Crammed Discs is an independent record label whose output blends world music, rock, pop, and electronica. Based in Brussels, Belgium, Crammed was founded in 1980 by Marc Hollander of Aksak Maboul and has since released over 350 albums and 250 singles, working with artists from all over the world (from Western Europe and the US to the Balkans and North & Central Africa, from South America to the Middle East and Japan). Crammed Discs is run by Marc Hollander (A&R) with Hanna Gorjaczkowska (marketing, distribution & art direction) and Vincent Kenis (producer, director of the Congotronics Series).
Marc Hollander and Crammed Discs received the WOMEX award in 2004 at the World Music Expo international music trade fair, for being "one of the seminal players on the world music field.". However, the label has always systematically worked with electronic music, indie pop and rock artists, and "doesn't see itself as a world music label: it just happens to enjoy working with artists from around the world, some of whom sing in languages other than English" (as stated in the label's manifesto). Crammed has been described as "one of the most boldly eclectic independent labels around" (Pitchfork), as "innovative and groundbreaking" and "visionary", a.o. for steadily avoiding to confine its roster "to one, potentially homogeneous category" and encouraging artists with plural identities to create new forms of music.
In 2011, Crammed Discs celebrated its 30th anniversary by setting up the Congotronics vs Rockers project, a "superband" including ten Congolese and ten indie rock musicians (including members of Konono No1, Deerhoof, Wildbirds & Peacedrums, Kasai Allstars, Skeletons, Juana Molina and Vincent Kenis), who collaborated to create a common repertoire and performed at 15 major festivals and venues in ten countries.
From 2008 to 2014, the following artists have joined the Crammed Discs roster: Chicago band Allá, indie pop act Lonely Drifter Karen (from Vienna and Barcelona), London-based Moroccan electronic artist U-cef, Congolese band Staff Benda Bilili, musician/composer/producer Mocky, Belgian band Hoquets, Belgo-Congolese rapper Baloji, Belgian-Colombian band La Chiva Gantiva, French-American artist Maïa Vidal, US bands Skeletons & Megafaun and, more recently, South African/Dutch band SKIP&DIE, Belgian band Amatorski, Lebanese singer Yasmine Hamdan, Argentinian artist Juana Molina and Ghanaian/Swiss band OY.
The label's latest signings (2016) are Parisian electronic music collective Acid Arab, Portuguese singer & musician Lula Pena, young French-Welsh band Fauna Twin, and French experimental pop band Aquaserge.
Because of the diversity of the label's output since its early days in the 1980s, its founders chose to create several sub-labels. This policy was discarded during the latter part of the 1900s, because Crammed felt that genre-blending had finally become acceptable.
Made To MeasureA composers' series specializing in instrumental and ambient music, soundtracks and works commissioned for films, ballets etc.. Notable artists are: Hector Zazou, Arto Lindsay, John Lurie, Minimal Compact and Fred Frith. 36 volumes were released between 1984 and 1995.
SSRLaunched in 1988, this electronic music label was A&R'd by DJ Morpheus (a.k.a. Samy Birnbach) and Marc Hollander. 47 albums and numerous singles were released, ranging from early new beat to downtempo, techno, house and hip hop, by artists such as Snooze, Juryman, Carl Craig, Tek 9, DJ Morpheus, Kevin Saunderson and Telex. SSR is short for Sampleur & Sans Reproche.
LanguageThis 'avant dance' sub-label was A&R'd by Tony Thorpe (a.k.a. The Moody Boyz). 10 albums and 22 singles/EPs were released between 1995 and 1999, by artists including Buckfunk 3000 (Si Begg) and Circadian Rhythms (a band led by ex-This Heat member Charles Bullen).
ZiriguiboomLaunched in 1998 in collaboration with Brazilian A&R/Producer Béco Dranoff, Ziriguiboom's aim was to present original and as-yet-unexposed aspects of Brazilian music to international audiences. It quickly became one of the global hubs for the new wave of Brazilian music, and has brought Crammed its biggest commercial success to date with Bebel Gilberto's debut album Tanto Tempo (which sold one million units worldwide). Ziriguiboom also signed and released albums by artists such as Celso Fonseca, Cibelle, Zuco 103, Trio Mocotó, Bossacucanova, DJ Dolores, Apollo Nove and the late Suba.
Crammed also had several specialized and one-artist sub-labels:
Cramworld (for contemporary and archival world music releases)Selector (specialized in drum and bass)Cramboy (for Tuxedomoon's releases) Furax (released Belgian comedians Les Snuls)The Congotronics SeriesCurrently the only subsiding Crammed Discs imprints are Congotronics and Made To Measure. Congotronoics is not a sub-label per se, but a collection of releases by Congolese bands who play their own respective styles of electrified traditional music (such as Konono No1 and Kasai Allstars). The series is curated and produced by Vincent Kenis. As for the Made To Measure composers' series, it is being discreetly revived since 2013 (after having remained inactive for 18 years), as 4 new volumes have recently come out.
1980
Aksak Maboul: Un Peu de l'Âme des Bandits, with Chris Cutler and Fred Frith (LP 1980, CD reissue in 1995)
1981
Aksak Maboul: Onze Danses Pour Combattre la Migraine (originally out in 1977, released on Crammed in 1981, CD reissue in 2003, vinyl reissue in 2015)Minimal Compact: Minimal Compact (mini-album, 1981, reissued on CD as part of One+One By One)Band Apart: Band Apart (mini-album)Family Fodder: Greatest Hits
1982
The Honeymoon Killers: Les Tueurs de la Lune de MielDes Airs: Lunga Notte (mini-album)Hermine: The World On My PlatesBenjamin Lew/Steven Brown: Douzième Journée: le Verbe, la Parure, l'Amour
1983
Minimal Compact: One By One (1983, reissued on CD as part of One+One By One)Band Apart: MarseilleZazou Bikaye+CY1: Noir Et Blanc
1984
Made To Measure Vol.1, feat. Aksak Maboul, Benjamin Lew, Minimal Compact, TuxedomoonBlaine Reininger/Mikel Rouse: Colorado SuiteMinimal Compact: Deadly WeaponsKarl Biscuit: Regrets Eternels (1984, re-released in 2003 as part of Secret Love - Compiled Electropop Works)
1985
Zazou Bikaye: Mr ManagerPeter Principle: Sedimental JourneyTuxedomoon: Holy WarsMinimal Compact: Raging SoulsTuxedomoon: Half Mute (originally out on Ralph Records in 1980, reissued on Crammed in 1985)Hector Zazou: GéographiesKarl Biscuit: Fatal Reverie (1985, re-released in 2003 as part of Secret Love - Compiled Electropop Works)Nadjma: Rapture In Baghdad, feat. Adrian Sherwood
1986
Surfin Dave and The Absent Legends: In Search of a Decent HaircutVarious Artists: Fuck Your Dreams, This Is Heaven, feat. members of Tuxedomoon & Minimal Compact playing covers of 1960s/1970s songsColin Newman: Commercial SuicideTuxedomoon: Desire (originally out on Ralph Records in 1981, re-issued on Crammed in 1986)Benjamin Lew/Steven Brown: A propos d'un paysageTuxedomoon: Ship of FoolsMikel Rouse: A Walk In The WoodsJohn Lurie: Stranger Than Paradise (original soundtrack from the Jim Jarmusch film)Mahmoud Ahmed: Ere Mela Mela (originally released 1975-76, released on Crammed Discs in 1986, and re-issued as part of the Ethiopiques series in 2000)Hector Zazou: Reivax au Bongo
1987
Minimal Compact: The Figure One CutsTuxedomoon: YouMinimal Compact: Lowlands FlightSussan Deyhim & Richard Horowitz: Desert EquationsYasuaki Shimizu: Music For CommercialsJohn Lurie: Down By Law (original soundtrack from the Jim Jarmusch film)Daniel Schell & Karo: If Windows They HaveKaren Finley: The Truth Is Hard To SwallowTuxedomoon: Suite en Sous-Sol/Time To Lose/Short Stories (originally out in 1982 and 1983, re-issued on Crammed in 1987)
1988
Bel Canto: White Out ConditionsColin Newman: It SeemsSonoko: La DébutanteBenjamin Lew: NebkaTuxedomoon: Pinheads on the Move
1989
Minimal Compact: LiveZazou Bikaye: GuiltyDominic Sonic: Cold TearsPeter Principle: Tone PoemsSamy Birnbach/Benjamin Lew: When God Was FamousVarious Artists: Sampleur et Sans Reproche (SSR compilation)Bleep (a.k.a. Geir Jenssen a.k.a. Biosphere): The North Pole By Submarine
1990
Bel Canto: Birds Of PassageHector Zazou: GéologiesSteven Brown/Delphine Seyrig: De doute et de grâcePeter Scherer & Arto Lindsay: Pretty UglyZelwer: La fiancée aux yeux de boisForeign Affair: East On FireFred Frith: The Top Of His HeadGabor G.Kristof: Le cri du lézardSteve Shehan: ArrowsDaniel Schell & Karo: Le Secret de BwlchTuxedomoon: Divine, soundtrack for a Maurice Béjart ballet (1982, reissued on Crammed in 1990)
1991
Dominique Dalcan: Entre l'étoile et le carréClassic Swede Swede: Toleki Bango (Miles Ahead)Taraf de Haïdouks: Musique des Tziganes de RoumanieRamuntcho Matta: Domino OneBobvan: Loonychip ClassicsMichel Moers: Fishing Le KissSeigen Ono: Nekonotopia NekonomaniaZap Mama: Zap Mama (retitled Adventures In Afropea for the US release, 1991)Hector Zazou: Sahara Blue feat. John Cale, Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Sylvian...
1992
Bel Canto: Shimmering Warm and BrightDavid Cunningham: WaterVarious Artists: Roots Of Rumba Rock 1 (1953-54) (1992, reissued with vol.2 as a double CD in 2006)The Gruesome Twosome (Samy Birnbach & Bertrand Burgalat): Candy For StrangersLes Snuls: Les Snuls, bien entendu
1993
Sainkho (Saynkho Namchylak): Out of TuvaBobvan: Water DragonVarious Artists: Roots Of OK Jazz (1993, reissued in 2006)Brion Gysin: Self-Portrait JumpingTuxedomoon: Solve et CoagulaBenjamin Lew: Le Parfum du RakiLone Kent: Granite & SandAvalon: Earth Water Air Fire
1994
Ramuntcho Matta: 2 l'AmourVarious Artists: Freezone 1: The Phenomenology Of Ambient (2CD)Zap Mama: SabsylmaDominique Dalcan: CannibaleTaraf de Haïdouks: Honourable Brigands, Magic Horses & Evil EyeSolar Quest: OrgshipVarious Artists: Around The Day in 80 Worlds, compiled by DJ Morpheus a.k.a. Samy BirnbachPurna Das Baul & Bauls Of BengalVarious Artists: Jungle VibesVarious Artists: Renegade Selector
1995
4hero Parallel UniverseJohn Lurie National Orchestra: Men With SticksHarold Budd & Hector Zazou: GlyphVarious Artists: Freezone 2: Variations On A Chill, compiled by DJ Morpheus a.k.a. Samy Birnbach (2 CD)Various Artists: Miscellaneous (Language compilation)Various Artists: Jungle Vibes 2 (Selector compilation)Various Artists: Roots Of Rumba Rock 2 (1954-55) (1995, reissued with vol.1 as a double CD in 2006)Bio Muse: WrongZelwer: Les dieux sont fâchés/The Gods Are AngryAural Expansion: Surreal Sheep
1996
Tek 9: It's Not What You Think It Is !!?!Snooze: The Man In The ShadowVarious Artists: Freezone 3: Horizontal Dancing, 23 exclusives by Herbert, Kruder&Dorfmeister, Carl Craig...(2CD)Various Artists: Miscellaneous, The 2nd Edition (Language compilation)Endemic Void EquationsHugo: La FormuleAural Expansion: Remixed SheepVarious Artists: Moving House, compiled by DJ Geoffroy a.k.a. MugwumpVarious Artists: Junglized (Selector compilation)Various Artists: The Deepest Shade Of Techno, compiled by 4hero (2CD)Ziryab Trio: Mashreq Classics
1997
Carl Craig More Songs About Food And Revolutionary ArtBarbara Gogan with Hector Zazou: Made On EarthVarious Artists: Freezone 4: Dangerous Lullabies, 22 exclusives by Basement Jaxx, Rhythm And Sound, Thievery Corporation...(2CD)Juryman vs Spacer: Mail-Order JusticeTuxedomoon: The Ghost Sonata (1991, reissued on Crammed in 1997)Kočani Orkestar: L'Orient est rougeElixir: Alien RainbowMeira Asher: DissectedQ-Moog: The Arc Of BluenessSubject 13: The Black Steele ProjectTao: Esoteric RedVarious Artists: Moving House 2, compiled by DJ Geoffroy a.k.a. MugwumpVarious Artists: Lysergic Factory, compiled by DJ Morpheus
1998
Taraf de Haïdouks: Dumbala DumbaBuckfunk 3000: First Class Ticket To TelosAuto Repeat: The Unbearable Lightness Of Auto-RepeatingCircadian Rhythms: Internal ClockVarious Artists: Freezone 5: The Radio Is Teaching My Goldfish Ju-Jitsu, 21 exclusives by Shawn J.Period, Jigmastas, Joe Claussell... (2CD)Bossacucanova: Revisited ClassicsTelex: I Don't Like Music, a collection of remixesVarious Artists: Moving House 3, compiled by DJ Geoffroy a.k.a. MugwumpVarious Artists: If U Can Beat 'Em, Break 'Em, compiled by DJ MorpheusVarious Artists: Phax'n'Phixion, The Nu Hip Hop Underground, compiled by DJ MorpheusVarious Artists: Junglized 2 (Selector compilation)Various Artists: The Family Album, exclusive tracks by artists on the Language labelKevin Saunderson: Faces & Phases (2CD)
1999
Telex: I Don't Like Music 2, a collection of remixesMeira Asher: Spears Into HooksVarious Artists: Freezone 6: Fourth Person Singular, 22 exclusives by Alex Gopher, Stacey Pullen, Mark Pritchard... (2CD)Zuco 103: Outro LadoPhosphorus: Pillar Of SaltVarious Artists: Brasil 2mil - The Soul Of Bass-O-NovaSuba (Mitar Subotić): São Paulo ConfessionsNiko Marks & Eddie Fowlkes: City Boy PlayersVarious Artists: Moving House At Food ClubVarious Artists: Tags Of The Times 2.0Various Artists: The Beyond Real Experience, produced and compiled by DJ SpinnaVarious Artists: Electric Kingdom - New Skool Breaks & ElectroVarious Artists If It's Not 100% U.K. Hip Hop You Can Have Your Money Back, compiled by Tony Thorpe & Dave Watts
2000
Bebel Gilberto: Tanto TempoSandy Dillon & Hector Zazou: 12 (Las Vegas Is Cursed)Tek 9: SimplyJuryman: The HillLe PM: Les Petits ChefsSussan Deyhim: Madman of GodVarious Artists: In My Bag, compiled by DJ Morpheus
2001
Taraf de Haïdouks: Band of GypsiesZuco 103: The Other Side of Outro LadoVarious Artists: Freezone: Seven Is Seven Is, 23 exclusives by Cibelle, Kid Koala, Tim 'Love' Lee... (2CD)Trio Mocotó: Samba RockVarious Artists: Samba Soul 70Snooze: GoingmobileBossacucanova: BrasilidadeBebel Gilberto: Tanto Tempo Remixes
2002
Kočani Orkestar: Alone at my WeddingSuba (Mitar Subotić): TributoZuco 103: Tales of High FeverJuryman: Escape To WhereSussan Deyhim/Bill Laswell: Shy AngelsVarious Artists: Ziriguiboom: The Now Sound Of Brazil
2003
Electric Gypsyland 1 (Taraf de Haïdouks and Kočani Orkestar reinterpreted by Señor Coconut, Mercan Dede, Arto Lindsay & more)Cibelle: CibelleCelso Fonseca: NaturalBenjamin Lew: Compiled Electronic LandscapesZuco 103: One Down, One Up (2CD)
2004
Bebel Gilberto: Bebel GilbertoTuxedomoon: Cabin In The SkyTuxedomoon: Seismic Riffs (DVD)Mahala Rai Banda: Mahala Rai BandaTrio Mocotó: Beleza! Beleza!! Beleza!!!Bossacucanova: Uma Batida DiferenteKonono Nº1: CongotronicsMinimal Compact: Returning Wheel (3-CD box set, including new remixes and rarities)
2005
Celso Fonseca: Rive Gauche RioBebel Gilberto: Bebel Gilberto RemixedApollo Nove: Res Inexplicata Volans feat. Cibelle, Seu Jorge etc.DJ Dolores: AparelhagemZuco 103: Whaa!Cibelle: About A Girl EP (CD/DVD dualdisc)Various Artists: Ziriguiboom: The Now Sound Of Brazil 2Taraf de Haïdouks: The Continuing Adventures Of... (DVD+CD)Congotronics 2, Buzz'n'Rumble in the Urb'n'Jungle, feat. Konono No.1, Kasai Allstars, Basokin... (CD+DVD)
2006
Tartit AbacabokThink Of One: TraficoCibelle:The Shine Of Dried Electric LeavesElectric Gypsyland 2 (Taraf de Haïdouks et al., reinterpreted by Tunng, Animal Collective, Nouvelle Vague, Susheela Raman & more)Tuxedomoon: Bardo Hotel SoundtrackHugo: La Nuit des BalançoiresWise In Time: The Ballad of Den The MenVarious Artists: Roots Of Rumba Rock 1+2 (1953–55) (originally out in 1992 and 1995, reissued as a 2CD in 2006)
2007
Tuxedomoon: Vapour TrailsTuxedomoon: 77o7 TM (The 30th Anniversary Box) (3CD+1DVD)Bebel Gilberto: MomentoTaraf de Haïdouks: MaskaradaFlat Earth Society: PsychoscoutBalkan Beat Box: Nu MedThink Of One: Camping ShaabiShantel Disko Partizani!Konono Nº1: Live At Couleur CafeVarious Artists: Sex & The Single Rabbit (a 2-volume compilation of Crammed electronic music tracks, digital-only)
2008
Kasai Allstars In The 7th Moon, The Chief Turned Into A Swimming Fish...Kočani Orkestar: The Ravished BrideDJ Dolores: 1 RealAllá Es TiempoBalkan Beat Box: Nu-Made (CD+DVD)Lonely Drifter Karen Grass Is SingingU-cef: HalalwoodHector Zazou & Swara: In The House Of Mirrors
2009
Staff Benda Bilili Tres Tres FortBossacucanova: Ao Vivo (DVD+CD)Mocky SaskamodieShantel:Planet PaprikaChicha Libre: Sonido Amazonico!Les Tueurs de la lune de miel (a.k.a. The Honeymoon Killers): Special Manubre (originally out in 1977, reissued in 2009)Akron/Family Set 'Em Wild, Set 'Em FreeMegafaun Gather, Form & FlyFlat Earth Society: Cheer Me, PervertsZeep People & Things
2010
Konono N°1 Assume Crash PositionLonely Drifter Karen: Fall Of SpringBalkan Beat Box: Blue Eyed Black BoyCibelle: Las Venus Resort Palace HotelAxel Krygier: PesebreVarious Artists: The Roots Of Chicha 2Radioclit Presents: The Sound Of Club Secousse (African Dance Music Anthems)Tradi-Mods vs Rockers: Alternative Takes on Congotronics feat. Deerhoof, Andrew Bird, Juana Molina, Micachu, Glenn Kotche & more (2CD)Megafaun: Heretofore
2011
Skeletons: PeopleTaraf de Haïdouks & Kočani Orkestar: Band of Gypsies 2Hoquets: BelgotronicsVarious Artists: The Karindula Sessions (CD+DVD)Tuxedomoon: Unearthed, previously-unreleased music and videos (CD+DVD)Megafaun: MegafaunThe Real Tuesday Weld: The Last WerewolfLa Chiva Gantiva: PelaoMaïa Vidal: God Is My BikeBaloji: Kinshasa Succursale
2012
Zita Swoon Group: Wait For MeLonely Drifter Karen: PolesBalkan Beat Box: GiveJagwa Music: Bongo HotheadsChicha Libre: CanibalismoStaff Benda Bilili: Bouger Le MondeSKIP&DIE: Riots In The Jungle
2013
Amatorski: TBC (+ Same Stars We Shared)Maïa Vidal: SpacesNYNKE: AlterYasmine Hamdan: Ya NassCibelle : ∆UNBINDING∆SKIP&DIE : Remixed RiotsAmatorski : re:tbcBrown Reininger Bodson : Clear Tears | Troubled Waters (features Steven Brown, Blaine L. Reininger and Maxime Bodson)Juana Molina : Wed 21
2014
La Chiva Gantiva: VivoOY: No Problem SaloonAmatorski: from clay to figuresTuxedomoon: Pink NarcissusKasai Allstars: Beware The FetishJuana Molina: Segundo (re-issue - originally out in 2000)Juana Molina: Tres Cosas (re-issue - originally out in 2002)Juana Molina: Son (re-issue - originally out in 2006)Juana Molina: Un día (re-issue - originally out in 2008)Chancha Via Circuito: AmansaraVéronique Vincent & Aksak Maboul: Ex-Futur AlbumJozef Van Wissem: It Is Time For You To Return
2015
Taraf de Haïdouks: Of Lovers, Gamblers and Parachute SkirtsAxel Krygier: Hombre de piedraSKIP&DIE: Cosmic SerpentsBérangère Maximin: Dangerous OrbitsSoapkills: The Best of SoapkillsMaïa Vidal: You're The WavesTuxedomoon & Cult With No Name: Blue Velvet RevisitedTuxedomoon: The Vinyl Box (retrospective, 10-LP boxed set)
2016
Konono N°1: Konono N°1 meets Batida]]Various Artists: Give Me New Noise: Half-Mute RevisitedVéronique Vincent & Aksak Maboul: Je pleure tout le temps EP (reworks & remixes)OY: Space DiasporaAcid Arab: Musique de FranceAquaserge: Guerre EPFauna Twin: The Hydra EPVéronique Vincent & Aksak Maboul: 16 Visions of Ex-Futur (covers & reworks, feat. Jaakko Eino Kalevi, Aquaserge, Laetitia Sadier, Forever Pavot, Flavien Berger, Nite Jewel, Bullion, Burnt Friedman, Hello Skinny, Marc Collin, Bérangère Maximin, Lena Willikens and Aksak Maboul)
Crammed Samplers
It's A Crammed, Crammed World 1 (LP, 1984)It's A Crammed, Crammed World 2 (LP, 1987)The World According To Crammed (CD, 1993)Crammed Global Soundclash 80-89 (2 separate CDs, or box set including bonus material, 2003)20 Ways To Float Through Walls, a selection of tracks released between 2001 & 2007 (CD, 2007)It's A Crammed, Crammed World 3, tracks from 2008/2009 (CD, 2009)Crammed Walks With The Animals, tracks with titles containing animal names (CD, 2011)Crammed Goes To The Movies, tracks from or inspired by films (CD, 2011)Awards and nominations
Awards
Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration (USA): Konono No1 (with Herbie Hancock) (2011)Songlines Award for Best Group (UK): Staff Benda Bilili (2010)Womex Artist Award of the Year: Staff Benda Bilili (2009)Womex/World Music Charts Europe (EBU) Label Of The Year: Crammed Discs (2009)BBC Awards for World Music (UK): Konono No1 (2006)BBC Awards for World Music (UK): Shantel (2006)Edison Award (The Netherlands): Taraf de Haïdouks (2006)World Music Charts Europe (EBU) Label Of The Year: Crammed Discs (2005)Womex Award of the Year: Marc Hollander and Crammed Discs (2004)BBC Awards for World Music (UK): Think Of One (2004)Mobo Award (Music Of Black Origin) (UK): Bebel Gilberto (2004)BBC Awards for World Music (UK): Taraf de Haïdouks (2002)Edison Award (The Netherlands): Zelwer (1991)Nominations
Grammy Awards (USA): Konono No1 (2007)Grammy Awards (USA): Bebel Gilberto (2001, 2004 and 2007)Impala Awards (Pan-European Indie Awards): Maïa Vidal (2011)UK Music Video Awards: Maïa Vidal (2012)