I would never have guessed, in 2014, when first thinking of starting a record label, that I’d be sitting down a decade later writing sleeve notes for a 10-year anniversary compilation! But here I am, tasking myself with writing something that I haven’t said in previous compilation liner notes already (see INVINC 20 & INVINC 25 for examples of previous ramblings). One thing that is certain is that much has changed in that decade. For a start, records have more than doubled in price. DJs, who kept vinyl alive for so long, have predominantly moved over to digital, bar a few, and now with it being fashionable to collect vinyl, combined with rising material costs, what once was a commodity affordable for the many is now no longer that. It’s a climate I find increasingly uncertain about navigating. However, whether I release any more vinyl or not, it’s not stopped me scouting for music night and day. I can’t seem to curb that urge. So on that note, I proudly present the latest fruits of my pursuits.

I’ve always had a “vision” of what I think Invisible Inc should sound like. Although the music can vary from outsider dance music and experimental to ambient and downtempo, it’s really carved a fairly narrow niche for itself. Perhaps I’m the only person who sees the thread that holds it all together, but it’s there, I believe, although it’s hard to pinpoint in words exactly how this intangible entity presents itself to me but whatever guiding light it provides I’ve been true to that vision as best I could be. I love so many artists, but there are only a few that I would contact with a view to releasing something. I get sent so many demos too and I know when something sounds like Invisible Inc and when something doesn’t. Occasionally I even get something that I think would sell well, but it’s not quite the right sound, so I question whether I could get away with a “curveball” release…or would it become an example of how a label “loses its way”? So rather than sacrifice its identity, I’ve stayed faithful to this vague ethos I’ve conjured up and continue to plough that furrow. This compilation being a perfect example of that.

Speaking of identity, perhaps you can indulge me. As Mark Twain once said: “there is no such thing as an original idea”. He was talking about literature but of course it can be applied to any form of art. He went on: “We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations”. And so it is with Invisible Inc. The label wouldn’t exist were it not for what existed before it…both in musical terms and in terms of me realising that a distinct visual identity was something I felt was important for my own label. Seeing as the label is now a decade old I feel credit should be given where credit is (over)due. First and foremost the music itself. The idea that a label could release whatever it wanted and didn’t need to be just one genre, was something that I directly credit to labels like Optimo Music, Hoga Nord, Emotional Response and Tummy Touch. Visually, I’m indebted to the following labels: Grayhound Records, Free Association and Music From Memory. All three had direct influence on the design of those early sleeves. I’m sure the detectives amongst you will work out in what way. Obviously as it’s evolved numerous other factors have been an inspiration too…but those are the ones that really inspired me to start a label and had a strong impact on the fledgling Invisible Inc’s identity at the time.

Has the label evolved? Matured even? It’s hard to say looking out from the inside. I’d like to think so…but by all means send me answers on a postcard!

Anyway, here we are, ten years in and with a 2xLP on pink vinyl featuring 17 esteemed artists that you will hopefully love as much as I do after immersing yourself in these 80 minutes of music. They are each worthy of an introduction. Track them down where you can and support their work. And most importantly enjoy these little samples of their sublimely creative endeavours. Last but not least, thanks goes to everyone who has supported the label over the years…you know who you are.

GK Machine, 8 April 2025