FEATURE: Labelled with Love: Bella Union

FEATURE:

Labelled with Love

IMAGE CREDIT: Bella Union

Bella Union

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I did start this feature off a while ago…

IN THIS PHOTO: Brighton’s Penelope Isles are signed to Bella Union

but can’t remember which record label I included – I think it was Rough Trade Records. At the moment, Bella Union have a few fantastic artists with new cuts out. I have been listening to BBC Radio 6 Music and have heard songs from Dog in the Snow and Hannah Cohen. I am already familiar with both artists but do have a look at the incredible roster – links are at the bottom of this feature – and you will see a wealth of diverse talent. Have a look at the YouTube channel and you can see all the latest tracks from the Bella Union stable. In my view, Bella Union are one of the most exciting labels in the world and are housing some future icons. I have ended this feature with a playlist of current Bella Union acts and, if you fancy the sound of any of them, you might be able to catch them on tour. If you are down in Brighton, you can visit the Bella Union Vinyl Shop & Coffee, and I would suggest people do so. Founded in 1997, Cocteau Twins decided to set up a label. It was a chance for the band to release their own work and have ownership. I guess, when you are with a label, they will often have their own ideas of how a career should be run and the type of music they want their artists to release. When Cocteau Twins split, Simon Raymonde and Robin Guthrie took charge and started to recruit other acts. The Czars were one of the first acts to sign to Bella Union and, since 2000, Raymonde has taken control of operations.

IN THIS PHOTO: John Grant is one of the biggest artists in the Bella Union stable

For over twenty years, Bella Union has been looking after some of the most innovative and original artists around. I do think that there are many decades ahead for the label and, at a time when loads of small labels are struggling, I think Bella Union stands as a rare success story. That said, there are some incredible labels that have endured for years and there are great cases of artists stepping away from a big label and setting up their own one. Having released music from the likes of Father John Misty, Laura Veirs and Mercury Rev, the history of Bella Union is variegated and exciting. Not only is the label award-winning – they have won the Independent Record Company of the Year gong at the Music Week Awards -, but they have a passionate and experienced boss in the form of Simone Raymonde. Take a look at their current line-up and there are few labels around that boast such a strong line-up. Lanterns on the Lake are another one of my recent finds and, through BBC Radio 6 Music (again!), they are a favourite. If you just had John Grant on your label, then I’d nod your way: Bella Union have Penelope Isles and Ezra Furman to boot! It has been a really strong year for the label, what with some of their newer acts releasing albums and some of the more established guards remaining busy and, importantly, with Bella Union. I think biggest labels have a lack of identity and can be rather faceless. Labels such as Bella Union have this family feel and one can tell artists are really looked after. I am looking forward to seeing which artists will come on board and what the existing paddock will produce next year. This is a short feature, but it is a love letter and shout-out…