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Labels, vinyl and the independent economy
Independent labels and physical formats are still how underground electronic music builds a catalogue. This hub combines the label biographies with the market data: how big independents have become, how long small labels last and why vinyl pressing capacity has become a bottleneck.
- start here // 17.09.26Independent Labels Are Winning: Inside the 44% ShiftIndies now own 44% of the US market, more than any major, but the number hides who really owns the pipes indie labels run on.
- 27.09.26How Long Do Independent Electronic Labels Actually Last?From R&S in 1983 to Ninja Tune's sale to Concord this year, we tracked 16 labels to see how many independents actually stay independent.
- 05.11.26Drumcode Records: Adam Beyer's Label, 1996 to 2026Drumcode began in Stockholm in 1996 with Adam Beyer. Catalogue, artists, the festival and radio show, and where the label stands in its 30th year.
- 16.09.26Kompakt Records: Inside Cologne's Minimal Techno InstitutionFrom a Cologne record shop in 1993 to 500 releases and counting, here is the real history of Kompakt, the label that built minimal techno's sound.
- 17.09.26The Full History of Cocoon Recordings, 2000 to 2026A year by year timeline of Cocoon Recordings, tracing catalog numbers, signings and turning points from its first 2000 release to today.
- 17.09.26Cocoon Recordings Turns 25, Sven Väth's Label EnduresCocoon Recordings marks 25 years with a two-part anniversary compilation. Here's how Sven Väth's Frankfurt label shaped techno, and why it still matters.
- 19.09.26Inside Rawax Records, Robert Drewek's Frankfurt House FamilyRawax turns 15 in 2026. Here's how a Frankfurt distributor became a reissue-driven house and techno dynasty spanning eight sublabels.
- 23.09.26Vinyl Just Had Its Best Year Since 1983US vinyl revenue hit $1.04 billion and UK sales grew 19.9% in 2025, the numbers behind why small labels still wait months for a pressing slot.
- 17.09.26Vinyl Pressing Plants Can't Keep Up With DemandGlobal vinyl capacity has grown sharply since 2021, but independent labels still wait 6 to 9 months for pressing while majors get priority slots.
- 14.10.26JD Twitch's Record Collection Goes on Sale in LondonAbout 7,000 to 8,000 records from the late Optimo DJ JD Twitch go on sale at World of Echo in London from 14 November 2026. Here is the full story.
Related from other topics
- 05.11.26Ostgut Ton: The History of Berghain's Record LabelOstgut Ton launched in 2005 as Berghain's label, went quiet after 2021 and returned in May 2025 with Klubnacht 01. Catalogue, artists and 2026 status.
- 19.09.26Why Nina Kraviz Just Launched a Brazilian Funk LabelNina Kraviz's трип has a new sister label, treats, and its debut single pairs the techno DJ with a Rio de Janeiro baile funk MC recorded on a beach.