Numero Group is more than just a record label; it’s a cultural movement. Founded in 2003 by Rob Sevier, the Chicago-based label specializes in unearthing forgotten musical gems from the past, primarily focusing on obscure, experimental, and often overlooked genres.
Their catalogue is a sprawling tapestry of sonic textures: psychedelic soul, avant-garde jazz, proto-punk, library music, lo-fi electronic music, and much more. They are known for their meticulous archival research, painstaking remastering, and beautiful packaging, elevating their releases to collector’s items.
Numero Group’s Most Notable Projects:
“The Numero Group Presents: Eccentric Soul” series: This landmark series features a diverse range of artists who pushed the boundaries of soul music, from the funky psychedelic sounds of The Dramatics to the soulful, experimental jazz of The Meters.
“The Numero Group Presents: The Lost Sounds of…” series: This ongoing series focuses on specific geographic locations and time periods, unearthing forgotten treasures from around the world. Some notable examples include “The Lost Sounds of Sacramento” and “The Lost Sounds of Memphis”.
“The Numero Group Presents: Anthology of American Music” series: A vast collection of albums showcasing various musical styles and genres, including “The Anthology of American Music: Sun Records” and “The Anthology of American Music: Stax Records”.
Beyond the Catalog:
The Numero Group Podcast: A weekly podcast hosted by Rob Sevier and the label’s staff, diving deep into musical history and discussing upcoming releases.
The Numero Group Website: A treasure trove of information, including artist biographies, liner notes, interviews, and a vast online store.
The Numero Group Blog: A regularly updated blog featuring essays, reviews, and insightful articles about the label’s releases and the music they love.
Similar Artists and Friends:
Numero Group is part of a vibrant community of artists and labels sharing a similar passion for musical discovery. Some of the most notable names include:
Light in the Attic Records: Another label known for its focus on reissues and archival projects, specializing in psychedelic and folk music.
The Numero Group Presents: Nuggets: A landmark compilation album released in 1972, featuring a diverse range of garage rock and proto-punk bands.
The Numero Group Presents: Anthology of American Music: Sun Records: A collection of recordings from Sun Records, a legendary label that helped launch the careers of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The Impact of Numero Group:
Numero Group has played a significant role in reviving interest in forgotten music genres and showcasing the talents of artists who may have been overlooked in their time. They have helped to recontextualize musical history and inspire a new generation of music lovers and creators. By preserving and sharing these musical treasures, they are ensuring that they are not lost to the sands of time.
Dive into the world of Numero Group and discover a universe of sonic wonders waiting to be explored.
