After releasing records with
4AD for a large part of their career,
Cocteau Twins decided to start up the Bella Union record label in 1997, through which they could release their own work as well as any collaborative efforts. The band had a difficult relationship with 4AD founder
Ivo Watts-Russell and also regretted signing with
Universal Music Group's
Mercury Records. The band split up not long after, but instead of letting the newly formed label go under,
Robin Guthrie,
Simon Raymonde and their former manager Fiona Glyn-Jones decided to take charge of it. One of the earliest bands to sign on was the Australian trio
Dirty Three, who continue to release under Bella Union. Other early signees include
Françoiz Breut and
The Czars, who were the first American band signed to the label. Since 2000, when Guthrie moved to France to concentrate on his own music, Raymonde took the reins at Bella Union. In 2007, the 10th anniversary celebrations saw Bella Union host a two-night showcase at London's
Royal Festival Hall featuring their artists such as
Beach House and
Midlake, along with guest appearances from
Paul Weller and members of
Editors. That year,
Fionn Regan's debut album was nominated for the
Mercury Prize. The label underwent financial troubles in 2007 and Raymonde considered shutting it down. While in Oslo, Raymonde received a link to
Fleet Foxes'
Myspace page, who at the time had only released a demo version of "
White Winter Hymnal". He immediately expressed interest and had to fight off
Sub Pop in order to secure a European distribution contract with the band, which was ultimately agreed to. Fleet Foxes' 2008
self-titled debut became Bella Union's first platinum-selling album in the UK. The label has subsequently released music by
Father John Misty,
Beach House,
Department of Eagles,
Karl Blau,
Explosions in the Sky,
Fleet Foxes,
The Acorn,
Mercury Rev,
Peter Broderick,
PINS,
M. Ward,
Philip Selway,
John Grant,
Lawrence Arabia,
The Low Anthem,
Hannah Cohen,
Laura Veirs,
The Flaming Lips,
Lanterns on the Lake,
Inventions,
John Tavener,
Marissa Nadler,
Arc Iris,
Clarence Clarity, and
Jambinai. The label won the Independent Record Company Of The Year award at the
Music Week Awards, as voted by the UK independent retailers, in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. In 2012, for the 15th anniversary the label took over the curation of one day at
End of the Road Festival. In 2014, signee
John Grant was nominated for a
Brit Award. In 2015, Raymonde signed the Yorkshire-born singer Holly Macve, releasing the single "Corner of my Mind". In 2016, artist
Father John Misty was also nominated for a BRIT Award. In 2016, following his sold out show at
Royal Albert Hall, artist
John Grant received a Silver disc for the album
Pale Green Ghosts. In 2020
Lanterns on the Lake were shortlisted for the
Mercury Prize with their forth LP
Spook the Herd. The label's releases are distributed by the distributors
PIAS worldwide. ==Artists==