Made to Reflect: On building a record label with taste over trend, heart over hype.
In November 2018, Per Mygland and I quietly launched made records, a label built on belief in artist development and the conviction that there’s still power in nurturing something slowly, intentionally, and with heart. We were quietly confident.
We spent the first year shaping what made records could be. Then came nine intense months of recording. We had a real sense of momentum. Just as we began to hit our stride, COVID threw everything into chaos. A development label built around emerging artists and modest fanbases isn’t exactly pandemic-proof, but we adapted. We signed new talent, revisited our deals, and released lots of music during that time.
Over the past two years, I’ve been deep in Vierlive land, and hadn’t properly paused to take stock. But recently, while diving back into our catalogue for some new distribution and new artist signing conversations, I was reminded just how much we’ve done and how proud I am of all of it.
We’re gearing up for a busy summer of new releases (which we have been sitting on for longer than we wanted). It's some of our most exciting work yet.
I’ve just updated the Made Records catalogue playlist, and I’d really love for you to take a listen. They’re the product of years of collaboration across different countries, time zones, and systems made possible by the artists we work with, and by people like Melanie Gollin who kept us grounded, aligned, and on course from the very beginning.
Some special thank yous to the artists who’ve shaped this journey and taught me so much:
Christy, who ended up singing my wife down the aisle
Greta Isaac, who went on to launch Fizz
Rahm, whose record remains one of my top five albums ever
Alexia Evellyn, who brings full intensity to everything she touches
Thea Wang, now singing in Aurora’s band
Jenny Plant, who came through illness with extraordinary resilience
Girl Scout, writing some of the best indie pop songs out there
Moyka and Iris, each building visionary sonic worlds
Etaoin, who took what she learned and launched Manic Pixie Records
Vaarin, whose music continues to mature like fine wine
We’ve said from day one: We don’t have a style. We have taste. That’s still our A&R north star.
I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve made so far and even more excited for what’s coming next. Onwards.
