Rough Trade Records: Rock
Founded 1978 in London, UK
About
Geoff Travis founded Rough Trade in London in 1978, initially as a record shop before launching the label that would become the commercial home of post-punk, indie rock, and alternative music. The label signed The Smiths, The Fall, and Scritti Politti during the UK post-punk explosion, championing independent distribution and artist-owned rights at a time when major labels dominated. Rough Trade remains one of the most respected independent labels in the world.
Producer notes
Rough Trade recordings vary widely in production quality, from the deliberately lo-fi early releases to the polished Smiths albums produced by Stephen Street. The textural experimentation across the catalog makes it a useful source for unusual drum sounds and guitar textures.
Notable Rock artists
Dig Rough Trade Records
Each press plays a random rock record from the label.