A Milestone For A Remarkable Label: Merge Turns 20
This year, Merge Records, home to artists such as M. Ward, Neutral Milk Hotel, Spoon, The Magnetic Fields, and many more, celebrates its 20th anniversary. Mac McCaughn and Laura Ballance started the label in 1989, in Chapel Hill, NC. In the beginning they sold homemade cassette tapes from local record stores. If they made 50 sales, they were ecstatic. But today, Merge Records is one of the most revered labels in the business, with a large roster of remarkable talent. On this edition of All Songs Considered, host Bob Boilen talks with McCaughn and Ballance about the history of Merge Records, and how the label has thrived at a time when so many other labels are struggling.
Download this show in the All Songs Considered podcast.
Sign up for the All Songs Considered newsletter and we'll tell you when new music features are available on the site.
Register with the NPR.org community to join in our discussions.
Contact us with your questions and comments.
A Milestone For A Remarkable Label: Merge Turns 20
Various Artists
- Artist: Various Artists
- Album: Score! 20 Years of Merge Records
- Song: Beautiful Things
Related NPR Stories
More From All Songs Considered
Comments
You must be signed in to leave a comment. Sign In / Register
Please keep your community civil. All comments must follow the NPR.org Community rules and Terms of Use. NPR reserves the right to use the comments we receive, in whole or in part, and to use the commenter's name and location, in any medium. See also the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Community FAQ.
