By Jenna Dreisenstock
In order for a music scene to flourish, the need for committed and driven artists with unique styles and auditory personality is what builds the foundation for the love of these genres. However, it is imperative to remember that with this foundation we need to keep on building. If it weren’t for entrepreneurs combining their love for music with their business skills; we wouldn’t have the blooming scenes we have today. The dedication of those who create and run music labels is unprecedented, and need to be celebrated as an integral part of maintaining, growing and driving with forward momentum the music scenes and genres we love.
Here is a list of 10 labels that have provided us with some incredibly iconic releases, and continue to be integral parts in the booming of the electronic music industry:
Future Classic
An American independent music label founded in 2004 by Nathan McLay, Future Classic has brought us releases from the likes of acclaimed artists such as Flume, Shlomo, Toro Y Moi and SOPHIE to name a few. With ever dynamic sounds and artists standing out bold, Future Classic continues to grace us with new and exciting releases.
Ninja Tune
Founded by Matt Black and Jonathan More in 1990, Ninja Tune has released a myriad of undeniably groundbreaking titles. The independent English label has shared groundbreaking titles from artists such as Amon Tobin, Bonobo and many more. With almost two decades of experience behind them, Ninja Tune continue to impress listeners with each release.
Counter Records
A sublabel of Ninja Tune, but not one to be excluded from this list – Counter Records have brought us an array of experimental, ambient and deep house electronic releases. Sharing with us work by the likes of Giraffage, Chrome Sparks and ODESZA, Counter Records are always bringing us new auditory experiences.
Tresor Records
Taking its name from a Berlin techno club that was built underground after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Tresor Records was founded in 1991 by Dimitri Hegemann. A label focused on the most striking and electric techno releases, Tresor never fails to excite with an immersion in their techno vision: releasing titles such as those from Jeff Mills, Donato Dozzy and Objekt.
Planet Mu
Founded in 1995 and run by Mike Paradinas, independent English label Planet Mu have brought us eclectic and ever-expanding titles that keep us immersed. Working with the likes of Venetian Snares, µ-Ziq, and Machinedrum. Planet Mu keeps fans in anticipation with every release.
Brainfeeder
Founded by the multi-talented artist Flying Lotus in 2008, this American independent label has sprouted and bloomed to bring us some fantastic and dynamic sounds; with releases by artists such as Tokimonsta, Ross From Friends and Iglooghost, Brainfeeder is a gift that keeps on giving.
Warp Records
Associated with roots in experimental and bold IDM, Warp Records was founded in 1989 by Steve Beckett, Rob Mitchell and Robert Gordon. Warp Records have released some of electronic musics most iconic titles, such as work from Aphex Twin, Brian Eno, Oneohtrix Point Never and Death Grips. One of the most pioneering labels on this list, we continue to expect great releases.
Lucky Me
Founded in the UK by Hudson Mohawke, Mike Slott, Martyn Flyn and Dominic Sum Flannigan, Lucky Me is known for it’s immersion in collaborative visual arts and in our case forever new electronic music. Aside from working on various other spellbinding projects such as films and animations, Lucky Me has graced us with incredible releases by artists such as Lunice, Hudson Mohawke himself and Suicideyear.
Hyperdub
With the label being founded in 2004 by Steve Goodman (aka Kode9), this electronic label manages to keep us inspired and enthusiastic with each release; working with artists such as Burial, Zomby and Laurel Halo, Hyperdub embraces us with it’s ever enticing range of releases.
Trip (трип)
Founded by Russian techno-songstress Nina Kraviz, Trip (трип) is relatively knew, being founded in 2014. Known for exquisite collaborations, the label also features release by Bjarki, Roma Zuckerman and Nina Kraviz herself.
These are just a few of the labels that we admire for their dedication to bringing us the best and creating communities of music lovers. Without these labels, many of the amazing releases that have graced us today may have found themselves homeless.
