Music
Publications
CMJ: New music first
Urb: "Future music
culture"
No Depression:
A bimonthly magazine covering alternative-country music.
Spin: Stalwart of the alternative
music industry
While You Were Sleeping: DC-area
zine
Labels
Astralwerks: Electronic music from
the Beta Band, Basement Jaxx and more.
Bloodshot Records:
Chicago-based "insurgent country" label, featuring music from
Old 97s, Ryan Adams and Neko Case. Wichita-based Split Lip Rayfield call
this label home.
Definitve
Jux: For my money, the greatest hiphop collective in existence.
Home of Mr. Lif, El-P, Aesop Rock, RJD2 and more.
Desoto Records:
Home of the Dismemberment Plan (RIP), Juno and Burning Airlines
Dischord: Seminal DC punk
label with Fugazi, Black Eyes and Q and Not U.
Epitaph: Epitaph was bringing
punk rock to America's 'burb kids (this one included) before there
was a Hot Topic in every mall in America. Special points for employing
a kid from my hometown.
Jade Tree: Good stuff from
Jets to Brazil to the Promise Ring
Ninja Tune: Home of
DJ Vadim, Kid Koala and Amon Tobin
Rhymesayers
Entertainment: Home of Atmosphere, Brother Ali and Soul Position
Self Starter
Foundation: Home of Les Savy Fav, the Detachment Kit and the Mooney Suzuki
Thrill Jockey Records:
They're from Chicago. Their roster includes innovative bands like Tortoise,
Chicago Underground, Trans Am and Mouse on Mars
Vagrant: So
this is emo, huh?