Merge Records
Merge Records began in 1989 as an outlet for Superchunk, the band formed by founders Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan, and for music by their friends. From that close-knit starting point, the independent Durham, North Carolina label expanded into an international roster while retaining its connection to the band that prompted its creation.
Superchunk remains central to Merge's history, but the label's releases extend well beyond its original circle. Its artists include Fruit Bats, Ibibio Sound Machine, Carson McHone, Case Oats, Elanor Moss, Mhaol and RELSTAR9, reflecting a catalogue that brings together artists from different places and musical approaches.
Based in Durham, Merge has issued records by artists from around the world, including releases that reached the top of the Billboard music charts. Its story starts with a band building a home for its own work and its community, then widening that home without losing sight of those local roots.
Latest Release
Hard Life
This is the most recent release from Merge Records, out .
Discography
Artists on Merge Records
Related Labels
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Common questions
Who is signed to Merge Records?
Solomun, Caribou, Fruit Bats, Superchunk, and Ibibio Sound Machine all have releases on Merge Records, alongside 40 other artists in the Tracknack catalogue.
How many artists are on Merge Records?
Tracknack lists 45 artists with releases on Merge Records. That counts everyone credited in the catalogue, not only the current roster.
How many releases does Merge Records have?
Tracknack tracks 141 Merge Records releases. The most recent is Hard Life (2026).
How do I follow new Merge Records releases?
Follow Merge Records on Tracknack and every new release is added to a Spotify playlist that updates itself.
Stop missing releases.
Tracknack digs through album credits — producers, engineers, labels — so you don't have to. One Spotify or Apple Music playlist, always up to date.
