Spring Break
Under Radar, Indie Labels Gain Fame
Independent Labels Producing Original, Commercially Successful Acts
Brad Tilles and Chris Pickett
Issue date: 2/2/06 Section: Out of Focus
Over the past few years, the Internet exploded and music became more accessible online. Independent record labels have been able to use this to their advantage as means of getting the word out on their artists through web sites and message boards. With the major labels facing declining record sales due to online piracy, independent labels have, in fact, seen an increase in sales and growing popularity of their artists. Now, these indie labels have made a name for themselves and have become somewhat of a household name with the underground music scene. Some labels have become such a hot commodity that major labels have been trying to form distribution partnerships with many while some consistently refused. The following are six emerging labels that have made a name for themselves and the artists that put them on the map.
Saddle Creek Records
Named after the road that runs through midtown Omaha, this indie label's name is thrown around ad naseum due to the cult followings of both Bright Eyes and Cursive, two of the label's premier acts. Saddle Creek has been a hotbed for talented new acts ever since Rob Nansel and jack-of-all trades, Mike Mogis formed the label in 1993. Mogis' mastery of many instruments (from mandolin to glockenspiel) has made him a great asset to the label, as he is able to contribute on numerous recordings. While a majority of acts on the label are characterized by an overall moody tone with nuances of country (which comes to surface more in releases like Bright Eyes' "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning"), the notion of the record company being one dimensional is quickly put to rest upon listening to the electronic beats of the Faint and Broken Spindles. Saddle Creek continues to bring in new acts, as well as serve somewhat as a springboard for others. Due to the surge in popularity, bands like Rilo Kiley and the Faint have found themselves signing contracts with major labels and reaching a larger audience. While much of the spotlight may be monopolized by Bright Eyes singer/songwriter Conor Oberst (pictured at top), other acts, such as Son, Ambulance benefit from this exposure. The two acts shared the billing on the 2001 release "Oh, Holy Fools" bringing the lesser-known act's music to the forefront. In 2005, Saddle Creek released "Spend an Evening with Saddle Creek," a documentary covering the beginnings of the record label, featuring interviews of the label's bands and some live footage.
Saddle Creek Records
Named after the road that runs through midtown Omaha, this indie label's name is thrown around ad naseum due to the cult followings of both Bright Eyes and Cursive, two of the label's premier acts. Saddle Creek has been a hotbed for talented new acts ever since Rob Nansel and jack-of-all trades, Mike Mogis formed the label in 1993. Mogis' mastery of many instruments (from mandolin to glockenspiel) has made him a great asset to the label, as he is able to contribute on numerous recordings. While a majority of acts on the label are characterized by an overall moody tone with nuances of country (which comes to surface more in releases like Bright Eyes' "I'm Wide Awake It's Morning"), the notion of the record company being one dimensional is quickly put to rest upon listening to the electronic beats of the Faint and Broken Spindles. Saddle Creek continues to bring in new acts, as well as serve somewhat as a springboard for others. Due to the surge in popularity, bands like Rilo Kiley and the Faint have found themselves signing contracts with major labels and reaching a larger audience. While much of the spotlight may be monopolized by Bright Eyes singer/songwriter Conor Oberst (pictured at top), other acts, such as Son, Ambulance benefit from this exposure. The two acts shared the billing on the 2001 release "Oh, Holy Fools" bringing the lesser-known act's music to the forefront. In 2005, Saddle Creek released "Spend an Evening with Saddle Creek," a documentary covering the beginnings of the record label, featuring interviews of the label's bands and some live footage.