Rough Trade: 1970's

How did Rough Trade start?
Rough Trade started 20th February 1976, with a shop that traded music with bands that couldn't make it in the real industry.

Which music trends were popular?
Punk was very popular when Rough Trade started out, selling music from artists such as 'Per Ubu'. Reggae was also sold in the shop soon into the trade as there were many cultures around.

What was the ethos of Rough Trade at this time and how were they different?
  Rough Trade was different from the major corporations as their artists were treated equally and not under control. They had freedom. The larger corporations would have their artists under contract or tell them what to sell. For example, Robert Wyatt became a solo artist with Rough Trade as he wasnt allowed to produce certain songs.
  Also, Rough Trade wasnt there for the money they wanted to help bands who couldnt make the larger industry. Punk at the time was rebelious and made a statement of being different and that's what Rough Trade was all about, they were individual.

What techniques were used to expand the independant music scene?
On each artists alubms in the shop, there would be instructions on how to make your own album covers, press vinyls and advice on becoming more successful. This would inspire more people to follow their dreams and see that they can do it themselves too.

How did this lead to Rough Trade's expansion?
It brang more publicity to the shop as more and more artists were starting to produce music. This lead to them becoming a record label in 1978.

Explain the successes of the distribution departement and the record label?
In 1979 Richard Scott was in charge of International distribution. This enabled the trade to grow more as a company as they were producing more and more artists such as 'Stiff Little Fingers'.