Established in 1989, Drag City's artist roster usually includes the most progressive experimental acts in the world. Some of the artists that have been signed to Drag City include Pavement, Will Oldham, Jim O'Rourke, Stereolab, Joanna Newsom and Royal Trux. The label's offices are located on Chicago's near west side. Most artists on the label come from many areas of the U.S., only occasionally including Chicago (Loose Fur, On Fillmore).
Drag City
2000 West Carroll Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
312-455-1015
www.dragcity.com
Touch and Go was founded in 1981 in Lansing, Michigan, and acted as one of the primary Chicago record labels of the 80s' and 90s', especially for the city's alternative and underground punk rock scene. Quarterstick Records is a sub-label of Touch and Go, with artists like Calexico, Naked Raygun, Henry Rollins and the Mekons. Some of the key artists on Touch and Go over the years have been the Jesus Lizard, Butthold Surfers, TV on the Radio, Pinback, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.
Touch and Go Records
Po Box 25520
Chicago, IL 60625
www.tgrec.com
Though founded in New York City in 1992, Thrill Jockey moved its headquarters to Chicago soon after due to more affordable rent and taxes. The label is dedicated to offering its listeners affordable music, making every album they've released available for free streaming. Some of Thrill Jockey's most popular bands have been Califone, The Sea and Cake, Tortoise, The Fiery Furnaces and High Places. Thrill Jockey's offices are located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago's south side.
Thrill Jockey Records
1501 West 18th Street
Chicago, IL 60608
312-492-9634
www.thrilljockey.com