LUKE LOOKS AT THE THE "INDIE" LABEL, STOLEN RECORDINGS
A record label is important, a decree of intent or a symbol of expectation. To turn over a record and find this certain mark of approval, like Sub Pop in 1990 or K records throughout the 1980s, induces a sense of anticipation. London’s Stolen Recordings have created an identity to induce a similar sense of anticipation with a string of super releases from super bands.
It began in 2003, originally as a club night. However, the intention to grow into a label and the ethics on which this would be based already prevailed; "we were sick to death of playing shows for arseholes so we decided to set up our own nights," says one of Stolen's co-founders, Rachael. "They were free entry, we would always cook meals for the bands and get as much free booze as possible. Once we had this up and running we tried to apply the same principals to the label."
Fast-forward five years, and fine a Stolen Recordings that has now evolved into its "own world." It is a world in which artistic freedom and an essence of total fun become glaringly obvious. One only has to witness live displays from a Stolen band and these things illuminate, from the frantically wonderful Screaming Tea Party to pure adolescent power pop of Let's Wrestle. This is music that is totally honest and free of inhibitions, like a child running, arms widened, through an open field. It’s something Stolen, as a label, is aware of. "Bands should never get wound up about what’s right or what’s cool," remarks Paul, another co-founder. "When a band start to think about it that’s when it goes wrong."
Such a supportive sentiment—one that is opposed to the traditional "big bucks"/"$$$"/"make the sales" image of a record company—resembles the attitudes of liberal parents in comparison to restrictive and conservative ones. Yet, this is essentially what Stolen Recordings is—a big family—and, in turn, what has created such diversity amidst their artists.
It is not only music that constrains the minds of those involved with Stolen. Recently, they held an extremely successful art exhibition displaying the work of band members and friends, from illustrations to paintings to fanzines. In addition to this, much of the bands' artwork (Screaming Tea Party, Let's Wrestle, Artefacts for Space Travel) is done themselves. This type of effort is considered to be a natural extension of the label. "So many people in bands make art as well so it’s really good to bundle everything together." Modesty aside, this is just one more example that emphasizes Stolen's place as one of London and the U.K's most innovative and reputable labels at present.
The evolution of Stolen recordings is set to continue with a host of incredible releases including a new Screaming Tea Party EP, a Let's Wrestle album, a debut Artefacts for Space Travel EP, and a debut Hot Silk Pockets single. Keep your ears to the soil.
