Thrill Jockey

Thrill Jockey is an American independent record label established by former Atlantic Records A&R representative Bettina Richards. Founded in 1992 in New York City, the label later relocated to Chicago in 1995, where it is based.

Across its output, Thrill Jockey is associated with a wide-ranging roster that spans experimental, heavy, and exploratory forms of contemporary music. Artists connected with the label include The Body and Sumac, whose work reflects its interest in intense, boundary-adjacent rock and metal, alongside acts such as Big Brave that sit closer to the intersection of heavy music and minimalism. The label has also released music by artists working in more ambient and compositional modes, including Claire Rousay, Midori Hirano, Sally Anne Morgan, and More Eaze. Its catalog also extends to projects rooted in songcraft and band formats, such as Rose City Band.

While the label’s releases cover a broad stylistic range, its identity is often defined by a willingness to support artists operating outside mainstream genre expectations, from stark, high-volume ensembles to quieter, texture-focused solo work. Richards’ background in A&R is central to the label’s origin, and the move from New York City to Chicago places Thrill Jockey within one of the United States’ long-standing hubs for independent and experimental music.