Constellation Records are without a doubt one of the most influential and respected independent Canadian record labels, and deservedly so. Since their founding in 1997, the Montreal-based organization has made their label a serious part of the Canadian independent music scene and produced influential releases from some of our northern neighbor’s best musicians. Initially founded by Ian Ilavsky and Don Wilke out of a loft in Montreal, Constellation was intended to be a live performance space for local musicians with hopes of eventually releasing records; however the label end of things ended up forming first and stuck. Today they operate in more spacious digs in Montreal’s Mile End district. In hardcore independent fashion, Constellation is anti-corporate, anti-capitalist, anti-globalist, and anti-chainstore; they go out of their way to make sure their music is truly valued for its artistry rather than commodity. They avoid selling their records through music megastores physically, hand-design their album packaging on recycled cardboard with the help of local artists, and spend their funds on creating meaningful music rather than marketing. Items ordered through their mail order service are sent with a handwritten note thanking you for your purchase; this is a real-deal indie label.

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