4AD

Few record labels are so tightly associated with a particular era and a genre as 4AD has been with the early '80s ethereal, dark post-punk scene that eventually gave birth to modern day goth, dream pop, and darkwave, among others. The label developed a signature sound with flagship bands like Cocteau Twins, Dead Can Dance, Bauhaus, and Modern English. In the late '80s they brought in their first pair of American bands, Throwing Muses and The Pixies. In the '90s, they expanded their roster with The Breeders, Red House Painters, and Lush. Despite the way their definitive early '80s sound began to fade over time and their artists became more diversified, 4AD is still recognized as a hub for major indie talent, e.g., Beirut, Big Thief, Bon Iver, Iron and Wine, The National, St. Vincent, Torres, and Tune-Yards.