Sub Pop

Sub Pop is a Seattle, Washington-based record label, famous for first signing Nirvana, Soundgarden and other grunge bands.

Sub Pop was started by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman. Sub Pop began as a fanzine called Subterranean Pop, which would occasionally feature compilation tapes of local bands. Kim Thayil of Soundgarden introduced Pavitt to Poneman, and they decided to form a record label.

Other artists who have been signed to Sub Pop or had material released through them include Tad, Afghan Whigs, Screaming Trees, Mudhoney, L7, and the Beach Boys, who released a single from the Pet Sounds box set on the label in 1996. An artist atypical in their catalogue is Iron & Wine, which plays American roots music.