Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

FatCat Records

FatCat Records is a founded in 1997 by Dave Cawley and Alex , evolving from a pioneering that specialized in imported music from and during the early . Originally established as a record store in , , in 1989–1990, the venture relocated to a basement in 's , where it became a hub for influential DJs and artists including , , and , fostering a DIY inspired by and underground scenes. After closing the shop in 1997, Cawley and Knight launched the label to champion boundary-pushing music, beginning with 12-inch singles in and expanding into diverse formats like the innovative Split Series, which paired emerging artists on shared releases. The label, now headquartered in , maintains an artist-led approach emphasizing creative freedom and genre-bending, with output spanning , , , , , and contemporary classical. Its roster has included notable acts such as , , , , and on the main imprint, while the 130701 sub-label has featured composers like , , and , highlighting ambient and modern classical works. In 2016, Cooking Vinyl acquired a stake to support global expansion, yet FatCat remains committed to independent values, releasing over 300 titles and continuing to nurture eclectic talent.

History

Record Store Origins (1989–1996)

FatCat Records originated as a physical record store in 1989, founded in , , by Alex Knight, Dave Cawley, and Andy Martin. The shop specialized in and records, catering to the burgeoning interest in during the late 1980s. In 1990, the store relocated to a basement location in London's , which enhanced its visibility and appeal within the capital's vibrant music community. This move attracted prominent DJs and producers as regular customers, including , , , , and Andy Weatherall, who frequented the shop for its curated selection of Detroit and Chicago-influenced electronic sounds. The Covent Garden outpost quickly became a key destination for enthusiasts and artists alike, fostering connections in the electronic music underground. The store played a pivotal role in the early rave and scene, serving as a hub for like-minded individuals and supporting events such as Derrick May's residency at and the tour, where co-founder Alex Knight even drove the tour bus and DJed at clubs like Lost, Sabresonic, and Blood Sugar. It also maintained ties to independent publications, notably stocking the Obsessive Eye , edited by Dave Howell, which documented post-techno and developments and later influenced Howell's involvement with the label. By 1997, the store closed in August amid the shifting music retail landscape, including rising competition from larger chains and the emerging dominance of distribution, prompting its founders to pivot toward label operations.

Founding as a Label (1997–2001)

FatCat Records was officially launched as an in 1997 by Dave Cawley and Alex Knight, who had previously operated a specialist record store in that closed in the autumn of that year. The transition from retail to label operations allowed the founders to channel their expertise in and into production and distribution, beginning with a focus on 12" singles targeted at club and experimental audiences. This shift marked a natural progression from curating records for sale to actively releasing new material, maintaining the store's emphasis on innovative sounds while adapting to the evolving landscape. The label's initial output centered on experimental music, with early releases featuring dance-oriented 12" singles that explored rhythms and textures. Catalog numbers began with the FAT series, such as 12FAT001 for the inaugural Split Series in late , which paired tracks from emerging artists to showcase diverse sonic experiments. These vinyl-focused efforts prioritized limited-run pressings for DJs and collectors, establishing FatCat's reputation for high-quality, boundary-pushing without compromising artistic integrity. In August 2000, PIAS acquired a 50% stake in FatCat Records, injecting financial stability and enhancing global distribution capabilities through their established network. This partnership provided crucial support for scaling operations, including improved manufacturing and marketing, while Cawley and retained creative control and majority decision-making autonomy to preserve the label's ethos. Seeking lower operational costs and a more inspiring creative hub, FatCat relocated its headquarters from to in 2001. The move to the coastal city offered affordable office space and a vibrant artistic community, fostering an environment conducive to focused label development amid rising London expenses. This strategic decision solidified FatCat's foundation, enabling sustained growth in the early 2000s.

Expansion and Key Signings (2000s)

In the early , FatCat Records broadened its scope beyond its electronic foundations by launching the 130701 imprint on July 13, 2001, dedicated to post-classical and instrumental music. The sublabel was created specifically to release the debut album Sings Reign Rebuilder by collective , a group of 13 musicians whose improvisational work addressed themes of destruction and renewal, recorded in an abandoned house. This move allowed FatCat to explore experimental instrumental forms while maintaining independence from its distributor, PIAS Recordings, due to the artists' ethical concerns over the latter's ties to military interests. Over time, 130701 became a pioneer in the post-classical genre, releasing works that blended classical instrumentation with contemporary innovation. FatCat's diversification into and experimental genres was marked by key signings of artists, beginning with the 2000 international reissue of Sigur Rós's breakthrough album on the main label, which introduced their ethereal, falsetto-driven sound to a wider audience. The label followed this in 2002 with the release of Sigur Rós's third album (), an eight-track collection of untitled, wordless compositions that solidified their reputation for immersive, atmospheric . That same year, FatCat signed , releasing their second album Finally We Are No One, a blend of glitchy electronics, toy instruments, and childlike vocals that captured the band's whimsical yet melancholic aesthetic. These acquisitions highlighted FatCat's growing interest in experimental acts, expanding its roster to include innovative sounds outside traditional . However, the commercial success of (), which earned international acclaim and Grammy nominations, led to their departure from FatCat in early 2004 to sign with for greater resources. This shift prompted FatCat to refocus on independence, culminating in 2005 with the establishment of a U.S. office in , headed by Adam Pierce, to better handle North American distribution and artist development. Concurrently, the label created FatCat Publishing to manage songwriting rights and royalties, strengthening its operational infrastructure. That year also saw the release of Vashti Bunyan's Lookaftering, her first new material in over 30 years, recorded between 2000 and 2001 but held until a reissue of her 1970 debut sparked renewed interest; the album's intimate arrangements revived Bunyan's career, positioning FatCat as a steward of archival and rediscovered talent.

Sustained Growth (2010s)

During the 2010s, FatCat Records sustained its growth as an independent label through strategic distribution partnerships, notably with [PIAS] for international reach, while retaining full creative and operational autonomy from its headquarters, which served as a vibrant creative hub fostering artist development. In 2016, acquired a stake in the label to support global expansion. The decade saw the label diversify its roster, blending experimental and sounds, with ’s local scene providing a supportive environment for recording and promotion. A notable release was ' Gem in 2012, which marked the label's venture into with its chamber psych and elements, produced by and recorded in . The 's innovative blend of and influences exemplified FatCat's commitment to boundary-pushing artists. In 2014, The Twilight Sad's Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave further solidified the label's reputation, earning a perfect 10/10 review from Drowned in Sound for its cinematic emoting, pop hooks, and urgent spaciousness in tracks like "Last January." Released on FatCat, the highlighted the band's evolution toward more refined dynamics. FatCat's support for the Scottish indie scene continued prominently, with C Duncan's debut Architect in 2015 earning a Mercury Prize nomination for its lush indie folk arrangements, recorded in Glasgow. The label also backed established acts like Frightened Rabbit, whose 2010 album The Winter of Mixed Drinks explored introspective indie rock themes, and We Were Promised Jetpacks, whose 2011 release In the Pit of the Stomach delivered melodic post-punk energy, reinforcing FatCat's strong ties to Scotland's burgeoning indie talent pool.

Recent Developments (2020s)

In the early 2020s, the severely disrupted live music performances across the industry, prompting independent labels like FatCat Records to pivot toward digital streaming platforms and archival reissues to maintain artist visibility and revenue streams. This shift was evident in FatCat's emphasis on expanded editions of classic releases, such as the 20th-anniversary reissue of Vashti Bunyan's Lookaftering on February 7, 2025, which included previously unreleased tracks and celebrated the artist's milestone birthday while capitalizing on renewed interest in and experimental sounds. FatCat continued its commitment to innovative releases amid these adaptations, with standout albums highlighting revivals in garage and post-punk aesthetics. In June 2025, Glasgow-based art-punk outfit Water Machine debuted God Park, an album blending raw energy and introspective lyrics that captured the gritty revival of underground rock scenes. This was followed in July 2025 by Midnight Rodeo's Chaos Era, a debut LP infused with chaotic garage rock elements and post-punk urgency, showcasing the label's support for emerging acts pushing genre boundaries with high-energy, distortion-driven tracks. Further bolstering its 2025 roster, FatCat announced Tara Nome Doyle's third album, Ekko, released on April 11, 2025, which explores themes of pain, renewal, and acceptance through minimalist arrangements featuring voice, , and subtle . The album's launch coincided with a European tour commencing in May 2025, including festival appearances at Golden Leaves in , Ypsigrock in , and Maifeld Derby in , marking a return to live performances post-pandemic. The label enhanced its through the fatcat. platform, which features comprehensive artist pages, a full digital catalog for streaming, and regular news updates to engage global audiences. As of 2025, FatCat's office, established in 2005, and its publishing arm continue to operate without reported major structural changes, supporting international distribution and licensing efforts.

Imprints and Series

130701

130701 is a sublabel of FatCat Records, established on 13 July 2001 to focus on orchestrated, , and , setting it apart from the parent label's emphasis on and genres. Named after its founding date (13/07/01), the imprint was created as an outlet for more experimental and compositionally driven works, beginning with the debut album Sings Reign Rebuilder by the Montreal-based collective , a 13-piece ensemble featuring members of . Early releases also included Sylvain Chauveau's minimalist piano compositions, such as Nuage (2004), which exemplified the sublabel's initial exploration of sparse, atmospheric soundscapes. Max Richter's (2004) further defined this direction, blending neoclassical elements with spoken-word elements and establishing 130701 as a hub for innovative music. Over its first decade, 130701 built a roster of influential artists in the post-classical scene, including notable alumni such as Jóhann Jóhannsson, known for his evocative film soundtracks like those for Arrival (2016) and The Mercy (2018); Max Richter, whose works like Sleep (2015) gained widespread acclaim for their immersive, sleep-conducive structures; Hauschka (Volker Bertelmann), celebrated for prepared piano techniques on albums such as Ferndorf (2008); and Dustin O'Halloran, whose piano-driven scores for films including Marie Antoinette (2006) highlighted the imprint's cinematic leanings. These artists contributed to 130701's reputation for fostering boundary-pushing compositions that merged classical traditions with contemporary experimentation, releasing over 50 albums by the mid-2010s. As of 2025, 130701's current roster emphasizes contemporary classical and experimental composers, including Clarice Jensen, whose and works like Drone Studies (2017) explore textural depth; Shida Shahabi, blending and modular synthesis on albums such as Songs on the Zodiac (2020); , known for her haunting vocal and pieces on Limbs (2020); and others like Ava Rasti, Dobrawa Czocher, Emil Friis, Halvcirkel, Molly Joyce, Patricio Fraile, Rikuto Fujimoto, and Yngel. Recent releases underscore this focus, such as Dobrawa Czocher's Sonata For Solo: Joanna's Tale (2025), Emil Friis' Moving Images (2025), Clarice Jensen's In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness (2025), and Molly Joyce's State Change (2025), which incorporate adaptive instruments and thematic narratives. The sublabel has played a pivotal role in expanding FatCat Records' aesthetic scope, introducing film scores, neoclassical genres, and ambient compositions to its catalog and influencing the broader post-classical movement through seminal releases that prioritize emotional resonance over genre conventions. By nurturing artists who bridge classical with modern production techniques, 130701 has solidified FatCat's position as a versatile independent label supporting diverse sonic explorations.

Other Series and Sublabels

FatCat Records has developed several specialized series and minor sublabels to explore format-specific and collaborative releases, often emphasizing experimental electronic and indie sounds distinct from the instrumental focus of its 130701 imprint. These initiatives allow for limited-edition formats and partnerships that highlight innovative artists without adhering to the main label's broader catalog structure. The Splinter Series, launched in the early 2000s, consists of limited-edition CD-only EPs and full-length releases, primarily in and experimental genres. It runs parallel to the label's Split Series but prioritizes solo artist projects over collaborations, with outputs like Janek Schaefer's Above Buildings (FATSP02, 2000) and Animal Collective's Danse Manatee (FATSP18, 2001), fostering a space for boundary-pushing soundscapes. Complementing this, the Split Series features collaborative 12" vinyl releases that pair diverse artists to create eclectic, unclassified tracks. Initiated in 1998 and curated initially by label founder Dave Howell, it includes pairings such as Third Eye Foundation with V/Vm (Split Series #1, 1998) and with Pimmon (Split Series #8, 2000), emphasizing sonic contrasts from to across over 20 installments. The 8” Series and E-RMX represent short-form vinyl experiments, with the former utilizing compact 8-inch records for explorations and the latter focusing on 7" . E-RMX, active around 2000, pairs originals with reinterpretations, as in Grain's by (E-RMX 1, 2000) and Mice Parade's track reworked by V/Vm and (E-RMX 2, 2000), promoting creative reinterpretation in limited runs. Among minor sublabels, 6dimensions specializes in techno and club-oriented electronic music, reviving the label's early shop roots with releases like Steve Bicknell's Story Character (126D-13, 2019). Similarly, FCR, established in 2017, targets club tracks and electronic singles, exemplified by Jamal Dixon's The Cause EP (DSFCR-11, 2022), drawing from FatCat's foundational emphasis on dancefloor innovation. Palmist, a short-lived sister label active from 2011 to around 2013, issued limited vinyl-only splits to spotlight under-the-radar artists, such as with (12PALM01, ). Obsessive Eye, tied to the label's pre-1997 history, originated as a 1990s zine by Howell stocked in the original FatCat shop, evolving into occasional one-off releases that archival early electronic experiments.

Artists and Roster

Current Artists

FatCat Records' main roster features a diverse array of active artists spanning , , and genres, with several notable releases in 2025. These musicians contribute to the label's ongoing commitment to innovative, boundary-pushing sounds. , a from formed by school friends Roel Meijer on drums and Peter van Beets on vocals and guitar, joined by bassist Ate Kamsma, debuted on FatCat in 2023 with their sophomore album Yes, I Don’t Know, which blends , , noise, and rhythms inspired by Neu!. Their style incorporates influences from , , electronic music, and , creating trance-inducing riffs and direct, gut-feeling expressions captured in raw, live-tracked sessions. Heavy Lungs, a Bristol-based four-piece formed in 2017, signed to FatCat for their 2025 sophomore album , following a 2023 debut on ! Records; their punk sound delivers relentless, raw energy with live-tracked performances evoking a "jackhammer" intensity and themes of dysfunction. Holiday Ghosts, originating from Falmouth in 2016 with core members Katja Rackin and Sam Stacpoole, plus later additions on bass and rhythm guitar, released their 2024 album Coat of Arms via FatCat, building on their 2023 debut Absolute Reality; their style fuses jangly , punky edges, protest elements, and emotional introspection for catchy, festival-ready hooks. Jennifer Touch, an eastern German artist influenced by 1980s synth-pop like and , began her solo career on FatCat in 2011, crafting that channels dreariness and personal memories into sincere, catchy tunes using vintage synthesizers to refine inner chaos. Lawns, a trio formed in 2020 by guitarists/vocalists Ben Lubin and Joe Green with drummer Tobias Humble, issued their debut full-length Be A Better Man on FatCat in 2023 after a 2021 self-released EP; their draws from American indie and sources, featuring abrasive dual guitars, no bass, baritone tones, and lyrics on , , and relationships. Midnight Rodeo, a collective of five friends who connected on the local scene, debuted on FatCat in 2022 and released their album Chaos Era in July 2025; their style merges psych-pop garage with and Latin grooves, highlighted by jangly guitars, synths, booming organs, and ethereal vocals from frontwoman Maddy Chamberlain. Pure Adult, the project of Jeremy Snyder started in 2017 with collaborator Abarca, debuted on FatCat the same year with an apartment-recorded EP; their indie experimental punk incorporates DIY dissonance inspired by Swans and , addressing through multitrack recordings, vocals, and synthesizers, as heard in their 2024 single The Power of Incredible Violence Pt. III. TRAAMS, a Chichester trio formed in 2011 by Stu Hopkins, Leigh Padley, and Adam Stock, debuted on FatCat in 2013 with the EP Ladders; their art-punk channels noisy with propulsive rhythms, pop immediacy, and experimental flair influenced by Wire and . Tara Nome Doyle, a Norwegian-Irish Berlin-based , first released on FatCat in 2018 with the single Down with You and issued her third album Ekko in April 2025; her style offers conceptual, intimate songwriting akin to and , exploring grief and emotion through self-produced works. The Psychotic Monks, a band formed in 2015, debuted on FatCat in 2019 with Private Meaning First; their splices genres like and with emphasis on accidents, silence, and raw emotional storytelling from four distinct personalities. Ubiquitous Meh!, a trio evolving from Luke Richards' 2018 solo project with Jodie Saunders and Mike Dugdale, debuted on FatCat in 2023 with Songs Wrought Wrong / Fecund With Love; their noise-infused delivers cult jams, outsider psych, and hooky rhymes using a , Tascam 4-track, and DIY effects, including the 2024 EP Only Blood with Height Keech. Water Machine, a art-punk band formed in 2022, released their debut album God Park on FatCat in 2025; their style blends melodic bass, volatile jazz-punk guitars, pop, , country, and into sardonic, anarchic sing-alongs about dogs, artists, and housing crises. The 130701 imprint, FatCat's contemporary classical and experimental arm, hosts artists pushing ambient, minimal, and adaptive boundaries, with several 2025 releases underscoring its focus on innovative compositions. Ava Rasti, an Iranian-born pianist and bassist from who founded group The Finches in her teens, went solo in 2020 and signed to 130701 for her 2024 album [The River](/page/The River); her chamber folk style weaves ambient, modern classical, and through repeating melodies and fragments evoking and the Piave River's history. Clarice Jensen, a New York-based Juilliard-trained cellist and artistic director who has collaborated with and , debuted on 130701 in 2020 with The experience of repetition as death and released In holiday clothing, out of the great darkness in October 2025; her ambient work layers improvised loops and into meditative, drone-based fields with visceral sharpness. Dobrawa Czocher, a cellist and from a musical family who studied at Chopin University and in , joined 130701 in 2022 and released Sonata for Solo Cello: Joanna's Tale in July 2025; her percussive classical approach expands the cello's palette with technical imagination, blending Schumann, , and film influences into contemporary depth. Emil Friis, a blending orchestral and synthetic elements influenced by , Bach, and film scores, debuted on 130701 in 2025 with Moving Images; his piano works fuse machines and instruments to capture human tension, brightness, and somber beauty, following a 2023 collaboration The Expected Sounds Of Minor Music. Halvcirkel, a Danish string trio founded in 2015 by violist Mika Persdotter, violinist Bettina Marie Ezaki, and cellist Nicole Hogstrand, debuted on 130701 in 2024 with Vida; their electronic-classical hybrids employ intricate interplay, , and to evoke Nordic landscapes, drawing from Eno, Nielsen, and . Keeley Forsyth, a singer, composer, and actress from , debuted on 130701 in 2020 with and released in May 2024; her vocal minimalism channels raw emotion and stark beauty inspired by Beckett, , and Yorkshire moors into spoken-word-infused, physical monochrome pieces. Molly Joyce, a and performer using as creative fuel via an electric toy organ after a car accident, signed to 130701 for her 2025 album State Change; her adaptive music innovates neo-classical , incorporating surgical records and interviews to explore personal and collective narratives. Shida Shahabi, a Stockholm-born of Iranian heritage who studied and , debuted on 130701 in 2018 with Homes and continued with like Lake On Fire in 2020; her piano/electronics meld melodic intimacy, ambient space, and punk-classical influences for atmospheric, filmic explorations. Yngel, a Danish duo of guitarists Taus Bregnhøj-Olesen and Palme with experimental , issued their 2024 album on 130701 following a 2015 debut; their experimental style uses rocks and stones on custom guitars for organic, unpredictable harmonies inspired by nature and collaborators like Göttsching.

Former Artists

FatCat Records has been home to numerous influential artists over its history, many of whom achieved significant breakthroughs during their tenure before departing for other opportunities or due to label changes. Among the most notable is the band , who signed with FatCat in 1999 and released their seminal albums (1999) and ( ) (2002), the latter marking a pivotal moment in their ethereal sound characterized by Jónsi's vocals and expansive arrangements. These releases helped propel the band to international acclaim, with ( ) earning widespread critical praise for its innovative structure of eight untitled tracks. departed FatCat in late 2004 to sign with , seeking broader distribution and resources for their growing ambitions, though the label reissued ( ) in a 20th anniversary edition in 2022. The Icelandic group joined FatCat in the early 2000s, releasing their breakthrough album Finally We Are No One (2002), which blended whimsical samples, acoustic instruments, and childlike vocals to create a warm, playful aesthetic. Follow-up Summer Made Good (2004) further solidified their reputation for intricate, nature-inspired soundscapes. left FatCat after these releases to align with Berlin-based Morr Music for subsequent works like Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy (2006), reflecting a desire for a label more focused on their evolving electronic pop direction. Scottish indie rock band signed with FatCat in 2006, issuing three acclaimed albums: Sing the Greys (2006), (2008), and The Winter of Mixed Drinks (2010), the latter praised for its raw emotional depth and themes of . Their time on the label captured the band's shift from lo-fi to fuller production. In 2010, signed with to expand their reach, releasing (2013) under the major label. The , another Scottish act, debuted on FatCat with their self-titled EP (2006) and full-length Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters (2007), earning critical acclaim for James Graham's intense vocals and shoegaze-infused . They remained with the label through albums like No One Can Ever Know (2011) and Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave (2014). The band departed in 2018 for Mogwai's Rock Action Records, citing a desire for a fresh creative . Vashti Bunyan's association with FatCat began with the reissue of her 1970 folk album in 2000, but her active releases included Lookaftering (2005) and (2014), the latter announced as her final studio effort and featuring delicate acoustic arrangements reflective of her cult folk revival. Bunyan, who largely retired from music after Heartleap, has no subsequent releases, marking the end of her output on the label. Experimental artist U.S. Girls (Meghan Remy) released Gem (2012) on FatCat, a sample-heavy album blending soul, disco, and noise that showcased her evolving pop sensibilities. Her tenure highlighted FatCat's support for boundary-pushing acts. Remy left for 4AD in 2015, where she issued Half Free, drawn by the label's resources for her increasingly polished productions. C Duncan debuted on FatCat with Architect (2015), a multi-layered orchestral pop record nominated for the Mercury Prize, praised for its intricate harmonies and classical influences. Subsequent releases like The Midnight Sun (2016) followed on the label. Duncan departed for Bella Union around 2019, seeking a platform for his shifting ambient and singer-songwriter styles. Animal Collective's early FatCat period included (2004) and Feels (2005), albums that defined their freak-folk phase with acoustic experimentation and communal vocals. These "early splits" from the collective's rotating lineup captured their raw, psychedelic origins. The band moved to Domino Records in 2007 for [Strawberry Jam](/page/Strawberry Jam), pursuing wider exposure. Honeyblood's self-titled debut (2014) on FatCat introduced their crunchy with punk edges, featuring tracks like "Braid Burn Valley." Babes Never Die (2016) followed, amplifying their energy. The duo left for Marathon Artists in 2019 for , aiming for greater touring support. We Were Promised Jetpacks released These Four Walls (2009), In the Pit of the Stomach (2011), and Unravelling (2014) on FatCat, evolving from angular to more atmospheric . They departed in 2018 for Big Scary Monsters, releasing The More I Sleep the Less I Dream to align with labels supporting their matured sound. FatCat's 130701 imprint, launched in 2001, featured several former artists in the neoclassical and realms. Icelandic composer joined in 2010, releasing And They Have Escaped the Weight of Darkness (2011) and film scores like The Miners' Hymns (2011), known for their haunting strings and electronics; he passed away in 2018, ending his output. Max Richter's early 130701 releases, including Songs from Before (2006) and Infra (2010), established his neoclassical style with piano-driven minimalism and electronic textures. He left for in 2010 for broader classical distribution. German pianist (Volker Bertelmann) debuted on 130701 with Room to Expand (2007), pioneering techniques on albums like Ferndorf (2008), evoking rural soundscapes. He departed around 2013 for Temporary Residence Limited, expanding into film scoring. collective founded 130701 with Sings Reign Rebuilder (2001), a epic recorded in an abandoned house, blending and field recordings for political urgency. The group disbanded after Where Loom Is a Word (2004), with members pursuing other projects like .

Musical Style and Legacy

Genres and Aesthetic Focus

FatCat Records' core genres encompass , , , post-classical, , garage punk, and , reflecting a commitment to boundary-pushing sounds that defy easy categorization. The label's output draws from these styles to foster eclectic releases, such as the droning explorations in post-rock by artists like Fonn or the atmospheric electronica in ambient works, emphasizing sonic innovation over conventional structures. The label's musical evolution traces back to its 1990s origins in record store , where and dominated, before expanding in the to embrace and amid broader UK indie influences like ' ethereal expanses. By the , this trajectory shifted toward neoclassical and territories through the 130701 imprint, pioneering modern-classical landscapes with works that blend emotional depth and . This progression highlights FatCat's adaptability, moving from dance-oriented to a diverse palette that integrates post-classical elements, as seen in releases by and . At its aesthetic core, FatCat prioritizes innovation and artist development over commercial viability, guided by founder Alex Knight's of releasing "unique, uncategorizable " through limited editions and long-term support for underground talent. The label avoids mainstream trends, instead nurturing the local scene alongside international acts from Scotland's DIY guitar collectives to global experimentalists, embodying a DIY that values artistic risk and boundary-blurring experimentation. This focus ensures releases like garage punk outbursts from or from Holiday Ghosts align with an overarching dedication to non-conformist, forward-thinking aesthetics.

Influence and Notable Achievements

FatCat Records has significantly influenced the independent music landscape by nurturing pivotal artists whose careers it helped propel to international prominence. The label played a key role in introducing Icelandic band to global audiences through early releases like the album Ágætis byrjun (2000) and subsequent albums, establishing them as pioneers in the genre and expanding the reach of beyond niche circles. Similarly, FatCat facilitated the revival of British folk artist with her 2005 album Lookaftering, which reintroduced her ethereal style to a new generation influenced by the folk revival movement, leading to collaborations with artists like Devendra Banhart and renewed critical acclaim. The label's artists have garnered notable awards and high-profile recognition, underscoring FatCat's curatorial impact. Scottish multi-instrumentalist C Duncan's debut album Architect (2015), released on FatCat, earned a nomination for the Mercury Prize, highlighting the label's support for innovative indie pop arrangements recorded in home settings. Albums by The Twilight Sad, such as Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave (2014), received praise from outlets like Pitchfork for their evolution from shoegaze roots to broader emotional landscapes, cementing the band's status in UK indie rock. Likewise, U.S. Girls' GEM (2012) was lauded by DIY Magazine for its spellbinding take on golden-era pop, marking a breakthrough in the artist's shift toward polished experimental structures. FatCat's cultural influence spans the evolution of the scene, from its origins in the post-rave electronic era to contemporary experimental sounds. Founded in by former staff of a record store specializing in and , the label transitioned into a hub for diverse releases while maintaining a DIY rooted in the late-1990s club culture. Its partnership with [PIAS] for has enabled wider accessibility, allowing FatCat's catalog to reach international markets without compromising , as evidenced by joint efforts in logistics and promotion since the early . As of 2025, FatCat's legacy endures through its sustained independence and adaptation to digital platforms, continuing to mentor emerging acts amid a shifting industry. The label remains Brighton-based and artist-focused, releasing music via and to foster direct fan engagement, as seen in recent outputs from band TRAAMS and composer Shida Shahabi on its 130701 imprint. This approach has preserved FatCat's role as a bridge for innovative talents, from Shahabi's ambient explorations in Living Circle (2023) to TRAAMS' raw energy in Personal Best (2022), ensuring its relevance in the digital age. In 2025, the label continued its output with releases such as Bunyan's expanded edition of Lookaftering (February 2025) and Midnight Rodeo's debut album Chaos Era (July 2025), alongside Tara Nome Doyle's Ekko.

References

  1. [1]
    Info - FatCat Records
    FatCat Records is a British independent record label founded in 1997 by the staff of the infamous London record store. The label is inspired by the DIY ethos of ...Missing: history founders key
  2. [2]
    Dave Cawley – Co-founder and Director – Fat Cat Records
    I'm the co-founder and Director of Fat Cat Records, along with Alex Knight. I do a bit of everything; I do some A&R, some of the website, I listen to a lot ...
  3. [3]
    Label Focus #14: FatCat - // Drowned In Sound
    Jan 18, 2008 · FatCat was actually started as a record shop by Dave Cawley and Alex Knight back in 1990. I used to do a fanzine, called Obsessive Eye, that was ...Missing: key | Show results with:key
  4. [4]
    FatCat Records · Record label RA - Resident Advisor
    Regular visitors to the shop included the likes of Jeff Mills, Juan Atkins, Ritchie Hawtin, Andy Weatherall, Steve Bicknell, Aphex Twin, etc. FatCat were ...
  5. [5]
    My Life's Playlist: FatCat's Dave Cawley - PIAS
    Mar 30, 2016 · FatCat began life in 1989 as an independent record store in Crawley, West Sussex – but these days it's better known as the influential, ...
  6. [6]
    FatCat Records Discography | Discogs
    - **Founding**: FatCat Records established in 1997 after the closure of its original record shop in the early '90s.
  7. [7]
    FatCat Records Information - RocketReach
    Founded, 1991 ; Address, PO Box 3400, Brighton, Cornwall BN1 4WG, GB ; Phone, +44 1273 699020 ; Technologies. JavaScript , HTML , Google Analytics +14 more (view ...Missing: current | Show results with:current
  8. [8]
    ARTISTS (List) | FatCat Records
    ### Notable Artists Associated with FatCat Records
  9. [9]
    Cooking Vinyl acquires stake in Fat Cat Records
    Sep 27, 2016 · Cooking Vinyl has acquired a stake in Fat Cat Records. CV will work with the label's founders Alex Knight and Dave Cawley and its existing staff to develop the ...
  10. [10]
    Label Feature: Fat Cat Records | Carhartt WIP
    **Summary of Fat Cat Records Origins:**
  11. [11]
    130701 Records: Living By Numbers - Electronic Sound
    Jul 13, 2016 · A graphic designer by trade (his fanzine 'Obsessive Eye' was stocked by the shop), Howell joined the team to help with the fledgling record ...
  12. [12]
    Label Focus – FatCat Records | Juno Daily
    Mar 17, 2021 · With the store closing in 1997 the label became the priority business and the focus for all FatCat activities. GIVE US A BRIEF SUMMARY OF WHAT ...
  13. [13]
    https://www.discogs.com/label/376393-Fat-Cat-Split-Series
  14. [14]
    FatCat Records - Music label - Rate Your Music
    Record label formed in 1997 in the United Kingdom. Genres include Indie Rock, Post-Rock, and Post-Punk. Notable artists include ennamelang, ennamelang,Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
  15. [15]
    Miscellaneous - Interview with Dave Cawley - Penny Black Music
    Jul 16, 2003 · One of Britain's biggest indie labels, Fat Cat is perhaps best known for being Sigur Ros' label, but, from its very outset , has always proved ...Missing: founders key<|control11|><|separator|>
  16. [16]
    130701 | FatCat Records
    Originally established as an outlet for Montreal-based collective Set Fire To Flames, the imprint was ahead of the curve, becoming what Drowned In Sound ...Missing: launch 2000
  17. [17]
    130701 — an interview with Dave Howell, July 2016 - Medium
    Jan 31, 2017 · 130701 is a subsidiary of the legendary UK label Fat Cat Records. Formed out of a contractual necessity fifteen years ago in 2001, 130701 ...Missing: relocation | Show results with:relocation
  18. [18]
    https://store.fatcat.online/artist/276514-sigur-ros
  19. [19]
    ( ) 20th Anniversary FatCat Records Edition - Music | Sigur Rós
    About this album. Sigur Rós's third album, and for many the most quintessentially “Sigur Rós” record, celebrates its 20th anniversary on October 28, 2022.
  20. [20]
    mum - Finally We Are No One. Fatcat Records.
    " FatCat are proud to announce our first release by recent signings from Iceland, Múm. 'Finally we are no one' is the stunning, highly-anticipated second album ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  21. [21]
    U.K. indie ramps up roster with online discoveries | Reuters
    But Adam Pierce, who heads the U.S. office of the group's London-based FatCat Records label, isn't getting too excited. That brings the total initial ...
  22. [22]
    Lookaftering | Vashti Bunyan - FatCat Records - Bandcamp
    Free deliveryA full 35 years on from her only previous album, the singer returns with her first new solo work, a breathtakingly beautiful album. Now based in Edinburgh, ...Missing: 2000s Múm Sigur Rós
  23. [23]
    Kenny Gates: 'This shows our commitment to independent distribution.'
    Apr 1, 2021 · ... Fat Cat – as [Integral]. It is the perfect opportunity, therefore, to goad Gates a little on the impending $430 million sale of Kobalt's ...
  24. [24]
    https://store.fatcat.online/release/355223-us-girls-gem
  25. [25]
    https://www.discogs.com/master/488328-US-Girls-Gem
  26. [26]
    https://store.fatcat.online/release/355196-the-twilight-sad-nobody-wants-to-be-here-nobody-wants-to-leave
  27. [27]
    Album Review: The Twilight Sad - Nobody Wants To Be Here ...
    Oct 23, 2014 · It's an album that mixes earnestness with cinematic emoting and pop hooks. 'Last January' is spacious and urgent, 'I Could Give You All That You Don't Want' ...
  28. [28]
    https://www.discogs.com/master/750662-The-Twilight-Sad-Nobody-Wants-To-Be-Here-And-Nobody-Wants-To-Leave
  29. [29]
    The Midnight Sun - C Duncan - Fatcat Records
    Glasgow's prodigious talent C Duncan released his critically acclaimed and Mercury Prize nominated debut album 'Architect' in July 2015, wrapping up an ...
  30. [30]
    Mercury Prize 2015: The nominees - BBC News
    Nov 19, 2015 · A look at the 12 albums nominated for the 2015 Mercury Music Prize ... C Duncan: Architect Image source, Fatcat Records. C Duncan: Architect.
  31. [31]
    https://store.fatcat.online/artist/276424-frightened-rabbit
  32. [32]
    https://www.discogs.com/master/230469-Frightened-Rabbit-The-Winter-Of-Mixed-Drinks
  33. [33]
    https://store.fatcat.online/release/355418-we-were-promised-jetpacks-in-the-pit-of-the-stomach
  34. [34]
    We Were Promised Jetpacks - Fatcat Records
    Fatcat Records. Menu; Sign In · Basket · FATCAT. FATCAT VINYL (Lp ... We Were Promised Jetpacks then decamped to Sigur Ros' studio retreat in the frozen wilds of ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
  35. [35]
    How Coronavirus Is Wreaking Havoc on Music - Rolling Stone
    Apr 27, 2020 · From reshuffling Coachella to derailing album releases and decimating workers' livelihoods, COVID-19 has totally upended music.Missing: FatCat reissues
  36. [36]
    Vashti Bunyan – Lookaftering Expanded Edition - FatCat Records
    This gatefold edition features the original studio album, a second LP with live, alternative and demo versions of the original album tracks, ...Missing: re- | Show results with:re-
  37. [37]
    Water Machine – God Park - FatCat Records
    FatCat Records. Uk independent record label. Bending genres since 1997. Connect. Bluesky · Facebook · Instagram · Spotify · Soundcloud · Threads · TikTok.<|separator|>
  38. [38]
    https://www.fatcat.online/post/midnight-rodeo-chaos-era
  39. [39]
    Tara Nome Doyle – 'Ekko'
    ### Summary of Ekko Album Announcement and Tour Dates in 2025
  40. [40]
    Tara Nome Doyle
    Festivals · DE - Golden Leaves (2025) · IT - Ypsigrock (2025) · DE - Maifeld Derby (2025) · DE - AXIS (2023) · DE - Piano Day (2023) · DE - Sacred Ground Festival ( ...
  41. [41]
    Irish-Norwegian artist Tara Nome Doyle announces the release of ...
    Her European tour will begin in May. Ekko touches on themes of pain, new beginnings and acceptance. While largely self-produced, Doyle ...<|separator|>
  42. [42]
    FatCat Records | Record label
    FatCat Records. Tara Nome Doyle · FatCat Records. The Psychotic Monks · FatCat Records ... Uk independent record label. Bending genres since 1997. Connect.Missing: history founders key
  43. [43]
    https://www.discogs.com/label/22548-130701
  44. [44]
    130701: Pioneers of Post Classical - Inverted Audio
    Oct 21, 2015 · Before FatCat became a record label, it was a really important record store in Covent Garden where I used to shop. It was a very engaged, hugely ...
  45. [45]
    130701 – An Interview With Dave Howell. - Drifting, Almost Falling.
    Mar 14, 2020 · Ever since FatCat started putting out records we've tried to evade the traps of being identified as a certain genre. 130701 was the same and ...
  46. [46]
    https://store.fatcat.online/130701?lang=en_US
  47. [47]
    FatCat Records discography - Wikipedia
    Albums · FATCD001: Various Artists, Across Uneven Terrain, CD 1998 · FATCD002: Transient Waves, Sonic Narcotic, CD 1999 · FATLP002: Transient Waves, Sonic Narcotic ...
  48. [48]
    ANIMAL COLLECTIVE Danse Manatee 12” Vinyl LP FatCat ... - eBay
    ANIMAL COLLECTIVE. Danse Manatee. 12” Vinyl LP (DMM). FatCat Records (FAT-SP18LPX). Splinter Series #18. 2009. Limited Edition. Condition is 'New' (it was ...
  49. [49]
    Split Series 1-8 | Various Artists - FatCat Records - Bandcamp
    £7.00 Free deliverySplit Series 1-8 collects together 11 tracks released under FatCat's distinctive, much-acclaimed split 12” series, and marks the culmination of the first phase ...
  50. [50]
    https://store.fatcat.online/splinter-series
  51. [51]
    6dimensions - Fatcat Records
    Artist: Steve Bicknell; ReleaseProduct: Story Character; Label: 6dimensions; Catalogue Number: 126D-13; Release Date: 5 September 2019. Play 4 Tracks.
  52. [52]
    FCR · Record label RA - Resident Advisor
    FCR is the new imprint from Fatcat Records specialising in club tracks. Long before FatCat was the renowned independent label it is today, it was a record ...
  53. [53]
    FCR - Fatcat Records
    FATCAT CATALOGUE · 130701. 130701 CATALOGUE · 130701 VINYL · 130701 CD's ... Not Enough / Runaway; Label: FCR; Catalogue Number: DSFCR-02; Release Date: 5 July ...Missing: early 1997
  54. [54]
    PALMIST - Fatcat Records
    The Palmist label was a labour of love project dedicated to releasing limited vinyl-only runs of artists we loved and thought more people should hear about.
  55. [55]
    https://ra.co/labels/15146
  56. [56]
    Abdomen | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Abdomen (FatCat Records)
  57. [57]
    Heavy Lungs | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Formed May 2017 in Bristol, UK, Heavy Lungs are a four-piece band known for their relentless, raw rock sound, blending dysfunction with intensity.
  58. [58]
    Holiday Ghosts | FatCat Records
    ... history of 1980s UK indie pop (think classics like Shop Assistants or ... FatCat Records | All rights reserved | Site by shonfeld.xyz · Privacy Policy.
  59. [59]
    Jennifer Touch | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Jennifer Touch, raised in eastern Germany, was influenced by synth-pop, Depeche Mode, and techno from the late 1980s. Her music reflects social climates and personal memories, blending naivety, honesty, and sincerity.
  60. [60]
    Lawns | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Lawns (FatCat Records)
  61. [61]
    Midnight Rodeo | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Nottingham-based collective of five friends who met on the city’s live circuit.
  62. [62]
    Pure Adult | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Pure Adult (FatCat Records)
  63. [63]
    TRAAMS | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of TRAAMS (FatCat Records)
  64. [64]
    Tara Nome Doyle | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Tara Nome Doyle (FatCat Records)
  65. [65]
    The Psychotic Monks | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: The Psychotic Monks, a French band, formed in 2015, known for genre-splicing performances and recordings.
  66. [66]
    Ubiquitous Meh! | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Ubiquitous Meh! started as Luke Richards’ solo organ and drum machine project, evolving into a trio with Jodie Saunders and Mike Dugdale during the Covid-19 lockdown. They use an old Hohner, Tascam 4-track, and DIY ethos.
  67. [67]
    Water Machine | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Water Machine (FatCat Records)
  68. [68]
    Ava Rasti | FatCat Records
    FatCat Records' 130701 post-classical imprint has signed Rasti's latest set, named “The River”. The concept and music for the album were initiated when ...
  69. [69]
    Clarice Jensen | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Clarice Jensen (FatCat Records)
  70. [70]
    Dobrawa Czocher | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Dobrawa Czocher
  71. [71]
    https://www.fatcat.online/artists/ava-rasti
  72. [72]
    Emil Friis | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Emil Friis is a Copenhagen-based Danish composer working in film music and recorded works, known for a unique style blending orchestral instruments with synthesis and processing, reflecting the human condition. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Gavin Bryars, Bach, Beethoven, and Jeff Bridges/Keefus Ciancia’s *Sleeping Tapes*.
  73. [73]
    Halvcirkel | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Halvcirkel from FatCat Records
  74. [74]
    Keeley Forsyth | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Keeley Forsyth is a singer, composer, and actress from Oldham, UK, known for her presence on TV since the mid-'90s and her unique music career.
  75. [75]
    Molly Joyce | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Molly Joyce is a composer and performer exploring disability as a creative source, with an impaired left hand from a car accident. Her work spans composition, performance, and collaboration.
  76. [76]
    Shida Shahabi | FatCat Records
    ### Summary of Shida Shahabi (FatCat Records)
  77. [77]
    Yngel | FatCat Records
    - **Bio**: Yngel is a creative partnership of Danish guitarists/composers Taus Bregnhøj-Olesen and Emil Palme, both with backgrounds in experimental music. Taus builds string instruments and effects pedals, while Emil has collaborated with Manuel Göttsching and Clarissa Connelly.
  78. [78]
    There's no place like home | Sigur Ros - The Guardian
    Oct 14, 2007 · Sigur Rós had signed to EMI prior to the release of Takk ... in 2005. ... But Sigur Rós's actual first release for EMI was 2004's 'Ba Ba Ti Ki ...
  79. [79]
    Finally We Are No One | múm - FatCat Records
    Free deliveryFinally We Are No One by múm, released 06 May 2002 1. Sleep/Swim 2. Green Grass Of Tunnel 3. We Have A Map Of The Piano 4. Don't Be Afraid, You Have Just ...Missing: debut | Show results with:debut
  80. [80]
    múm - Morr Music
    múm have released on Morr Music & FatCat Records and became are one of Iceland's most important pop outfits. The band's line-up is in a state of constant ...
  81. [81]
    Frightened Rabbit Sign to Atlantic - Pitchfork
    Nov 16, 2010 · Scottish indie rockers Frightened Rabbit has signed with Atlantic Records after releasing three LPs on FatCat, according to the Pop Cop and confirmed by the ...
  82. [82]
    https://fatcatrecords.bandcamp.com/album/finally-we-are-no-one
  83. [83]
    Heartleap | Vashti Bunyan - FatCat Records - Bandcamp
    Recorded largely in her home studio, 'Heartleap' is a unique and entrancing collection of ten songs forming what Vashti is adamant will be her final album.
  84. [84]
    U.S Girls: Gem
    Free deliveryStarting with their split on Palmist Records, continuing with 'U.S. Girls ... FatCat records. 'GEM' will doubtless be remarked on for to its 'improved ...
  85. [85]
    C Duncan - Bella Union
    In stockGlasgow's classically trained multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter honours that idea with tremendous reserves of panache and feeling on his fifth album.Missing: current label
  86. [86]
    ANIMAL COLLECTIVE "FEELS" (20TH ANNIVERSARY) VINYL LP
    ANIMAL COLLECTIVE "FEELS" (20TH ANNIVERSARY) VINYL LP. $49.98. 1. How to ... Fat Cat Records · Shop All · Contact Us · About. Sign Up. This form is protected by ...
  87. [87]
    https://usgirlsfatcat.bandcamp.com/
  88. [88]
    Getting Away With It: Stina Tweeddale on 10 Years of Honeyblood
    May 14, 2024 · Honeyblood came out in the summer of 2014 on much-loved indie label FatCat Records, also responsible for releasing seminal records by other ...
  89. [89]
    We Were Promised Jetpacks on their new album - The Skinny
    Sep 11, 2018 · Ultimately, they chose not to go back to FatCat, and instead inked a deal with Big Scary Monsters, the Oxford imprint that also hosts the likes ...
  90. [90]
    Listen to a spellbinding mix of music composed by Jóhann ...
    Dave Howell of FatCat Records and 130701 delivers a stunning requiem for the iconic Icelandic composer who he knew and worked with for many years.
  91. [91]
    Sings Reign Rebuilder - 20th Anniversary Edition - set fire to flames
    Free deliveryOriginally released on a trio of labels - Alien 8 in North America, P-Vine in Japan and FatCat's 130701 imprint in UK/Europe - 'Sings Reign Rebuilder' was the ...
  92. [92]
    IN CONVERSATION: Alex Knight, Founder Of FatCat Records
    Sep 12, 2019 · There doesn't seem to be a Fat Cat sound so to speak? Is it more based on your tastes than preconceived genres? FatCat has always been about ...Missing: key | Show results with:key
  93. [93]
    The Untold History of UK Post-Rock | Bandcamp Daily
    Jul 16, 2024 · ... fanzine Obsessive Eye between 1995 and 1997 before joining FatCat as an A&R man. “Most of the people I was hanging around with then would ...
  94. [94]
    Introducing… C Duncan - Songwriting Magazine
    Nov 28, 2014 · C Duncan For If there's one thing you couldn't accuse long-running UK indie label Fat Cat Records of, it's getting stuck in any one groove.
  95. [95]
    10 great Vashti Bunyan covers by indie artists - BrooklynVegan
    Jun 15, 2022 · In 2004, she released Prospect Hummer, a collaborative EP with Animal Collective, which led to her signing to Fat Cat Records. She then released ...
  96. [96]
    Vashti Bunyan - Fatcat Records
    Now based in Edinburgh, Vashti's story tells of the thwarted promise of early fame, disenchantment, long-term exile and eventual rediscovery.Missing: 2000s key Múm Sigur Rós
  97. [97]
    Nobody Wants to Be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave Album Review
    Oct 24, 2014 · The Twilight Sad have covered far more territory than you'd expect from a Scottish mope-rock band. On their fourth album they attempt to reestablish themselves ...
  98. [98]
    U.S. Girls - Gem review - DIY Magazine
    Rating 4.0 · Review by Dean LucasJul 19, 2024 · 'GEM' is nothing short of spellbinding. As embodied by the album's stunning opener, the languid 'Another Colour', US Girls' take on golden era pop throughout ' ...Missing: Pitchfork | Show results with:Pitchfork
  99. [99]
    Shida Shahabi to release sophomore album, 'Living Circle'
    Stockholm-based composer Shida Shahabi is releasing her sophomore album, 'Living Circle,' on June 23rd via FatCat's 130701 imprint.Missing: TRAAMS | Show results with:TRAAMS
  100. [100]
    Stream FatCat Records | Listen to TRAAMS - Slipping - FatCat ...
    ... Shida Shahabi - 'Living Circle' LP - preview. FatCat Records ... TRAAMS - SLEEPER. FatCat Records ... FatCat Records - Slack City - 27 Jan 2025 -. FatCat Records.<|separator|>