If it weren’t for certain smaller record labels, the music scene would look quite different than it does today. It is very possible that some of your favorite musicians would have gone undiscovered. That is why I decided that the record labels should get their time in the sun on Indie Muse. A “mother’s day” for record labels, if you will. “Wait a minute, I thought you hated record labels,” you say. Umm. Yes, that is mostly true. But I don’t hate all record labels. I like smaller labels, who treat their bands with respect, and are in the business mainly for the music. So this is how this is going to work. Every once in a while, I am going to give recognition to labels who have had an impact on the industry. This week is going to be Sub Pop week. I don’t know exactly what “Sub Pop week” will consist of yet, but I guess we’ll both see, if you stick around. I’ll still be posting music from other labels during this time:)

Sub Pop is my favorite record label, so it’s only right to make them the first record label featured. Do you guys have any favorite Sub Pop artists?

Sub Pop History “Cliff Notes” version:

In 1986, Bruce Pivitt and Jonathon Poneman started Sub Pop Records in Seattle, WA, after meeting each other in a mattress store and decided to jointly release the debut EP from Soundgarden, Screaming Life. At Sub Pop, they like to think of these as the “early years,” as during this time, the label was known for their participation in the grunge movement. Throughout the 90’s, the label went through some changes and rough times. In 1995, facing bankruptcy after some of their bands went to bigger labels, Sub Pop sold 49% of the company to Warner Music. A year later Pavitt resigned to spend more time with his family. The label is stronger than ever before, and they have more money to be able to treat their artists better . They are a leading label in the indie/alternative rock scene, and have grown as a label through highly successful artists such as The Shins, Postal Service, Iron and Wine, where should I stop? In fact, it was just announced that Poneman has launched another label, Hardly Art. They currently only have one signed band, Arthur & Yu. The Hardly Art label will be run by Sarah Moody.

In Camera (June release):
Arthur & Yu – Come To View

Myspace

Bonus:

The most famous Sub Pop song ever:

The Postal Service – Such Great Heights

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