One Little Indian Records

Since its inception in 1985 One Little Indian has always prided itself on working with artists it feels deserve a wider audience; musicians who make music for the simple pleasure of doing so – passionate about their craft and refreshingly free of pretence. 2007 saw recent signings Asobi Seksu garner massive acclaim for their astonishing ‘Citrus’ album, the boisterous arrival of incendiary Canadian three-piece Land of Talk, and another magnificent long-player from Björk in the shape of ‘Volta’, replete with pulsating Timbaland collaborations and twinkling duets with Antony (of the Johnsons). Not to mention career-best new releases from resident musical outlaws Alabama 3, Jesse Malin and Polly Paulusma…
But let’s rewind a little. One Little Indian was founded by various people (including members of Flux Of Pink Indians), and inspired by the DIY principles and anarchistic ideals of independent labels such as that of anarcho-punk band Crass – who became so frustrated with the restrictive nature of the music industry that merging the creative aspect with the distributive side of things became the only viable option.
Instead of rooting itself in the anarchic punk niche Flux Of Pink Indians spearheaded, the budding label set about homing a roster of artists as eclectic as they are unanimously enticing – among them Iceland’s finest avant-popsters The Sugarcubes, senior political tubthumpers Chumbawumba, rave-culture pioneers The Shamen, devastating rockers Skunk Anansie, legendary chill-out ensemble the Sneaker Pimps, country-acid-house collective Alabama 3, ‘50s-informed US rockabilly heroes Rocket From The Crypt – well, you get the idea.
The early ‘90s were pivotal years for One Little Indian. Following The Sugarcubes’ achievement Björk set out with the intention of recording a solo album; The Shamen had recorded what would become a massive (and massively controversial) Number One hit in ‘Ebenezer Goode’, and the first rumblings of the group Alabama 3 reverberated through the musical underground, who would later gain renown for supplying ‘The Sopranos’ with the soundtrack to its iconic opening credits sequence, as well as for their electrifying live performances.
1993 was the year ‘Debut’ dropped. Björk’s first solo record was swathed in forward-thinking beats, shimmering strings and spare brass – resonant and complex yet blessed with a keen pop sensibility. Accordingly, it became a worldwide hit, and as an introduction to one of the most innovative, vital and compelling stars we have, it retains a place in history.
Throughout its twenty-two years in the industry, the major aim of the label has remained simple – to give its artists complete creative control. “If you give bands control, they are the ones that are the arbiters,” – an admirable sentiment indeed, and key in One Little Indian’s continuing success while other independents whither and fall by the wayside.
The diversity and blossoming success of the label gave rise to several fantastic releases throughout the remainder of the ‘90s. With a keen eye on talent One Little Indian signed Skunk Anansie (who terrified other labels – and ‘Indian, a bit (no mean feat considering their anarchic past)) counter-pointing Britpop with their exhilarating, quasi-operatic take on rock music; Alabama 3 emerged bleary-eyed from the depths of South West London with their magnificent debut album ‘Exile On Coldharbour Lane’, while artists like Fluke steadily assembled a burgeoning body of work and Rocket From The Crypt exploded onto the scene with memorable hit single ‘On A Rope’.
The label bid farewell to the twentieth century in style when they unwittingly released the UK’s first commercially available DVD single in the form of Björk’s ‘All Is Full Of Love’. Featuring the memorable ‘Björk robots’ video by Chris Cunningham, this release went on to win a number of awards and usher in a brave new era for the music industry. Björk’s continuing support and championing of the label (when she could cherry-pick any the world over) is indicative of the close working relationship One Little Indian enjoys with its artists, and her trailblazing status at the zenith of global contemporary music is one the label are both thrilled by and fiercely proud of.
Over the following seven years One Little Indian built on its success and eclectic reputation by attracting and releasing a number of releases from new and established artists alike; from husky-voiced chanteuse Sandy Dillon through Atlanta’s genre mash-up genius Cody ChesnuTT, Iceland’s rock behemoths Minus through elfin seductress Emiliana Torrini, cult indie clan Queenadreena through hypnotic talent Jen Gloeckner…the list goes on and on.
And there is plenty to look forward to from this diverse little label. Acclaimed Welsh troubadour Lyndon Morgans and his Songdog band will be back, dark masterpiece ‘A Wretched Sinner’s Song’ in tow, and a covers album from New York’s Jesse Malin is sure to delight as is Mr. Dan Sartain’s eagerly anticipated third, ‘Arise, Dan Sartain, Arise!!!!!’. Land of Talk, LEVY, Stalkers and Asobi Seksu all have their touring hats on, and Björk’s ‘Volta’ world circuit rolls ever-assuredly onwards. Premier Swedish export Surrounded are a welcome new addition to the label, currently readying themselves for the release of stunning sophomore disc ‘The Nautilus Years’, and with new material also on the horizon from Rose Kemp, Underground Railroad and The Mighty Roars, the future looks as bright and busy as ever…
Jesse Malin - On Your Sleeve
Land Of Talk - Speak To Me Bones

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