Within the world of independent labels, Industrial Records was probably one of the very few that was truly independent. Established in January 1977 to create an outlet for the music of Throbbing Gristle, the label was named by Peter Christopherson. It was Monte Cazazza who coined the legendary phrase ‘Industrial Music For Industrial People’. Consequently the label gave a banner to the industrial music genre, which is probably the only time in musical history that a label gave birth to a completely new genre.
The seed for Industrial Records was planted in September 1975 when the provocative performance art-ensemble Coum merged with the music group Throbbing Gristle. Consisting of Genesis P-Orridge (real name Neil Megson), Peter ‘Sleazy’ Christopherson, Chris Carter and Cosey Fanni Tutti (real name Christine Newby), TG were nothing like an ordinary band. Coined as a non-compromising unit (to both the record industry and their own audience), their ambition was to be a rock band that wasn’t really a rock band. They achieved this through a campaign of ‘entertainment through pain’, putting confusion and provocation to good use. Investigation was their keyword, fashion the enemy.
Wanting to document their output, as they had previously done with Coum, TG saw that putting out records was a logical step. TG had been courted by Virgin Records in 1976, yet nothing had come from the initial talks. In Virgin’s search for something unique, it might come as no surprise that they signed the Sex Pistols in May 1977 (even though the Pistols were far less unique than TG). Interestingly, the Pistols (with manager Malcolm McLaren at the helm) also started a campaign of provocation – a diluted one in comparison to the one TG embarked on, though.
This is not by definition the story of TG, however. Fierce in its independent, noncommercial stance, its choice of artists, the propagandist cover designs (courtesy of Hipgnosisartist Christopherson) and iconic, ironic marketing ploys, Industrial Records had far more on offer than TG and proved to be an inspiration for independent labels throughout the world.
Legend has it that IR ordered the pressing plant to stop producing copies of TG’s first album when their cash limit (£500) had been reached. 785 copies were pressed before pressing ceased. These copies were given to friends, sold at gigs and via a mail-order business, which was run out of TG’s kitchen.
Within a month the original pressing had sold out and the profits were used to finance IR’s second release. Backed by TG’s infamous live performances and nationwide press coverage, IR releases became so popular that initial editions sold out almost immediately and re-pressings had to be made.
Ranging from industrial noise to well-crafted and beautiful pop music, IR has so much more to offer than its name would initially suggest. With every release bringing in more money, IR was able to spend more on packaging. Often IR releases would be accompanied by posters, postcards and other inserts. When IR finally dissolved in 1981 (after the split of TG), the label had become the third largest UK independent label.
Below are 15 totally unique, uncompromising releases. 15 exciting rollercoasters for adventurous ears. These days, original IR releases are getting scarce and will continue to rise in value.
THESE DAYS original IR releases are getting scarce and, given their historical and musical value, will continue to go up in value. The historical importance of IR should not be underestimated. Those intrigued, but not yet convinced, should perhaps try the 1984 album The Industrial Records Story as released on Illuminated records (JAMS 39, value £30). This album features a fine selection of singles and album/cassette tracks from Industrial records.
Even though this overview concentrates on IR vinyl releases from 1977 to 1981, it must not be forgotten that IR pioneered VHS video in the UK with the releases of Heathen Earth and TG Live At Oundle School). They also released a number of audio cassettes (the indie-format of the day), numbered IRC 00 to IRC 35. Most of these feature TG live shows, and sell for around £10-£15. Other IR cassette artists include Monte Cazazza, Leather Nun, Cabaret Voltaire, Chris Carter, Clock DVA and Richard Kirk. worth about £20-£30 each. However, the most valuable IR item 24 Hours set. (left) with tons of inserts. remains the legendary This release consisted of 24 TG live cassettes, plus two interview cassettes in an attaché case (i nserts. If you have one, you can basically name your own price. But don’t expect to find one for less than £300. .
