Food
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we explore Food Records, the indie label that became an integral part of the Britpop story. Home to Blur, Jesus Jones, and Dubstar, Food Records played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of a generation and championing some of the movement's most iconic artists.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signaled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Founded: 1984
Founders: David Balfe, Andy Ross
Defunct: 2000
Primary focus: Alternative rock, indie rock, Britpop
Key Britpop acts: Blur, Dubstar, The Supernaturals, Jesus Jones, Idlewild
Location: United Kingdom
Formation and Early Years
Food Records was founded in 1984 by David Balfe, formerly of Zoo Records, with the aim of championing British rock and indie talent.
Andy Ross joined as a partner, bringing a sharp ear for emerging talent and fostering the label’s reputation for discovering innovative acts.
Initially distributed by Rough Trade Distribution, Food licensed acts through WEA Records before forging a relationship with EMI’s Parlophone label.
Early Food artists included Diesel Park West, Crazyhead, and Jesus Jones, establishing the label as a haven for alternative rock.
Rise to Prominence
Food Records became synonymous with Britpop thanks to its flagship signing, Blur. The band’s transformation from indie underdogs to genre-defining superstars mirrored the label’s rise.
Blur’s Modern Life Is Rubbish (1993), Parklife (1994), and The Great Escape (1995) cemented Food Records’ place in the Britpop movement.
Jesus Jones brought international attention to the label with hits like “Right Here, Right Now,” which charted globally in the early 1990s.
Other notable acts included Dubstar and The Supernaturals, who added depth and variety to the Britpop soundscape with their melodic, synth-tinged approaches.
Commercial Success and Albums
Blur – Parklife (1994): A genre-defining Britpop album that captured the zeitgeist of 1990s Britain.
Jesus Jones – Doubt (1991): Featuring the global hit “Right Here, Right Now,” this album bridged alternative rock and Britpop.
Dubstar – Disgraceful (1995): A synth-driven masterpiece that added a pop sensibility to Food’s Britpop roster.
Later Activities and Legacy
Food Records was sold to EMI in 1994, with Andy Ross continuing to run the label as a sub-division of Parlophone.
The label ceased operations in 2000 after EMI folded it into Parlophone, ending an era that had nurtured some of Britpop’s greatest talents.
Andy Ross, a key figure in the Britpop movement, passed away in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to British music.
The Food Records ethos of championing unique, authentic British voices continues to influence indie and Britpop-inspired acts.
Notable Facts
The Food Christmas EP (1989): Food Records released a unique EP featuring its artists covering each other’s songs. It charted at #63 in the UK and showcased the label’s collaborative spirit.
Blur’s Loyalty: Despite EMI owning the label after 1994, Blur remained closely associated with the identity of Food Records throughout their peak years.
Cultural Impact: Food Records played a critical role in defining Britpop’s mainstream success while retaining indie credibility.
Defining Lyric
"All the people, so many people" — Parklife (1994)
Discography Highlights
Essential Britpop Albums Released by Food Records:
Blur – Parklife (1994)
Jesus Jones – Doubt (1991)
Dubstar – Disgraceful (1995)
The Supernaturals – It Doesn’t Matter Anymore (1997)
Essential Listening
"Girls and Boys" (1994): Blur’s definitive anthem of Britpop’s hedonistic, gender-fluid energy.
"Right Here, Right Now" (1990): Jesus Jones’ globally acclaimed track that bridged Britpop with alternative rock.
"Stars" (1995): Dubstar’s shimmering pop masterpiece, showcasing Food’s diversity.
Why You Should Be Listening Now
Food Records defined the Britpop ethos with daring signings and timeless hits. Whether you’re rediscovering Blur or falling in love with Dubstar, its catalog remains essential for any Britpop fan.
See you on down the road.
