Business/Arts and Entertainment/Music/Labels/Specialty/Regional and Ethnic

Business / Arts and Entertainment / Music / Labels / Specialty / Regional and Ethnic /

An umbrella category for musical styles associated with regions or ethnic groups of the world. The first world music record label was Smithsonian/Folkways, which in the 1930s began a series of influential releases of folk music from around the world. A major milestone in world music recordings came later with the Nonesuch Explorer series of records, introducing a variety of previously obscure musics to a diverse international audience. From these roots have sprung today's world music labels.

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Ranked Sites

Putymayo World Music

Label established in 1993 that primarily releases regional and special-interest compilations. Includes tour dates, radio show information, and RealAudio samples of songs.

6
98,115
NA
6,240,000
8,210
145

Amiata Records

Label founded in 1992 focusing on Italian Fusion music. Includes MP3 of the week, a concert calendar for their artists, catalogue, links, and online store. Requires Flash.

4
3,859,335
NA
2,500
4,250
4

Luaka Bop Records

Latin music label founded by David Byrne. Features news, artist information, releases, and sound samples.

5
1,351,344
NA
33,900
2,230
637

Newtone Records

Based in Italy. Includes news, concert calendar, journal of releases, and links to world music radio stations and e-zines.

5
13,638,506
NA
196,000
3,700
NA

Piranha Records

Based in Germany, releasing music from Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions around the world. In English and German.

6
1,267,332
NA
20,200,000
5,120
2

Arc Music

Specializing in Folk and World music from all over the world, from Australian didgeridoo, to the Celtic harp, to Egyptian tabla. Includes a catalogue and e-shop.

6
590,430
NA
60,900
6,870
2

WeltWunder Records

Acoustic world music from West Africa and Brazil. Site available in English, German and French.

4
15,576,295
NA
1,090,000
1,380
NA

Specializing in African, Latin, Flamenco, Celtic, Gypsy, and other world music styles. Artists include Gerardo Nunez, Hassan Hakmoun, Johnny Cunningham, Tim O'Brien, and Mamadou Diabate. With artist profiles, news, and online store.

5
8,150,886
NA
3,890,000
294
3

World Circuit Records

Specializing in Cuban and West African Music, with artists such as Radio Tarifa, Orchestra Baobab and Orlando Cachaito Lopez. Includes pages for all artists with sound samples.

6
1,379,303
NA
11,200
45
2

Real World Records

Label founded by Peter Gabriel releasing music by a large catalog of artists including Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Afro Celt Sound System and Sheila Chandra. Includes tour dates, artist e-cards, and an "audio wall" of ...

5
804,895
NA
151,000
6,360
678

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