia Sadier , both of whom remained at the helm across many lineup changes...
, among many others. The label was briefly distributed in the US by American Recordings through Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records
Warner Bros. Records Inc. is an American record label. It was the foundation label of the present-day Warner Music Group, and now operates as a wholly owned subsidiary of that corporation. It maintains a close relationship with its former parent, Warner Bros. Pictures, although the two companies...
during the 1990s.
Too Pure is affiliated closely with the Beggars Group
Beggars Group
Beggars Group is a British record company that owns or distributes several other labels, including 4AD, Rough Trade Records, Matador Records, and XL Recordings...
and from 1998 was run by Jason White, formerly of Foundry Records, following the departure of founder Richard Roberts.
On 7 July 2008, it was announced on its Web site that Too Pure "is no more" and that "the artists currently on those labels will be released through 4AD
4AD
4AD is a British independent record label that was started in 1979 by Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent, funded by Beggars Banquet Records, and is still active today...
," yet it will continue operating its Too Pure Singles Club.
Too Pure singles club had a bumper year in 2009 and signed bands including Pulled Apart by Horses
Pulled apart by horses
Pulled Apart by Horses are an alternative rock band from Leeds, England. They formed in late 2007, and released their debut self-titled album Pulled Apart By Horses on 21 June 2010.- Formation and debut release "Meat Balloon" :...
, Friendship, Bear Hands, and Tape the Radio. It is run primarily by Paul Riddlesworth.
Signings in 2010 include JEFF the Brotherhood
JEFF the Brotherhood
JEFF the Brotherhood is a two-piece rock band consisting of brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall, hailing form Nashville, Tennessee. Their style has been described by music writers as containing elements of psychedelic rock, garage rock, punk and pop...
and Esben and the Witch.
Artists
|
|
|
See also
- Too Pure - The Peel SessionsToo Pure - The Peel SessionsToo Pure – The Peel Sessions is a compilation CD and 10" vinyl LP released by Strange Fruit by arrangement with the indie label Too Pure in 1992, and featuring their three most up-and-coming bands at the time...
- List of record labels
- List of electronic music record labels
- List of independent UK record labels