Celtic Music Record Labels
A decade or two back, Green Linnet and Shanachie were the main torchbearers for
Irish music in the US, whereas, Lismore and Iona were among a handful of fine
Scottish labels with impressive catalogues. Those days seem to be over. Now
it's Compass Records leading the pack in the US, and Greentrax
undoubtedly dominates the Scottish market. Sain continues to be the
premier Welsh label. Some of the steller earlier releases on less active (or
defunct) labels can still be found in one form or another via the internet.
The Celtic Show has received the support of many record labels over the years,
not only receiving regular offerings of new releases by established as well as
up-and-coming artists, but also, at times, contributions of CDs as subscriber
premiums for WRFG's fundraising marathons. In recent years, we are particularly
grateful to Compass Records (Nashville), Greentrax and Temple
(Scotland), Sain (Wales), ARC (UK), as well as Tara and
CIC (Ireland).
Many independent releases are also sent to us by the artists themselves, which
we appreciate greatly. Without the steady flow of new music, we couldn't do what
we do week after week! Several local artists, including
Mike Simpson,
Atanta Pipe Band, and
J. J. Sheridan, have been very supportive of our fundraisers in this way.
So have Lissa Schneckenburger, Jim Malcolm, Tannahill Weavers and Mairtin de
Cogain from further afield.
And yes, for "the record" we are still very much CD based!
Here's one long list
of interesting labels for those with time on their hands.
These are the most relevant labels for us:
American:
Compass
Culburnie Records
Green Linnet
Rego
Shanachie
Irish:
Claddagh
Clo Iar-Chonnachta (CIC)
Dara
Gael Linn
Tara
Scottish:
Greentrax
Iona
KRL/Lochshore
Lismor
Macmeanmna
Temple
Welsh:
Fflach Trad
Sain
Breton:
Keltia Musique
Celtic:
ARC