The Independent Label Market is almost upon us – assuming “us” is you, and you’re in or around London and able to make it down to Old Spitalfields Market on Saturday, July 12th.
By now, you know how this works: direct label-to-punter trading, and a raft of exclusive stuff thrown in, too. Amongst the admirable stables opening their merchandise cupboards, basements and warehouses this weekend are Because and Bella Union, Hyperdub and Hospital, Secretly Canadian and Sunday Best. The full list of labels and partners involved with Independent Label Market can be found here.
Beggars will be representing across several of the group’s labels, including 4AD, XL, Matador and Rough Trade. And the main man himself, Beggars Group founder Martin Mills, will be on hand to host a ‘Beggars Arkive’ stall. He’s also played a part in the assembling of this little preview playlist, beside director of catalogue and archive, Lesley Bleakley, showcasing some of the group’s most enduring artists.
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Pixies – ‘Tame’
“Not the most obvious choice from the band’s classic album ‘Doolittle’, but the wonderful weirdness of the vocals makes this a favourite.”
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Cat Power – ‘The Greatest’
“Recorded in Memphis, ‘The Greatest’ showcases Chan Marshall’s unique vocals at their best. With the recent passing of Teenie Hodges, the depth of the track seems like a fitting tribute.”
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The Prodigy – ‘Firestarter’
“The massive opening riff defines the best times of a generation.”
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Mark Lanegan Band – ‘The Gravedigger’s Song’
“Deep, menacing vocals that make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.”
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Electrelane – ‘On Parade’
“This track should have been huge, but for those of us who love it, it remains a constant soundtrack.”
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Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – ‘40 Day Dream’
“Picture a bandstand in Victoria Park, the sun shining and the band playing barefoot.”
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The Independent Label Market, sponsored by AIM, happens at Old Spitalfields Market on July 12th. More information at the event’s official website.
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