R&P 16: Institutional Research (Rough Trade)

Institutional Research (Rough Trade)

Rough Trade is a record label which initially started as a record shop in 1976. They are based on Kensington Park Road where the record shop initially opened.. The record shop itself was very successful and specialised in garage rock and reggae music. Their ascendance into being a successful record label began when a French band by the name of Metal Urbain approached them asking for assistance in producing their music. Once they were established they released their first album called Inflammable Materials by Stiff Little Fingers which managed too sell over 100,000 copies in the UK.

In 1991 the company became bankrupt and went quiet for 9 years until it was re-launched in 2000 as an independent record label. In 2002 it was bought out by BMG who ran it until 2007 when it once again became independent when The Beggars Group was sold the rights by Sanctuary Records.

Fast forward 10 years and Rough Trade have over 60 artists signed to their record label and are currently in a period of success. The progress of Rough Trade since the 1980s is interesting to look at because they have been through many phases. Although the record label would suit our artist it isn't a reliable record label because of the lack of consistency it provide.

What has this post taught me?

This post has helped me find the perfect record label for my artist because it is the perfect balance of backing whilst also having an artistic license.