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Cooking Vinyl
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Cooking Vinyl is a British independent record label, based in Acton, London, England.[1] It was founded in 1986 by former manager and booking agent Martin Goldschmidt and his business partner Pete Lawrence.[2] Goldschmidt remains the current owner and chairman, while Rob Collins is managing director.

Key Information

History

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1986–1992

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Cooking Vinyl was set up in 1986 by former manager and booking agent Martin Goldschmidt and distribution manager Pete Lawrence, who initially ran the business as a part-time venture out of a spare room in Goldschmidt's council house in Stockwell, South London.[3]

In 1986 Cooking Vinyl recorded an impromptu live performance around a campfire at a folk festival by the singer Michelle Shocked, on a Sony Walkman with fading batteries.[4] One of its first releases, Cooking Vinyl released the recording as The Campfire Tapes, and it sold 250,000 copies worldwide.[1]

In 1989, the company was close to bankruptcy when their distributors, Rough Trade, went into receivership. Pete Lawrence sold his stake in the business to Martin Goldschmidt who continued the business while servicing the debt of the company of a period of five years.[5]

1993–1999

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Besides traditional royalty agreements, Cooking Vinyl developed 'artist services' deals in the 1990s, where the artist retains ownership of the copyright of their recorded material.[6] The first of these contracts was done in 1993 for the reissue of Billy Bragg's Back To Basics compilation.[7]

Since then, Bragg has re-engaged with Cooking Vinyl a total of six times, most recently in 2013 for the release of studio album Tooth And Nail.[8]

Cooking Vinyl has provided similar services for Alison Moyet, Black Spiders, Gary Numan, James Skelly & The Intenders, Madness, Pigeon Detectives, Reverend and The Makers, Ron Sexsmith, and The View.[9][10]

2000–2010

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In 2009, Cooking Vinyl partnered on the release of The Prodigy's fifth studio album Invaders Must Die, which went on to sell 1.2 million units worldwide and was the biggest-selling independent record of the year in Europe.[11]

In 2012, Amanda Palmer, an advocate of the DIY approach,[12] announced that she was partnering with Cooking Vinyl in a distribution and label services deal for the European release of her studio album Theatre Is Evil. The album was funded through a high-profile Kickstarter campaign that raised over $1.2 million in 30 days.[13]

Also released in 2012 was Marilyn Manson's Born Villain under a joint-venture partnership between Manson's own label Hell, etc. and Cooking Vinyl.[14] The album was a global success charting at No. 5 in Germany, No. 10 in the US, and topping Billboard's Hard Rock and Independent albums charts. In the UK, Manson reached No. 14[15] in the UK Albums Chart and No. 1 in the UK Rock Albums Chart.[16]

2011–2020

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2014 saw the return of Embrace and their self-titled album, which debuted in the UK Albums Chart at No. 5.[17] In the same year, New York rockers The Pretty Reckless reached No. 8,[18] with their second studio album.

In 2015, the Prodigy released their album The Day Is My Enemy, which reached number 1 on the chart,[19] and was certified gold in the UK.

In 2016, Passenger claimed the UK No. 1 album[20] with Young As The Morning, Old As The Sea. This year also saw singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt sign a global artist services deal with Cooking Vinyl.[21]

In 2018, Lucy Spraggan, former contestant on The X Factor, signed to both Cooking Vinyl Records and Publishing on a long-term global artist services deal.[22]

Cooking Vinyl has long relationships with many of its artists. The Pixies' Charles Thompson was signed in 2000 and has had 17 releases to date with the label as Frank Black and Black Francis.

Since 1994, former Doll By Doll man Jackie Leven has had 23 releases, five of them in 2009.[3]

Other artists that have released through the label in the 2010s include Counting Crows, Ryan Adams, Suzanne Vega, The Cult, The Charlatans, The Cranberries, Richard Ashcroft (CV licensed the Righteous Phonographic released album These People, with Ashcroft going on to be signed by BMG),[23][24][25] The Subways, Echo and the Bunnymen, Gary Numan, The Enemy, Groove Armada, The Proclaimers, Seth Lakeman, UB40 and The Dropkick Murphys.[3]

2021–present

[edit]

In December 2021, Clare Grogan announced that the first Altered Images album in over 38 years would be released in August 2022 on Cooking Vinyl and called Mascara Streakz.[26][27] The album has been recorded [28] with Bobby Bluebell from The Bluebells and Bernard Butler, formally of Suede and McAlmont & Butler.[29]

As of December 2021, other artists signed to Cooking Vinyl include Alison Moyet, Eliza & The Delusionals, Lissie, Nina Nesbitt, The Orb, Will Young, Passenger, The Waterboys, BABYMETAL, Fickle Friends, Lucy Spraggan, Rumer, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Darkness,[30][31][32] The Psychedelic Furs, Billy Bragg, Del Amitri, Kiefer Sutherland, Reverend And The Makers, Suzanne Vega, The Fratellis, The Rifles, and Willy Mason[33]

Sister companies

[edit]

Essential Music & Marketing

In 2003, Vital Distribution's managing director Mike Chadwick teamed up with Cooking Vinyl's Martin Goldschmidt to launch Essential Music & Marketing, an independent distributor and service provider.[34]

RED Distribution, the Sony Music UK artist and label services division, announced the acquisition of Essential Music and Marketing in March 2016. As part of this deal, a new company was launched, Red Essential, which is based at The Cooking Vinyl Group's West London offices. The company is now located in Farringdon.[35]

CV America

Cooking Vinyl America was originally launched in 2012. In 2016, Howie Gabriel was named President.[36] The US operation provides strategic services to the CV Group, including artist/label acquisition, marketing, distribution and business strategy. Cooking Vinyl America is based in New York City.

Cooking Vinyl Australia

Cooking Vinyl Australia was formed in September 2013. The stand-alone company is based in Melbourne and helmed by former Shock Records executives, Leigh Gruppetta and Stu Harvey, the label signs both local and international artists and represents the Cooking Vinyl Records roster in Australia and New Zealand under license.[37] In February 2018, Sony Music Australia acquired a portion of Cooking Vinyl Australia.[38]

Cooking Vinyl Publishing

Cooking Vinyl Publishing was formed in 2008[39] and is headed by former manager and Warner/Chappell exec Ryan Farley,[40] who joined in August 2018. The company has a diverse roster with current writers including Tom Speight, C Duncan, Vitto Meirelles, Isobel Campbell, Lucy Spraggan, 485C, 65 Days of Static and Palestinian acts DAM, 47 Soul and Le Trio Joubran.

The company's catalogue includes songs by artists such as Reverend & The Makers, The Rifles, Amber Run, Roll Deep, Meursalt, Tal National, Audio Bullys, Exit Calm and The Virgin Marys. It also has co-publishing partnerships with Brighton-based Fat Cat Records and UK jazz label Edition Music.

Motus Music

In March 2019, The Cooking Vinyl Group announced they had acquired a 50% share in production music start up Motus Music.[41]

Artists

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Current

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Past

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See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Cooking Vinyl

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Cooking Vinyl is a British founded in 1986 by Martin Goldschmidt and Pete Lawrence, specializing in an eclectic roster of artists across genres such as rock, folk, and alternative music. Based in , the company has built a reputation as an artist-focused entity, emphasizing innovative distribution and digital strategies from its early days. Over nearly four decades, Cooking Vinyl has pioneered advancements in the music industry, becoming the first European label to partner with for downloads and to negotiate deals with platforms like . It has nurtured the careers of notable acts including , , , The Darkness, , and , achieving commercial successes such as Shed Seven's second number-one album, Liquid Gold, in 2024. The label's ventures extend beyond recording, having launched platforms like Uploader (later sold to IODA) and Essential Music (acquired by in 2016 and rebranded as The Orchard ). In June 2025, Cooking Vinyl entered an agreement to be acquired by U.S.-based company Exceleration Music, marking a significant transition while founder Martin Goldschmidt remains involved as chairman and the label continues operations under managing director Rob Collins. This move underscores the label's enduring influence in the global landscape.

Overview

Founding and Early Operations

Cooking Vinyl was established in 1986 by former artist manager and booking agent Martin Goldschmidt and his business partner Pete Lawrence, initially operating out of a spare room in Goldschmidt's council house in , . The label was founded as an independent entity focused on releasing eclectic, non-mainstream music, prioritizing artistic diversity over commercial conformity in the UK's indie scene. Starting with a modest £8,000 , the venture embodied a DIY ethos, with Goldschmidt working four days a week at his booking agency job while dedicating evenings and one full day to the label without drawing a salary for the first five years. From its inception, Cooking Vinyl committed to artist-friendly deals that emphasized creative control and fair , setting it apart from the restrictive contracts typical of major labels. The label maintained independence from corporate conglomerates, allowing flexibility in signing and promoting unconventional talent. Early operations centered on vinyl releases, aligning with the era's dominance and the indie music movement's spirit. Over time, its base shifted to , , where it continues to operate as a hub for innovative music ventures. Structurally, Cooking Vinyl is organized as Cooking Vinyl Limited, a registered in under company number 02045353. This setup provided the legal foundation for its growth while preserving founder control and operational autonomy. This early framework of independence and artist-centric principles paved the way for the label's evolution into an artist services model during the 1990s.

Business Model and Global Reach

Cooking Vinyl pioneered the artist services model in the 1990s, offering deals that enable artists to retain full ownership of their copyrights while the label provides comprehensive support in areas such as distribution, marketing, and promotion. This approach, first exemplified in a 1993 agreement with Billy Bragg, positioned the company as an early innovator in flexible, artist-centric arrangements that contrasted with traditional royalty-based contracts. By focusing on service provision rather than ownership transfer, Cooking Vinyl aligned its interests more closely with those of its artists, fostering long-term collaborations in an evolving industry landscape. The company has diversified its operations to include music publishing through Cooking Vinyl Publishing, which represents songwriters across genres with services encompassing creative development, sync licensing, and royalty administration. Complementing this, Cooking Vinyl offers services as part of its broader services, taking responsibility for project oversight from inception to release. In the digital realm, it established an early distribution arm called Uploader in 2005, which was later sold to the Independent Distribution Alliance (IODA), allowing the label to adapt to the rise of digital platforms while maintaining an independent ethos amid major industry shifts toward streaming and sales. To achieve global reach, Cooking Vinyl expanded with dedicated offices, including CV America in New York launched in 2012 to handle U.S. publishing and marketing activities, and the Melbourne office (formerly Cooking Vinyl Australia, established in 2013 and rebranded as Civilians in 2024) for regional operations and distribution partnerships. These offices form part of a wider international network of partner companies that facilitate worldwide for artists without compromising the label's . Following its 2025 acquisition by Exceleration Music, Cooking Vinyl integrated into the platform, enhancing its access to U.S. and international markets through advanced physical and digital networks while continuing to operate independently.

History

1986–1992: Formation and Initial Challenges

Cooking Vinyl was founded in 1986 by Martin Goldschmidt, a former artist manager and booking agent, and Pete Lawrence, a distribution manager, who together borrowed £8,000 from Lawrence's friends to launch the independent from Goldschmidt's in , . The label initially focused on releasing music by artists they personally admired, emphasizing an artist-centered approach amid the vibrant UK indie scene of the late , which was characterized by a surge in folk, roots, and alternative acts seeking alternatives to major label dominance. The label's debut release was the English folk band Oysterband's album Step Outside, marking their entry into the market with a roots-oriented sound that aligned with the era's revival. This was swiftly followed by what became their breakthrough: the 1986 recording of Michelle Shocked's impromptu live performance at the Kerrville Folk Festival in , captured on a by Lawrence and released as The Texas Campfire Tapes (later reissued in 1989 in some markets). The album's raw, acoustic authenticity resonated widely, selling 750,000 copies worldwide and establishing Cooking Vinyl's reputation for discovering and nurturing unconventional talent in the folk and alternative genres. Early signings like and further exemplified the label's commitment to indie and alternative acts, blending punk influences with folk and elements to carve a niche within the UK's diverse landscape. Despite these successes, the label faced severe initial challenges, culminating in near-bankruptcy in 1989 when their distributor, Rough Trade, entered , leaving Cooking Vinyl owed nearly £100,000 and unable to access revenue from catalog sales. In response, Lawrence sold his stake to Goldschmidt in 1990, allowing the founder to take full control amid the . Goldschmidt then managed the mounting debts over a grueling five-year period, bootstrapping operations from a modest office in while forgoing a and working a separate day job as a booking agent to sustain the business. This period of frugality and downsizing, driven by poor initial financial planning and the indie sector's volatility, tested the label's survival but laid the groundwork for its eventual stabilization by the early .

1993–1999: Expansion into Artist Services

Following the financial turmoil of the late 1980s, when the collapse of distributor Rough Trade left Cooking Vinyl saddled with significant debt, founder Martin Goldschmidt acquired co-founder Pete Lawrence's stake in the company around 1989 and assumed sole leadership to steer it through recovery. Over the next five years, Goldschmidt restructured operations by downsizing staff and meticulously managing creditor payments on a monthly basis, ultimately clearing all debts by the mid-1990s without resorting to bankruptcy. This period of stabilization allowed the label to shift focus from immediate survival to sustainable growth, emphasizing long-term artist relationships and innovative business models. A pivotal development came in 1993 with the launch of Cooking Vinyl's artist services model, exemplified by a groundbreaking deal with for the reissue of his Back to Basics. Under this arrangement, artists retained ownership of their copyrights while the label provided marketing, distribution, and promotional support in exchange for a service fee, offering higher royalty rates than traditional deals and aligning incentives for mutual success. The Back to Basics reissue, featuring tracks from Bragg's early career, marked the first such contract and demonstrated the model's viability by enabling Bragg to re-sign with the label multiple times—ultimately six occasions—extending their partnership through 2013 and beyond. This approach not only revived Bragg's catalog but also attracted similar deals with other artists, fostering a roster built on trust and creative autonomy. By the mid-1990s, with debts resolved, Cooking Vinyl expanded its catalog management efforts, reissuing and promoting back catalogs to generate steady revenue streams. The label pursued early international opportunities through targeted distribution agreements across , enhancing global reach for its artists without overextending resources. Signings and releases during this era, including work with acts like , underscored a commitment to diverse, artist-centric projects that prioritized quality over volume, laying the groundwork for broader commercial stability. Goldschmidt's leadership emphasized enduring partnerships, transforming the label from a precarious startup into a resilient independent force.

2000–2010: Major Commercial Breakthroughs

During the early 2000s, Cooking Vinyl navigated the disruptions of the era by pioneering strategies, becoming the first European label to partner with for downloads and negotiating licensing agreements with platforms like to legitimize file-sharing. These adaptations allowed the label to maintain revenue streams amid declining physical sales industry-wide, while establishing Uploader, an online distribution arm that was later sold to IODA, further solidifying its forward-thinking approach to digital music. A major commercial breakthrough came in 2009 through a service deal with for their album , which Cooking Vinyl co-released and which sold over 1 million units worldwide, marking the label's entry into blockbuster territory. This success, coupled with releases from acts like and under similar deals, drove a 50% increase in profits for the year, enabling greater investments in artist and repertoire (A&R) scouting and marketing efforts. The financial upswing also facilitated preparations for US market expansion, with Cooking Vinyl enhancing its global operations through distribution partnerships and targeted signings of rock and alternative acts to broaden its roster beyond folk roots. These moves positioned the label for sustained growth in a shifting industry landscape.

2011–2020: Diversification and Key Signings

During the 2011–2020 period, Cooking Vinyl expanded its roster across diverse genres, leveraging innovative funding models and strategic international growth to solidify its position as a versatile independent label. A landmark achievement came in 2012 with the release of Amanda Palmer's album Theatre Is Evil, distributed in the UK and through Cooking Vinyl following Palmer's self-funded 8ft. Records imprint. The project exemplified the label's embrace of digital , as Palmer's campaign raised over $1.2 million from more than 24,000 backers, marking one of the most successful music fundraisers at the time and highlighting Cooking Vinyl's adaptability to artist-driven distribution models. That same year, Cooking Vinyl achieved notable commercial success with Marilyn Manson's , released on April 25 via the label and Manson's , etc. imprint, which debuted at No. 10 on the with 39,000 first-week sales in the and reached No. 28 on the . The album's global performance, including top-20 placements in several European countries, underscored the label's strength in rock and alternative sectors, contributing to eight charting releases for Cooking Vinyl in alone. Building on this momentum, the label signed British rock band Embrace, whose self-titled 2014 album debuted at No. 5 on the , reinforcing Cooking Vinyl's foothold in established UK acts. Further diversification into pop and electronic genres marked the mid-2010s, with key signings including Scottish Nina Nesbitt in 2016 for a global artist services deal, enabling her independent releases like the album The Sun while leveraging the label's promotional expertise. In 2018, Cooking Vinyl signed to a record and publishing deal, supporting her transition to more personal material, as seen in her 2019 album Today Was a Good Day. A highlight in electronic music was the 2015 release of The Prodigy's , which debuted at No. 1 on the —the band's sixth chart-topper—and achieved gold in the UK for over 100,000 units sold, building on their long-standing partnership with the label that originated in the 2000s. To support this artistic broadening, Cooking Vinyl pursued geographic diversification by launching CV America in 2012 as a New York-based publishing and services arm, enhancing market access for its roster. In 2013, the label established its Australian division, Cooking Vinyl , to tap into the region's indie scene and secure local releases. These expansions were bolstered by strategic investments, including Sony Music UK's 2016 acquisition of the Cooking Vinyl Group's distribution arm Essential Music & Marketing, which formed Red Essential and provided enhanced global servicing without compromising the label's independence, and Sony's 2018 significant stake in Cooking Vinyl to fuel further regional growth.

2021–Present: Recent Developments and Acquisition

In 2022, Cooking Vinyl marked a significant reunion release with ' Mascara Streakz, the band's first studio album in 39 years since their 1983 effort Bite, which debuted at No. 12 on the Official Album Chart. The label also sustained its track record of chart success with longstanding artist , whose prior No. 1 albums like Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea (2016) underscored ongoing partnerships yielding high-impact releases amid evolving industry dynamics. The period saw further commercial triumphs in 2024, with securing two UK No. 1 albums under Cooking Vinyl—their debut chart-toppers A Matter of Time in January and the 30th-anniversary tribute Liquid Gold in October—highlighting the label's strength in revitalizing veteran indie acts. This momentum carried into 2025, as The Darkness' eighth studio album Dreams on Toast, released on March 28, achieved a No. 2 debut on the with 27,823 first-week units, bolstered by strong physical and digital sales. On June 9, 2025, US-based company Exceleration Music announced its acquisition of Cooking Vinyl to expand global reach through its distribution arm Redeye, while allowing the label to operate autonomously under Managing Director Rob Collins and Chairman Martin Goldschmidt. Amid streaming's growing influence on , Cooking Vinyl emphasized its diverse roster of alternative and rock artists, earning a finalist nomination in the Best Label/Artist Services Company category at the 2025 Music Week Awards.

Corporate Structure

Leadership and Key Personnel

Cooking Vinyl was co-founded in 1986 by Martin Goldschmidt, a former manager and booking agent, and Pete Lawrence, who handled distribution. Goldschmidt has remained as Chairman since the label's inception, guiding its overall strategy, artist relations, and commitment to independent operations. Pete Lawrence served as co-founder and business partner until 1989, when he sold his stake to Goldschmidt amid financial challenges following issues with their distributor, Rough Trade. In 2016, Howie Gabriel was appointed President of Cooking Vinyl America, serving in the role until 2020 and leading the label's expansion into the U.S. market from , drawing on his prior experience as Executive Vice President of Marketing at . Following Gabriel's departure, details on subsequent U.S. leadership are not publicly specified as of November 2025, with operations integrated into Exceleration Music's structure post-acquisition agreement. Following the June 2025 agreement to be acquired by Exceleration Music, Rob Collins assumed the role of Managing Director, focusing on daily operations, global expansion, and maintaining the label's artist-centric approach. Under Collins and the broader team, Cooking Vinyl emphasizes independence, with dedicated roles in A&R for talent scouting and development, marketing for international promotion, and through Cooking Vinyl Publishing, where Managing Director and Head of A&R Ryan Farley has led efforts to support songwriters since 2018 by expanding the catalog and enhancing sync opportunities. This structure underscores the label's advocacy for artists, prioritizing flexible services deals over traditional ownership models to foster creative autonomy.

Sister Companies and Partnerships

Cooking Vinyl has established several sister companies to support its operations in distribution, publishing, and artist management. Essential Music & Marketing, launched in 2003 as an independent sales and distribution arm of the Cooking Vinyl Group, provided comprehensive services to indie labels including physical and digital distribution, , and promotion. In 2016, Sony Music UK's division acquired Essential, rebranding it as Red Essential, while allowing Cooking Vinyl to remain independent but serviced through this partnership. Red Essential later merged with The Orchard in 2017, enhancing its global reach under Sony ownership. Cooking Vinyl Publishing, incorporated in late 2007 and operational from 2008, functions as the group's music publishing division with offices in the UK and , administering copyrights for a diverse catalog of songwriters across genres. This entity operates independently, focusing on A&R, sync licensing, and global administration, and was excluded from the 2025 agreement to acquire Cooking Vinyl by Exceleration Music to maintain its separate structure. In , Cooking Vinyl acquired a stake in Motus Music, a and specialist representing over 40 labels and a catalog exceeding 90,000 tracks, integrating it into the group to bolster sync opportunities for artists. Like the publishing arm, Motus Music continues as a standalone operation following the 2025 agreement. Key partnerships have further expanded Cooking Vinyl's network. In 2018, took a significant equity stake in Cooking Vinyl Australia, enabling international distribution of its releases through The Orchard while fostering joint efforts in the . Following the 2025 agreement to acquire Cooking Vinyl by Exceleration Music, the label integrated with Redeye, Exceleration's U.S.-based distribution platform, to strengthen North American and global access.

Artist Roster

Current Artists

Cooking Vinyl maintains a diverse roster of 77 active artists as of November 2025, spanning genres from and folk to alternative and pop, with many operating under artist services deals that allow them to retain ownership of their masters while benefiting from the label's distribution and promotional expertise. This approach supports a wide array of musical styles, including established acts and emerging talents, fostering creative independence alongside global reach. Key artists in the indie rock category include The Darkness, , , , and , known for their enduring appeal in the UK and international scenes. In folk and acoustic realms, the roster features , , , , , and , emphasizing storytelling and roots-oriented sounds. Alternative and electronic contributors encompass , , , , and , adding experimental and global influences to the mix. Pop and singer-songwriter elements are represented by , James Morrison, , Elles Bailey, and , blending contemporary and retro vibes. Recent signings highlight the label's ongoing expansion. In January 2025, joined via a worldwide services deal, with his third studio album slated for release in Q3 2025 alongside extensive touring. signed the same month for his eighth album, set for Q3 2025, paired with headline tours and festival appearances. inked a global services agreement in June 2025, leading to his album INDI on January 23, 2026, following a sold-out show in . Factory, a newer addition, released the single "Back For Good" in November 2024 and their album All Hands On Deck on February 14, 2025, via Cooking Vinyl. Kerri Watt continues with ongoing promotional activities, including recent sessions and releases under the label's support. The roster also participated in 2025 with exclusive vinyl editions from artists like , , , , , and .

Former Artists

Cooking Vinyl's former roster includes a diverse array of artists who helped establish the label's prominence in , punk, and indie scenes during the through . These alumni often brought commercial success and critical acclaim through key releases, contributing to the label's reputation for supporting innovative and genre-blending acts before many transitioned to major labels or independent ventures. served as Cooking Vinyl's inaugural artist, debuting with the folk album The Texas Campfire Tapes in 1986, recorded informally on a and capturing raw acoustic performances that showcased her storytelling style. This release laid early groundwork for the label's focus on authentic, roots-influenced music. Shocked departed after subsequent albums like (1988), moving to major label for broader distribution. The Prodigy partnered with Cooking Vinyl from 2009 to around 2015, releasing high-impact electronic albums such as (2009), which sold over 1 million copies worldwide and revitalized their sound, and (2015). These projects highlighted the label's adaptability to electronic and genres within its alternative framework. The group left after 2015 to launch their own imprint under BMG, seeking greater control ahead of (2018). Marilyn Manson signed a worldwide deal with Cooking Vinyl in 2010, releasing the album in 2012, which debuted at No. 10 on the and marked a creative pivot toward blues-infused themes. This association bolstered the label's edge in provocative rock acts. Manson transitioned away post-2012, aligning with U.S. label Loma Vista for later works like (2015). Embrace joined in the mid-2010s, delivering their self-titled fifth album in 2014, featuring anthemic tracks like "In Common," and Love Is a Basic Need in 2018, which explored orchestral arrangements. These releases reinforced Cooking Vinyl's strength in British . The band departed after 2018, returning to independent management without specified reasons. The Cranberries released their sixth studio album Roses in 2012 through Cooking Vinyl, a return to form with jangly singles like "Tomorrow" that echoed their 1990s heyday. This project underscored the label's role in resurrecting legacy acts. Following Dolores O'Riordan's passing in 2018, the band effectively disbanded, ending their association. Counting Crows contributed with Underwater Sunshine (Or What We Did on Our Summer Vacation) in 2012, a covers collection reinterpreting tracks by artists like and , demonstrating the label's support for introspective . The album peaked at No. 7 on the 200. They shifted to for subsequent releases like Somewhere Under Wonderland (2014). Dropkick Murphys aligned with Cooking Vinyl for (2011), a album blending folk traditions with high-energy anthems like "," which helped solidify the label's punk credentials. The band moved to their own Born & Bred imprint under major distribution afterward. Other notable former artists include , , Pixies (for select releases), , , The Cult, and , each adding to Cooking Vinyl's legacy through pivotal alternative and punk contributions before departing for varied career paths.

Notable Achievements

Milestone Releases

One of Cooking Vinyl's earliest breakthroughs came with the release of Michelle Shocked's The Texas Campfire Tapes in 1986, a raw live recording captured at the Kerrville Folk Festival that showcased her folk roots and propelled the fledgling label into the indie spotlight. The album's unpolished authenticity resonated widely, topping British independent charts and attracting major-label interest, including a deal with that highlighted its role in bridging underground folk scenes to broader audiences. In 2009, Cooking Vinyl partnered with for , their fifth studio album that revitalized through aggressive fusion and sold over 1 million units worldwide. The release marked a commercial pinnacle for the label, debuting at number one in the UK and demonstrating Cooking Vinyl's prowess in handling high-energy genre crossovers that appealed to both club and mainstream markets. The album achieved 2× platinum certification in the UK. Amanda Palmer's Theatre Is Evil (2012) represented a in artist funding, raising $1,192,793 through —far exceeding its $100,000 goal—and establishing fan-driven models as viable alternatives to traditional industry financing. Distributed by Cooking Vinyl in , the album blended cabaret-punk with orchestral elements, achieving Top 10 status and underscoring the label's adaptability to innovative, community-supported projects. The label's recent catalog includes Altered Images' Mascara Streakz (2022), the Scottish new wave band's first album in 39 years, which revived their signature jangly with contemporary production flair and collaborations like . This release captured a surge in nostalgia, earning critical acclaim for reinventing the group's bubbly aesthetic while affirming Cooking Vinyl's role in resurrecting legacy acts for modern audiences. Other key releases bolstered the label's global reach, such as Marilyn Manson's (2012), which debuted at number 10 on the US and number 14 in the , channeling industrial rock's dark theatricality to sustain the artist's controversial edge. Similarly, Passenger's Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea (2016) secured the label's first number one album, blending introspective folk with accessible melodies that built on the success of prior singles like "."

Awards and Recognitions

Cooking Vinyl has achieved significant chart success in the UK, with multiple albums reaching number one on the Official Albums Chart. Notable examples include The Prodigy's in 2015, Passenger's Young as the Morning, Old as the Sea in 2016, and Shed Seven's consecutive number-one releases A Matter of Time in January 2024 and Liquid Gold in October 2024. The label has received industry accolades recognizing its contributions to . In 2014, Cooking Vinyl was nominated for the AIM Independent Label of the Year Award. More recently, it was named a finalist for Best Label/Artist Services Company at the Week Awards in 2025. Artists on the roster have also garnered recognition, such as winning Best Album at the Scottish Awards in 2024 for their release, and receiving an APRA Award in 2025. The label's long-term partnership with , spanning over four decades, has been highlighted in celebrations of his career longevity and contributions to indie music. Several releases have earned certifications for sales milestones. The Prodigy's was certified in the UK, while their earlier album (2009) achieved 2× platinum status in the UK. Cooking Vinyl's artist services model has been praised for its innovative approach to supporting independent artists, particularly following its 2025 acquisition by Exceleration Music, as noted in industry analyses emphasizing its role in sustaining long-term career success.

References

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  8. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/companies/cooking-vinyl/
  9. https://www.midiaresearch.com/blog/what-sony-musics-purchase-of-essential-music-says-about-the-future-of-the-music-industry
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  18. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/13155
  19. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/amanda-palmer-partners-with-uk-indie-cooking-vinyl-for-european-1093012/
  20. https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-amanda-palmer-theatre-is-evil-cooking-vinyl-8119951.html
  21. https://blabbermouth.net/news/marilyn-manson-s-born-villain-cracks-u-s-top
  22. https://loudwire.com/marilyn-manson-beastie-boys-make-mark-on-billboard-200-chart/
  23. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/marilyn-manson-born-villain/
  24. https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=80332
  25. https://www.prsformusic.com/m-magazine/news/nina-nesbitt-signs-cooking-vinyl
  26. https://www.billboard.com/pro/nina-nesbitt-kobalt-worldwide-administration-deal/
  27. https://theglasshouseicm.org/whats-on/lucy-spraggan/
  28. https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/embrace-embrace/
  29. https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-prodigys-the-day-is-my-enemy-is-on-top-in-uk/
  30. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/apr/06/the-prodigy-go-straight-in-the-the-albums-charts-at-no-1
  31. https://www.xsnoize.com/the-prodigy-release-the-day-is-my-enemy-expanded-album-inc-rare-unreleased-remixes-ahead-of-this-months-uk-irish-arena-tour/
  32. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/cooking-vinyl-group-consolidates-us-activity-one-office/
  33. https://www.billboard.com/pro/uk-cooking-vinyl-indie-us-operations/
  34. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-music-buys-chunk-cooking-vinyl-australia-significant-investment/
  35. https://themusicnetwork.com/sony-music-makes-significant-investment-in-cooking-vinyl-australia/
  36. https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/sony-music-uk-cooking-vinyl-group-agree-unique-strategic-alliance/
  37. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/sony-music-uk-acquires-essential-music-and-marketing-6897398/
  38. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/blog-1/altered-images-first-new-album-in-39-years
  39. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/cooking-vinyl-celebrates-incredible-feat-passenger-claims-uk-no-1/
  40. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/blog-1/shed-seven-land-their-second-number-1-album-this-year-with-liquid-gold
  41. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/blog-1
  42. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/label-profiles-four-independents-under-the-spotlight-8712226.html
  43. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/cooking-vinyl-america-names-howie-gabriel-president-as-it-expands-in-us/
  44. https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-gabriel-86087bb8
  45. https://uk.linkedin.com/in/ryanfarleyuk
  46. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/ryan-farley-named-managing-director-of-cooking-vinyl-publishing/
  47. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/sony-acquires-essential-music-marketing-launches-red-essential/
  48. https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/the-orchard-and-red-essential-announce-merger/068656
  49. https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/06430246
  50. https://celebrityaccess.com/2019/03/06/cooking-vinyl-invests-in-production-music-sync-specialist-motus-music/
  51. https://themusicnetwork.com/charles-caldas-exceleration-music-acquires-venerated-uk-indie-label-cooking-vinyl/
  52. https://completemusicupdate.com/hipgnosis-acquisition-further-expands-sonys-publishing-dominance-though-cooking-vinyl-stays-indie-with-exceleration-music-deal/
  53. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/artists
  54. https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/cooking-vinyl-signs-jack-garratt-to-worldwide-services-deal/091144
  55. https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/cooking-vinyl-signs-newton-faulkner/091242
  56. https://www.musicweek.com/labels/read/cooking-vinyl-signs-callum-beattie-to-worldwide-artist-services-deal/092050
  57. https://www.discogs.com/release/32232420-Punk-Rock-Factory-Back-For-Good
  58. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/rsd2025
  59. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/previousartists
  60. https://www.discogs.com/release/5503149-Michelle-Shocked-The-Texas-Campfire-Tapes
  61. https://www.spin.com/2009/02/prodigy-invaders-must-die-cooking-vinyl/
  62. https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com/prodigy-sign-worldwide-deal-bmg-new-album-2018/
  63. https://www.hitsdailydouble.com/news/rumor-mill/manson-to-cooking-vinyl
  64. https://www.discogs.com/release/5649349-Embrace-Embrace
  65. https://www.discogs.com/release/11456094-The-Cranberries-Roses
  66. https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-the-cranberries-roses-cooking-vinyl-7441152.html
  67. https://www.discogs.com/release/14475019-Counting-Crows-Underwater-Sunshine-Or-What-We-Did-On-Our-Summer-Vacation
  68. https://www.discogs.com/release/2806837-Dropkick-Murphys-Going-Out-In-Style
  69. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-10-06-ca-50881-story.html
  70. https://www.puremusic.com/pdf/shocked.pdf
  71. https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-prodigy-80-1304962
  72. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amandapalmer/amanda-palmer-the-new-record-art-book-and-tour
  73. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/aug/26/altered-images-mascara-streakz-review-clare-grogan-is-reinvented-as-a-retro-disco-diva
  74. https://www.cookingvinyl.com/blog-1/cooking-vinyl-announced-as-finalist-for-best-labelartist-services-company-at-music-week-awards-2025
  75. https://www.facebook.com/cookingvinylrecords/posts/so-pleased-for-gun-official-who-were-honoured-at-the-scottish-music-awards-on-sa/977581091053421/
  76. https://www.cookingvinylpublishingaustralia.com/post/make-them-suffer-wins-apra-award-2025
  77. https://www.billybragg.co.uk/product/billy-bragg-the-roaring-forty-1983-2023-limited-edition-orange-vinyl-1lp-signed-by-billy/
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