MUTE

Please note, some Mute issues also carry an EMI logo. This is not a label and EMI should not be added as a label, it instead indicates that Mute was part of the EMI Group.

Founded in 1978 by Daniel Miller, Mute (also known as Mute Records) releases various forms of music, with an emphasis on electronic and experimental pop. In May 2002 the label was acquired by the EMI Group. In 2010 Miller did an agreement with EMI to handle Mute as an independent label again, licensing the trademark from EMI via his company Mute Artists Ltd., but EMI kept the rights over Mute’s back catalogue. After the EMI Group was dissolved, in 2012 BMG Rights Management acquired Mute Records Ltd.’s back catalogue.

Branch offices exist in Germany (Mute Tonträger) and in North America (Mute Corporation).

Mute has spawned many regional and special-interest sublabels, some of which are still active. One offshoot, Parallel Series, even became independent of Mute Records Ltd. Mute also operates Mute Bank Mail Order, which sells the label’s merchandise directly to consumers. Mute Bank published two issues of Mute Statement, a softcover book that details the entire discography of the label and includes band profiles and photos of release artwork.

Another label strongly associated with Mute is Toast Hawaii, run by Depeche Mode’s Andrew Fletcher.

Official Website