Brainfeeder by Flying Lotus has long been known to showcase innovative electronic artists. Over its history, this label has featured iconic names like Thundercat, Kamasi Washington and Shlohmo to form its unique aesthetic.
Rough Trade Records first rose to fame as part of the post-punk movement. Best known for signing Nirvana, this Seattle label became an icon of grunge music.
Asthmatic Kitty
Asthmatic Kitty Records boasts an array of talented musicians. Sufjan Stevens is perhaps its best-known member, having released six albums with great success since co-founding Asthmatic Kitty Records with Lowell Brams back in 1999. Since then, however, its roster has expanded greatly and more artists have joined its ranks; Asthmatic Kitty Records also released music videos under their auspices.
Asthmatic Kitty is located in Lander, Wyoming – a small town at the western edge of Wyoming known for its breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities. Additionally, Lander boasts several universities as well as a flourishing arts scene – with a population of over 5,000 residents.
Asthmatic Kitty Records was founded by Sufjan Stevens and Lowell Brams and has become an important component of American indie folk scene, featuring artists like My Brightest Diamond and Angelo De Augustine on its roster. Asthmatic Kitty Records features music videos by artists like The Curtains and Future Rapper. Furthermore, Asthmatic Kitty collaborates with other independent labels on various projects. Beyond being a record label, Asthmatic Kitty serves as both a performance venue and art space; its strong community connection enables it to support local artists as well as raise awareness for mental health issues while advocating progressive politics and social change.
Italians Do It Better
After Klaxons and Nu Rave made waves with their bright dayglo riot and Nu Rave’s relentless grind, an unconventional American label defied convention with their own brand of danceable dream pop: Italians Do It Better. Led by Ruth Radelet of Glass Candy and Chromatics respectively, this project launched two breakthrough artists – Glass Candy’s Italo disco/synth pop made its mark through tributes like its Italo disco style synth-pop that paid homage to both past era while reaching towards something modern; Italians Do It Better also produced dark atmospheric singles such as CHROMATICS’ ‘Tick Of The Clock’ by CHROMATICS and Desire’s ‘Under Your Spell’ which were featured as soundtrack tracks for Ryan Gosling’s 2011 film Drive as well as David Lynch’s 2017 return to ‘Twin Peaks’.
Johnny Jewel curates an international catalog of unique artists who form worlds all their own. Serving as creative director for many artists on his label, he writes and produces for them as needed to ensure an inviting ambience.
As listeners explore DLINA VOLNY’s post-punk track “One Night at Raw Deal”, and RAMXES’ sinister ‘Bibliotech Virus”, each track provides an immersive listening experience in their own world. While not exactly electro or no-wave, Italians Do It Better’s songs inhabit an in-between space between dusk and dawn where love and loss exist simultaneously.
Aesop Records
Aesop Rock is an award-winning rapper known for his complex wordplay and dense, abstract imagery. Hailing from New York, Aesop first gained prominence during the early 2000s as part of El-P’s Definitive Jux label. His music can often be described as dark, provocative and socially aware – it has even appeared in video games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, Underground 2, American Wasteland; furthermore his lyrics were included in both a New York Times best seller and Yale’s Anthology of Rap!
Labor Days was Aesop’s debut album released in 2001. Since then he had released Bazooka Tooth in 2003 and None Shall Pass in 2007. Each release showcased Aesop’s signature style of combining lyrical depth with distinctive production; discussing topics ranging from LSD trip experiences to having a nervous breakdown in his work.
Since 2012’s Skelethon album release, Aesop Rock has continued his collaborations with other artists. These have included working with Kimya Dawson of Anti-Folk music fame as well as Moldy Peaches of Rhymesayers labelmate Atmosphere as well as Hail Mary Mallon with DJ Big Wiz and Rob Sonic and other members from Rhymesayers labelmate Atmosphere; Hail Mary Mallon group formation was completed during his collaborations; numerous projects for Rhymesayers label releases; all this while creating his musical legacy continues. Aesop Rock remains an unparalleled force within hip hop music; his legacy endures.
Glassnote Records
Glassnote Records is a music recording company dedicated to nurturing and promoting an eclectic roster of musicians. Through digital and traditional platforms, the label connects its artists with audiences. Notable artists include Grammy-winning Phoenix, multi-platinum Mumford & Sons and Latin GRAMMY winner Childish Gambino as well as Secondhand Serenade, CHVRCHES, AURORA Mansionair Mosa Wild Daughter.
Daniel Glass established Glassnote Records in 2007 on the belief that talent is key to success and has prioritized finding and supporting promising new artists, providing them with a platform on which to perform live shows so their energy is captured on recorded albums. To symbolize his vision, Glassnote’s logo incorporates both music note and stage imagery within its logo mark.
Glassnote Records, located in New York City, NY, features alternative rock bands such as Phoenix and Alt-J. Additionally, Glassnote has released albums by non-rock artists like Lana Del Rey and Lorde. Furthermore, Glassnote provides other services, such as video production and promotion – in addition to producing and distributing music itself. Glassnote is part of AWAL (Audiovisual Asset Library), an independent music distribution and licensing platform featuring news updates, expert analyses, in-depth private company data, as well as much more.
Kill Rock Stars
Kill Rock Stars was established in 1991 to release spoken word recordings and music by friends in the Olympia scene. Through its roster of artists such as Bikini Kill, Bratmobile and Heavens to Betsy – which helped usher in Riot Grrrl worldwide – Kill Rock Stars has helped launch careers of musicians like Elliott Smith, Miranda July and Sleater-Kinney among many others.
Slim Moon was inspired to make Kill Rock Stars with help from K founder Calvin Johnson and subsequent members, such as Jad Fair. Unwound, Heavens to Betsy and Jad Fair were featured prominently – Unwound were especially well represented; Heavens to Betsy made several appearances; Beeswax by Nirvana would later feature prominently on Incesticide album in 1992.
Kill Rock Stars released some of the most influential alternative rock music during the late ’90s and early 2000s, while still supporting an array of musicians while remaining true to its roots.
The label has expanded beyond music into comedy as well, featuring comics like Cameron Esposito, W. Kamau Bell and Hari Kondabolu as well as musical artists like Big Joanie, Dreamachine, Logan Lynn Bitch MAITA TEKE:TEKE and Zannie.