20 record labels to follow on Instagram

Having scoured the internet for the best record shops to follow on Instagram and scrolled ’til our fingers bled in search of the internet’s best ‘gramming collectors – we wouldn’t dare exclude one of our staples: record labels.

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Words: Michael Wilkin

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It’s pure gold to be able to get first-hand insight into the life and times of some of the world’s most forward-thinking and essential record labels, and it happens every day on Instagram.

Following a label you love gives you a direct line to new music and new artists, often before the record is off the press.

Of course, every label wants to push their own wares, but there’s much more to it than just that. Yes sir. Take Ninja Tune for example; beyond the standard release fare, there’s an array of punchy street photography, abstract art and general sensory goodness.

Then there’s your Dekmantel style; tour heavy labels with an incredible wealth of live and behind the scenes snaps to devour. All invaluable when you want to keep tabs on your favourite DJs.

Below we’ve complied a range of labels who absolutely kill it on Instagram, ranging from majors to garage dwelling labours of love.

Think we’ve missed one? Let us know in the comments section or give us a shout on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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Warp Records / @warprecords

Mark Pritchard warming up for James Blake in Melbourne. : Kyleigh Pitcher

A photo posted by Warp Records (@warprecords) on Jul 28, 2016 at 6:01am PDT

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Ninja Tune / @ninjatunehq

Hold tight for the seminal 2003 LP by King Geedorah (aka #MFDOOM) 'Take Me To Your Leader' deluxe re-issue incoming on @bigdadarecords 30 Sept + includes special perforated insert of pop out characters ⚡️

A photo posted by Ninja Tune (@ninjatunehq) on Sep 25, 2016 at 11:36am PDT

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XL Recordings / @xlrecordings

OUT TODAY: #JackWhite Acoustic Recordings 1998 – 2016. A career-spanning collection of incredible music that includes new and unheard songs from throughout Jack's career.

A photo posted by XL Recordings (@xlrecordings) on Sep 9, 2016 at 2:18am PDT

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Brownswood Recordings / @brownswood

Broadcasting live from Los Angeles. George Clinton just popped in. @worldwide.fm

A photo posted by brownswood (@brownswood) on Sep 28, 2016 at 11:39am PDT

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Rough Trade / @roughtraderecords

The @goatgirlofficial "Country Sleeze" / "Scum" 7"s have arrived!! This is Goat Girl's first ever release and is very limited edition so we recommend pre-ordering from roughtraderecords.com if you want to get your hands on one. #goatgirl

A photo posted by Rough Trade Records (@roughtraderecords) on Sep 26, 2016 at 6:17am PDT

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Third Man Records / @thirdmanrecords

Remember when we basked in the out-of-this-world talent of drummer #CarlaAzar during #JackWhite's #Blunderbuss tour? Well, said talent is on display big time on @autolux_autolux's new Live at #ThirdManRecords LP, out FRIDAY. Pre-order now at thirdmanstore.com.

A photo posted by Third Man Records (@thirdmanrecords) on Sep 26, 2016 at 12:31pm PDT

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Mondo / @mondotees

The masterful soundtrack to Cartoon Network's first ever animated mini-series, OVER THER GARDEN WALL. Now up for pre-order at mondotees.com! #mondovinyl #soundtrack #vinyl #cartoonnetwork #overthegardenwall

A photo posted by MONDO (@mondotees) on Sep 22, 2016 at 8:42am PDT

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Be With Records / @bewithwrecords

Be With Records x @spiritland | Saturday 22nd October 3pm-9pm

A photo posted by be with records (@bewithrecords) on Sep 22, 2016 at 2:29am PDT

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Sacred Bones / @sacredbones

I know, I know, we keep telling you guys we ain't a goth label, but then we only put out records w/ #femalevampires on the cover. New KBDR V.2 drops Nov.11. Art by our favorite 'mitch' (that a male witch, yo) @deathtraitors

A photo posted by Sacred Bones Records (@sacredbones) on Sep 27, 2016 at 10:22am PDT

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Luaka Bop / @luakabop

Throwback to when we suggested this as Fantastic Man's next cover… and the magazine's editors freaked out! #williamonyeabor

A photo posted by Luaka Bop (@luakabop) on Aug 25, 2016 at 12:37pm PDT

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Captured Tracks / @capturedtracks

Our office dog for the day! #Robby #specialboy

A photo posted by Captured Tracks (@capturedtracks) on Sep 2, 2016 at 1:51pm PDT

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Stones Throw Records / @stonesthrow

Jaylib – The Red / The Official (2003). @Madlib #JDilla collab. These are a couple copies of the single printed in 2007 that was never put into circulation.

A photo posted by Stones Throw (@stonesthrow) on Aug 29, 2016 at 3:21pm PDT

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Dekmantel / @dkmntl

Awanto3's temporary studio kicks ass. Have fun, Steven!

A photo posted by Dekmantel (@dkmntl) on Sep 25, 2016 at 5:01am PDT

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4AD / @4ad

We've just added a small number of Lush's 'Origami' boxsets to the 4AD Store (available worldwide). The remaining stock is now available on a first come first served basis: http://4ad.com/releases/794

A photo posted by 4AD (@4ad) on Aug 22, 2016 at 4:57am PDT

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Sub Pop Records / @subpop

Return to Love is out now! Thx for sharing this rad pic @catfishs_bzh #repost・"Le dernier @lvlupband en écoute sur le Teppaz est trop bon. Merci @_subpop

A photo posted by Sub Pop (@subpop) on Sep 24, 2016 at 5:25pm PDT

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Music From Memory / @music_from_memory

MFM tote bags up in the web store soon!

A photo posted by Music From Memory (@music_from_memory) on Jul 3, 2016 at 2:36am PDT

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Strut Records / @strutrecords

Pat Thomas career retrospective looking pretty good in the racks! Stream it this week via @okayafrica before it's out in stores on Friday. Photo taken by @hotsalvation

A photo posted by Strut Records (@strutrecords) on Sep 27, 2016 at 11:39am PDT

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RVNG Intl. / @rvngintl

bin burner @commendnyc – sealed, living stock copy of pauline anna strom's peerless trans-millennia consort – have to split around 7 pm to dj @sistersbklyn, but come by before then and have a look / talk

A photo posted by RVNG Intl. (@rvngintl) on Aug 21, 2016 at 10:12am PDT

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Mr Bongo / @mrbongowordwide

So, we’ve moved into our new home in Brighton, on Gloucester Road. If you want to come and buy records we can book an appointment, or alternatively drop in on a Friday 2-6PM. We will be opening the store at weekends from mid November. #mrbongo #recordshop #vinyl #brighton

A photo posted by Mr Bongo (@mrbongoworldwide) on Sep 20, 2016 at 3:40am PDT

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BBE Music / @bbemusic

Limited dub plates exclusively available @indielabelmkt tomorrow thanks @thecarverystudio @opoloposweden

A photo posted by BBE Music (@bbemusic) on Jul 22, 2016 at 2:25am PDT