LABEL PROFILE: 4AD
July 14, 2009,
Written by Hector Barley
Label: 4AD
Website: www.4ad.com
From:London
Founded: 1980
Founder: Ivo Watts-Russell
Exclusive artists: The National, Camera Obscura, The Mountain Goats
Europe only artists Beirut, Deerhunter, Bon Iver, M.Ward
How many indie labels can argue the longevity, legacy and devotion to true ‘independence’ that 4AD can? Very few that’s who. The label has become an epicenter for exposing American underground indie rock. So much so that the success of 4AD can be attributed to the increased comparative success that many American bands achieve in England. Throughout their impressive quarter decade reign of indie-supremacy, 4AD have continually been recognized as exposing unconventional indie-pop bands that manage to maintain permanence and credibility.
Born in the 1980’s (shut up Calvin) the label began to acquire a distinctive identity. Following the signing of substantial cult bands such as the Cocteau Twins and the Pixies, the label increasingly concentrated on the underground American music.
1987 – The Pixies - 'Debaser'
The Pixies became the defining success for the label throughout the band’s 7 year career. Their prominence also characterized the trend of American bands on 4AD that received enormous acclaim in England, yet limited domestic success.
4AD’s prosperity continued to grow throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s achieving an increased commercial success whilst upholding its independent integrity. During the beginning of the 1990’s, the label established a branch in Los Angeles, extending its American activities; a decision which proved to be lucrative with the signings of bands such as the Breeders and the Mountain Goats.
2002 – The Mountain Goats- 'This Year'
Similarly to the Pixies, The Mountain Goats are famed for their highly literate melancholy lyrics and strong underground following. This is especially apparent in the autobiographical song ‘This Year’- after all, song matter doesn’t get much more depressing than counting down the days until adulthood and emancipation from an abusive, drunken step-father. It is his songwriting ability that has led some to refer to him as "America’s best non-hip-hop lyricist".
Recently, the label has continued in its tradition of signing and promoting bands with an emphasis on intelligent, underground American rock; notable examples include The National, Deerhunter and Beirut. Despite owner Watts-Russell selling his share in 4AD to the Beggars Group, the label continues in its ethos of true independence.
2008 – The National- ‘Slow Show’
The National continue the 4AD theme of producing dark intelligent American indie pop. Their sound is made distinctive by Matt Berninger unique, baritone voice and mellow, melodious compositions.
In compiling a ‘Best Of 4AD’ spotify playlist (which can be found here ) I realised that I was almost able to compile a playlist of my favourite bands- a testament to 4AD’s outstanding catalogue of artists. 4AD has been, and will no doubt continue to be, an epicentre for talented independent artists that will display longevity and distinction.
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1 response so far...
Yasmin
4AD for me were hands down the label that cracked alternative music in the 80s, along with Rough Trade, Mute and Creation records. That was probably the peak of influential indie labels for me. Oh and their artwork was always gorgeous too! This piece reminds me, I need to get the latest Beirut album...
Will - 12/03/10
We are including all his musical directions in the debate, which is why we're discussing whether he was better in Foo Fighters or Probot also. Facts are he is a better drummer than he is a guitarist or vocalist, and as we're debating which band he was best in rather than which band he made the best, he thus performed better in Nirvana and QOTSA. To repeat what some of the others have said, he's been good in Foos and had a lot of fame, but hasn't been nearly as influential or impressive as in the bands beforehand. [view article]
Aaron - 11/03/10
Sure, but since Grohl has played his hand at many different musical directions its important to include all of them in this debate in order to find out when he was at his best. Otherwise It'd be a debate about when he was the best drummer... For the record, I do think he's a really good drummer. But doesn't it take a little something away from QOTSA as a band and Grohl himself, if were just going to consider his one off involvement with the group as his crowning moment? I've always been a fan of that band, way before Grohl ever did SFTD with them and though he was a great addition, it's not like the album was carried on his drumming alone. QOTSA are an awesome band regardless of whether Grohl played with them or not. [view article]
Will - 11/03/10
"is Grohls drumming really something that's gonna be the first point to come to mind?" Well, maybe not the first, but certainly one of the key points. I'm not sure about Nevermind, but I don't think I've ever had a chat about SFTD with someone who hasn't marveled over the drumming. He was never overshadowed Dave Grohl's fame peaked with Foo Fighters, not his talents. [view article]
Aaron - 11/03/10
So you're saying that one album captures Daves Grohl's talent better then the various albums he's put out with The Foo Fighters and Nirvana during their prestige? This might be the case if Grohl was the life and soul of that particular QOTSA album, but he wasn't. Granted its a good album, what would you say separates SFTD from say one of Nirvana's greatest albums Nevermind? Both have good points about them but is Grohls drumming really something that's gonna be the first point to come to mind? With The Foo's, Grohl's progression from drummer to lead ultimately forced his presence as a musician in the rock world to sky rocket. Now the attention and focus surrounded him and his band, rather then Kurt like it had been in Nirvana. How many drummers are better known then leads? None. So it makes sense to say that being in The Foo's is what allowed Grohl to come into his own as a musician and demonstrate his abilities without being overshadowed. I'd say Grohls talents peaked during The Foo's, so nothing before or after that can really be his best. The era of The Foo's was when Grohl was in his prime. [view article]
TheBooklovers - 11/03/10
I dunno Aaron. He certainly achieved more column inches and air time with The Foos, can't be denied, but as a guitarist and singer he's fairly average. Don't get me wrong, he's good and he more than gets the job done. But he's nothing special. When you get down to brass tacks though, there are very few people who have been inspired to pick up a guitar because of him. On the other hand, the vast majority of drummers around my age I know have cited him as one of their first drum crushes. Even older drummers I've met, who started playing before Grunge broke, have mentioned him as an influence. I'm always amazed that he never went into acting though. If Flea can have a side career as a walk on extra, then surely he must have been approached by now. SOMEONE needs to fill the void left by Jim Carey who isn't Jack Black. Just watch any of their videos, his comic timing is fantastic! [view article]