Rough Trade:21st Century

How has Rough Trade evolved in the 21^st century?

After the Rough Trade business was revived, they signed ‘The Strokes’; this would be the band that would kickstart Rough Trades future.

What successes have they had at this time?

“The Strokes first release ‘The Modern Age’ – the title almost says it all – galvanised both the revitalised Rough Trade and the British music industry, which was sorely in need of a lift post Brit-Pop. Geoff and Jeannette’s peripatetic foray to a New Jersey bar in search of the band they would bring back and promote before attending to the small detail of signing them to a contract paid off. Subsequent releases by The Strokes through 2001/2 and beyond would give their label its biggest commercial success since The Smiths.

Releases during the early- to mid- part of the 2000s by important artists like The Libertines, Eddi Reader, British Sea Power, Low, Emiliana Torrini, Arcade Fire, Belle & Sebastian, Sufjan Stevens and Antony & The Johnsons reflected the refreshing eclecticism of the co-founders, but by 2005 the label had hit a vintage vein of credible and commercial form. Antony & The Johnsons were the unexpected yet deserved winners of the Mercury Prize for the outstanding ‘I Am A Bird Now’ and Arcade Fire’s ‘Funeral’ album had become a worldwide hit, eliciting breathless praise from the likes of David Bowie and David Byrne.

By 2006, some old friends had returned, too. Scritti Politti’s ‘White Bread, Black Beer’ suggested they’d never been away and made it all the way to the Mercury shortlist, whilst Jarvis Cocker, whom Rough Trade had managed for nearly fifteen years, released his first post-Pulp album, ‘Jarvis’.”

-Roughtraderecords.com

How has Rough Trades ideology developed for the company in the present day?

Rough Trade has gone back to its original idea that music should not be faked and it should be real and different from what is usually heard on everyday radio. They proved this by signing Duffy, the put her on a development deal and told her that they wanted her to do what she wanted to do without their guidance and direction. This proved a good move, as Duffy earner numerous awards for her first album.

Some of the artists they have signed since reviving the company include: