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Record Labels

Record labels representing and releasing music by past and present world music artists. The first world music record label was Smithsonian/Folkways, which in the 1930s began a series of influential releases of folk music from around the world. A major milestone in world music recordings came later with the Nonesuch Explorer series of records, introducing a variety of previously obscure musics to a diverse international audience. From these roots have sprung today's world music record labels.

Sites in Record Labels

Putymayo World Music
Label established in 1993 that primarily releases regional and special-interest compilations. Includes tour dates, radio show information, and RealAudio samples of songs.

Amiata Records
Label founded in 1992 focusing on Italian and Italian fusion music. Includes mp3 of the week, a concert calendar for their artists, catalogue, links, and online store. Requires Flash.

Luaka Bop Records
Latin music label founded by David Byrne. Features news, artist information, releases, and sound samples.

Newtone Records
Italian label. Includes news, concert calendar, journal of releases, and links to world music radio stations and e-zines.

Buda Musique
Record label based in France, dedicated to the music of the world both traditional and "urban". Site in French and English.

Piranha Records
Label based in Germany, releasing music from Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions around the world. In English and German.

Arc Music
Specializing in folk and world music from all over the world, from Australian didgeridoo to the Celtic harp to Egyptian tabla. Includes a catalogue and e-shop.

WeltWunder Records
Acoustic world music from West Africa and Brazil. Site available in English, German and French.

X Dot 25 Music
Label promoting a variety of music, including traditional, classical, contemporary and ambient world, new age, electronic, ambient techno, and experimental instrumental.

Tropical Music
German-based label and publishing company offering a large selection of Latin American and world music. With news, catalog, shopping, MP3s, and release information.

Alula Records
Specializing in African, Latin, Flamenco, Celtic, Gypsy, and other world music styles. Artists include Gerardo Nunez, Hassan Hakmoun, Johnny Cunningham, Tim O'Brien, and Mamadou Diabate. With artist profiles, news, and online store.

Six Degrees Records
Eclectic, independent label featuring world and electronic music. Artists include Spearhead, Ekova, and Karsh Kale. Biographies, tour dates, and label information.

World Circuit Records
Specializing in Cuban and West African Music, with artists such as Radio Tarifa, Orchestra Baobab and Orlando Cachaito Lopez. Includes pages for all artists with sound samples.

Heaven and Earth
German label featuring contemporary acoustic music from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Includes bios of the artists.

Real World Records
Label founded by Peter Gabriel releasing music by a large catalog of artists including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Afro Celt Sound System and Sheila Chandra. Includes tour dates, artist e-cards, and an "audio wall" of Quicktime audio samples.

Abhuraag
Bengali music and young artists. Includes downloads, song and cassette ordering, and discussion forums. Located in Kolkata, India.