Troubleman is the name of an early 70’s blaxploitation film with a kick ass soundtrack from Marvin Gaye. It was also the impetus behind naming Troubleman Unlimited, a label Mike Simonetti introduced around 10 years ago. Its origins were entrenched in releasing punk/hardcore 7″ inches in the early 90’s. Over the years, it has slowly widened the world of its output and roster to become one of the more diverse and important independent labels around. A peek into the roster reveals why Troubleman maintains its stature: Bands like the damaged danceable art- punk of Erase Errata, the edge centered industrialness of The Lack, or the more slow-core minimalist tuning of Kelper, are creating and exploring fresh, weird musical landscapes. If there is a common thread among the bands and of Troubleman itself, it’s the outright refusal to accommodate to a niche, a defining sound that would easily characterize their place in independent music. The label seems more interested in putting out quality experimental music regardless of the genre.
Some bands on the label: The Lack, Erase Errata, The Walkmen, Kelper, Black Dice, Party of Helicopters.