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When a Lanarkshire band decided to create their own record label, they were soon on their way to being a major influence for Scottish independent music.
With their Chem 19 recording studios based in Blantyre, Chemikal Undergound Records has become an influential label that has played a significant role in the Lanarshire and Scottish indie music scene over the past three decades. On their own social media pages they describe themseves as a “devastatingly handsome record label” that was etsablished in 1995.
Set-up and managed by Emma Pollok, Stewart Henderson, Paul Savage and Alun Woodward, formerly of Motherwell’s indie music band The Delgados, their initial reason for creating a record label was to release their own music – and so Chemikal Underground emerged during a time when many independent labels were gaining prominence.
Often compared to Glasgow’s early 80’s DIY label, Postcard Records (which had Edwyn Collins’ band Orange Juice on its list of signings), they quickly became synonymous with the burgeoning indie music scene in Scotland. However, unlike some of those early Scottish independent labels which were like magnesium flares that burned brightly for a short while before dying very quickly, Chemikal Underground continues, having endured many changes in the record and music industry.
Naturally, its first release in February 1995 was The Delgados own single ‘Monica Webster/Brand New Car’ on 7-inch vinyl, followed by their debut album ‘Domestiques’ in 1996. This was followed by several more releases from the band, establishing their reputation in the indie music circuit.
Within 18 months, they signed Glasgow band Bis. Due to the success of their second EP, The Secret Vampire Soundtrack (which reached No.25 on the UK singles chart and No.16 on the Scottish singles chart in 1996), Bis achieved a slot on Top of The Pops, where they perfomed thier single Kandy Pop. This was a major boost for Chemikal, as they found themselves needing to press tens of thousands of singles a week (instead of two or three thousand) and so they needed to expand from their kitchen base in Glasgow to a proper office.
Other early signings included the likes of Arab Strap, whose distinctive sound and lyrical approach helped to define the label’s aesthetic.
Although The Secret Vampire Soundtrack was the label’s only Top 40 hit, further success followed with the debut album by Mogwai, the Scottish post-rock band known for their instrumental compositions.
Other bands on the Chemikal Underground roster included Magoo, Aerogramme (who blended rock with atmospheric soundscapes), The Radar Brothers, De Rosa, Cha Cha Cohen, Suckle and The Addicts. Arab Strap member Malcolm Middleton also recorded some solo work.
In 2000, they launched a subsidiary project called Fukd ID, to release limited edition (1000 each of CD and 12″) singles by bands not necessarily on their roster, such as Interpol.
Throughout the 2000s, Chemikal Underground garnered critical acclaim and became a platform for promoting new talent, influencing the indie and alternative music scenes in the UK and beyond. In recent years, the label has continued to adapt to the changing music landscape, supporting both established acts and emerging artists. It has put out notable releases from artists like The Twilight Sad and the reissues of seminal albums that have contributed to the legacy of Scottish music.
Chemikal won two Scottish Album of the Year Awards in four years, with records by RM Hubbert and Aidan Moffat. The Delgados LP The Great Eastern was also nominated for a Mercury music prize.
At the end of August 2014, Chemikal Underground played a significant part in organizing and programming the East End Social, a series of music-centred events taking place in the East-end of Glasgow before, during and after the 2014 Commonwealth Games, an example of the label’s transformation from a company whose traditional core activity is releasing new independent music to one that has diversified into management and events organisation.
Chemikal Underground remains a vital part of the independent music landscape, reflecting the creativity and diversity of Scottish music. It has successfully nurtured talent and continues to contribute to the evolution of the indie genre while maintaining a commitment to artistic integrity and innovation.
Written by A.G.G. and D.W (19/09/24)
Written by: admin
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