How does a non-profit record label work?

In these uncertain times it pays to be self-sufficient. Everything in the label is produced in-house, the company has its own studio and session band, an army of film-makers, designers, artists, promoters and experienced writer-musicians that have been working the circuit long enough to know how to cut out the middle-men. We are a creative co-operative that swaps favours, trades skills and shares round the good fortune of our individual members.

This isn't a political movement, it's just how all labels would be if they were run by artists instead of businessmen.

What are we up to?

We are engaged in a series of projects that allow our signings (and those on like-minded independent labels) to work together – cross-pollinate even – in order to develop artistically and, consequently, improve public profiles and critical reception. Many of our artists no longer need such a network: they enjoy world tours, generous sponsorship, sync deals and celebrity endorsements but the co-operative aspect of Debt Records was never initiated for altruistic accolades or good karma, it sprang fully formed out of a scene that didn't realise what it was until people started trying to name it.

Our ethos is best summed up by a recent BBC sound bite about the label: Debt Records is "like the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood but with fewer prostitutes."

Future plans include theatrical showcases, animated shorts, graphic novels, motion pictures and concept albums – that and the steady stream of our regular releases.