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Independent Label Market to return to London this summer for 10th anniversary

The Independent Label Market (ILM) will return to London this summer, marking its tenth anniversary on 10th July 2021 at Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross. 

Founded in 2011 out of Soho’s Berwick Street market, the organisation has since expanded to events across the world, forging close ties to more than 600 imprints in the process. The UK capital’s 2020 edition was cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Labels involved at the forthcoming date include DJ Mag favourites like Hyperdub, Late Night Tales, AD 93, and Erased Tapes, the latter having just carried the latest long form from Nils Frahm. They join a host of seminal independents such as Sunday Best, Cherry Red, 4AD, Brownswood and Rough Trade. 

In addition to selling wax, ILM will also feature DJ sets from the rosters of labels on the bill, food and drinks, while groups such as climate campaigners Music Declares Emergency will also be present on the day. 

“When we came up with the idea for an indie label market, we never imagined doing a second one, let alone another 10 years of events. The idea back in 2011 was to bring together our favourite labels to celebrate a particular kind of creativity and passion that you only find in the independent sector,” said Joe Daniel, ILM co-founder.

“The fact that we are here 10 years later is a huge credit to the community of labels who consistently find new and exciting ways to grow and adapt in a fast changing industry. We love the camaraderie and their tireless commitment to presenting the most envelope-pushing music around,” he continued. 

 The ILM Mentoring Scheme is also back, and will now work with both Clue Records and Sad Club Records to platform live sets from artists whose work blurs lines between art, performance and music. For full details head to the official website, where labels can register interest in participation. Meanwhile, you can find a full list of all imprints currently confirmed below.   

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