Transgressive Records share advice as they celebrate 20 years: “Life is too short for bad music”

nme.com:

NME about 20 years of running the label that gave the world the likes of Foals, Arlo Parks, and SOPHIE – as well as sharing advice for music-lovers looking to do the same.The label, founded in 2004 by Tim Dellow and Toby L, with third partner Lilas Bourboulon joining shortly afterwards, has put out records by the likes of Foals, Arlo Parks, SOPHIE, Flume, Mystery Jets, The Subways, Damon Albarn, Alvvays, THE WAEVE, Julia Jacklin, The Antlers and Songhoy Blues – as well as running a management arm that handles the likes of Marika Hackman and a publishing company that works with Black Country, New Road, Loyle Carner and more.This year, they’ve been celebrating the end of a landmark second decade as a label with a string of shows and parties around the world.“It’s nice being established and confident, and in a position where you can take some of your biggest creative risks,” Dellow told NME of the label’s legacy after 20 years.”“I just feel that bit more fearless,” Toby L agreed. “Once you’ve got 20 years behind you, you feel like you’re in this sweet spot between still hungry but with a point to prove.”Bourboulon added: “The only thing that’s not changing is our enthusiasm and excitement for the music.

If anything, that’s broadened.”Check out our full interview with the three label bosses below, where they told NME about starting out, discovering talent, what’s next, and advice for people looking to start something themselves.NME: Hello Transgressive Records bosses.

What was your manifesto when you first started 20 years ago? Toby L: “It started in 2004, when London was in a really exciting time.