Independent Record Label Research

In 1979 a fresh new record label was propelled. Called Axis records, it was set up by Ivo Watts Russell and Peter Kent and discharged four singles in 1980 prior to changing its name to 4AD. Ivo Watts-Russell and Peter Kent got budgetary assistance from Beggars Banquet, whose record store chain the match worked for. The record label soon found itself releasing the very first single by Northampton Goth types Bauhaus. Dark Entries, a Bowie impacted racket, does not too bad at all actually, well enough in fact for Beggars Banquet boss Martin Mills to loan the new label £1000 to relaunch as 4AD. By 1985 the 4AD label had established itself as one of the leading independent record companies on the planet. With the likes of the Cocteaus , Dead Can Dance and This Mortal Coil the label had become massively influential. The Cocteau Twins were a permanent fixture at the top of the indie charts and all was well. In 1987, Throwing Muses, a four piece band from Boston in the USA were signed to the 4AD, beginning one of the most vital phases in the label's history. Moving outside of the moody and ethereal sound that had become synonymous with the label, the likes of Throwing Muses and the Pixies took 4AD into a whole new direction - college rock. With the success of the Throwing Muses and the Pixies, the early 90s was a time to rejoice for 4AD. Lush had been signed directly after a show they had performed at the Camden Falcon in London, and the heavy guitar onslaught of the new 4AD sound continued. The late 90s found 4AD becoming a true indie once more with the signing of acts such as Air Miami and Kendra Smith. It also found head honcho Ivo Watts Russell taking the label into brand new territory with the signing of country act Tarnation and also bringing on board it's very first dance band - Iceland 's Gus Gus. The beginning of a new decade and 4AD had a problem where to go now. Following the change of ownership in 1999, new owners Beggars Banquet had to re-evaluate the direction of the label. New bands signed by the all new 4AD during recent years include such greats as the Mountain Goats, TV On The Radio and Blonde Redhead. Rumours abound that the legendary Scott Walker will also be making an appearance on the label soon.