Readers and writers celebrate record labels that shape musical tastes
The Guide invited readers and music writers to name their favourite record labels, arguing that labels still help listeners find and develop distinctive artists in an era when streaming puts many kinds of music into one feed. The selections celebrate labels’ role in shaping musical taste and point readers towards potential discoveries.
The recommendations range from Motown and CBS to contemporary imprints such as AD93, PC Music and Gondwana Records. Writers and readers highlight, among others, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, SOPHIE, Charli xcx, GoGo Penguin and Hania Rani; Gondwana is noted for releasing 85 albums since 2008, while PC Music ran from 2014 to 2024.
- Readers and writers share the record labels that shaped their musical tastes.
- Picks span Motown, CBS, Rough Trade and newer independent labels.
- Labels are praised for curating artists and helping listeners discover music.
Americas Culture Entertainment Geopolitics Music Politics World
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “The Guide #265: Your favourite record labels, from Motown to Flying Nun”.