To quote the mission statement on Rough Trade’s website :
“Ultimately, the point of a record label is to share exciting new music with the world. Yet few record labels have taken that purpose and turned it into a culture-transforming philosophy like Rough Trade.”
The track record of artists and record releases backs up that statement and is not an exaggeration.
Founded by Geoff Travis in London in 1976, the concept was a community record store whereby the customers could influence what was stocked versus the other way round.
Over time the record store morphed into a record label to actually release new music (typically post-punk, indie rock, reggae and electronic) -and not have to wait for another label to release or in the worst case : innovative music not be released at all.
(Founder -Geoff Travis)
Artists as diverse as The Smiths , Scritti Politti, The Libertines, Robert Wyatt, The Strokes , Alabama Shakes have all had a home in Rough Trade.
(The Smiths)
Artistic breadth and innovation has stayed as the mantra for this label.
One could argue the talent signed in the late 70’s directly influenced the music that would achieve commercial success in the 80’s and beyond.
Depeche Mode , The Smiths, Pulp all have their creative DNA in Rough Trade.
Let us not forget also the huge impact on reggae in the UK and the cross fertilization with punk ,as Rough Trade was located in the Notting Hill/Ladbroke Grove area of West London - a melting pot of cultures.
Whilst the dominating oligarchy of the major labels exists - there will always be cutting edge entrepreneurs defying and redefining the business.
Geoff Travis still runs the business today alongside ex Public Image band member Jeanette Lee.
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