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Merge Records is a company created on risk taking, being innovative, and building a strong foundation for their business. The company started off as a small independent label. They began releasing records by local bands eventually expanding their roster. Merge Records focused on nurturing and promoting independent artist which helped them stand out in the industry. Both Laura Ballance and Mac MaCaughan have stayed true to their original idea and has continued to prioritize niche bands.

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Merge records initially started to attack workers using their passion for music, in addition to their dedication to supporting independent artist. Their label began gaining recognition and success around the late 1980’s. Word began to travel about their unique approach and the opportunities they offered bands and music professionals. This lead to an increase of people becoming interested in working for Merge. This strongly contributing to their mission. In order to keep up with production Merge began hiring producers, engineers, and administrative staff. Together their skills and experience contributed to the labels success.

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Merge Records first band they signed with was Archers of Loaf. The company was still fairly new at the time and did not have access to large funds. Merge worked with Archers of Loaf and other bands to collectively generated the funds necessary to produce the record. Most of the profit that the company was making was spent on the debt owed to the bands they were signing. As the company became more experienced they began looking at investors to secure funding. Many investors believed in the potential of the company, and with their help Merge was able to expand their team, invest in marketing promotions and provided resolverse for their artist to create their music. Additionally the revenue they acquired from album sales and licensing deals allowed them to reinvest their money back into the label to continues supporting upcoming musicians.

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In 2001 Merge decided to move their headquarters from various bedrooms to a unit in downtown Durham NC. Being located in NC offered Merge several benefits. North Carolina is known for its rich and vibrant music history, making it easy to find music lovers. Due to a surplus of music lovers in the area it was not hard to create a strong customer base for the company. North Carolina is also nicely located along the east cost making distribution easily accessible to major city’s such as Philadelphia, Atlanta, and New York.

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The album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot by Wilco was originally supposed to be released on a major label. However Merge Records stepped in and released the aBlum instead. This event was critical to the success of both Wilco and Merge Records and helped them raise a profile in the industry. By releasing an album that had been rejected by a major label it perpetuated Merge Records credibility to choose upcoming artist. Producing the Yankee Hotel Foxtrot album not only allowed them to better their image, but also helped the company achieve commercial success. Eventually bringing a bigger audience.

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Merge Records signed Arcade Fire in the year 2003 and the bands debut album “funeral” was realized in 2004. Arcade Fires unique sound and captivating performance helped them gain significant traction. By signing Arcade Fire, Merge Records showed their ability to identify and support talented artist. The success of Arcade Fire put a spot light on Merge allowing them to solidify their reputation as a label that carry’s independent music. This allowed merge to attract more talented artist and industry professionals.

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Throughout the years Merge has continued to be active in the community and continue supporting local artist. Merge Records has always recognized and understood the importance of community and the connections they hold within the music industry. Merge has organized many events though out the years, one major event was the Merge 25 festival. The festival was held to celebrare their 25th anniversary which showcased performances from their talented roster of artists. These events not only showcase their work but also provide a platform for fans to come out and show their support. The festival helped raise awareness about Merge Records and their dedication to independent music. Their passion for music and unwavering support for independent artist have been key factors in their continued success. Merge Records has continued to create memorable experiences that resonate with fans and artist alike.