Rough Trade:1980s

How did contracts effect the development of Rough Trade?

Rough Trade had a very different approach to the record contracts they gave out; Rough Trade had two simple clauses in their record contract. The first being that when the partnership between the company and artist was no longer working they would end the deal; the second clause was that any profit which was made from the record sales-once all the production and distribution costs had been taken away-was split equally between the artist and Rough Trade. They believed their way of signing artists, “captured everything that was right about humans”.

Geoff Travis-founder of Rough Trade

Which issues occurred between the record label and distribution?

The record label thought they had to approach more pop music to suit the music industry as a way of competing with the other larger companies. This decision led to conflict between the record label and distribution part of the business.

What has been Rough Trades ideology and how was this affected by the change in structure?

Up until this point, Rough Trade had prided itself on beating the corporate system and going against everything that was wrong with the British music industry. When the record label reached the point where they wanted to venture into the pop music industry, many people in the company disagreed and as a result were not supportive of this sudden shift.

Which artists led to success for Rough Trade?

It became apparent that indie music was set to take over the music industry; this came with the signing of The Smiths. Rough Trade took a new approach to this signing after having learnt from mistakes previously where their major selling artists had moved on to larger commercial companies; so Rough Trade signed The Smiths on a long term agreement which guaranteed them four albums. The first single The Smiths released in partnership with Rough Trade, was ‘The Charming Man’ which demanded major marketing, it was hugely commercial. In 1986, The Smiths tried signing to EMI but failed as they were still legally bonded to Rough Trade. After this The Smiths were beginning to break down and soon released ‘Strange ways here we come’ this would turn out to be their last album for Rough Trade and their last ever album as a band. By 1989, Rough Trade had its largest roster of artists in its history. 

What music trend emerged at the end of the 1980's?
At the end of the 1980s techno was taking over the music scene, as rave clubs began to develop.

What differences were there at this time between Rough Trade and other independent music labels?
Rough Trade was both a record label and a distribution company. Around 90% of the £40 million turnover came from the distribution, the distribution side of the company financed the record label; allowing them to develop the technical side of the music.