Warp Records is a pioneering independent UK record label , founded in Sheffield in 1989, notable for discovering some of the most enduring artists in electronic music.
Founded by Steve Beckett and Rob Mitchell, from their experiences working at the FON record store, and producer Robert Gordon, the label (whose name was chosen because the original name, 'Warped Records' was difficult to distinguish over the telephone[1]) and store soon became home to artists who would be highly influential in shaping the future of music. The first release (WAP1) was by Forgemasters (produced by Robert Gordon), whose limited 500 copy pressing of "Track With No Name" was financed by an Enterprise Allowance grant. It set a trend for the early releases both in terms of sound and the use of purple sleeves. This was followed up by Nightmares on Wax's "Dextrous" and with WAP5 the label had its first top twenty chart success with LFO and their eponymous single selling 120,000 copies. The first album released was Sweet Exorcist's C.C.E.P. in 1991. Robert Gordon left Warp acrimoniously in 1991 around the time of their Tomas release "Mind Song".
Warp went on to release a series of singles and albums from 1992 under the Artificial Intelligence heading, a series of experimental electronic music releases by artists such as Aphex Twin (as Diceman and later Polygon Window), Autechre, B12, the Black Dog, Richie Hawtin and Alex Paterson (of the Orb). Initially all the album releases were gatefold sleeves and coloured vinyl, often with striking covers by The Designers Republic or Phil Wolstenholme.
Taken from www.wikipedia.com
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