Founded in Seattle in the 1980s the label found itself spearheading the 'Grunge' movement. Their first EP featured two future members of the legendary Pearl Jam while Soundgarden's debut album followed soon afterwards.

Nirvana released their first album, 'Bleach', through the label. Other Grunge pioneers such as 'Mudhoney' and 'Sunny Day' soon followed.

The label is not limited to this sub vein of rock music, something that has allowed it to survive while other specialist labels have fallen to the wayside.