States of Independence Podcast Explores Beggars Banquet – The Indie Label That Changed Music
Independent record labels have long been the lifeblood of alternative music. Away from the towering giants of the mainstream industry, indie labels nurtured artists who challenged convention, shaped subcultures, and introduced sounds that went on to define eras. Among them, Beggars Banquet stands as one of the most enduring and influential names.
Now, its remarkable journey is set to be chronicled in a new podcast series, States of Independence, hosted by music journalist and producer Rob Fitzpatrick. Launching on 11 September 2025, the 13-part series begins with Beggars Banquet – a label that not only survived the turbulence of the punk and post-punk era but also evolved into the Beggars Group, a home for some of the most important alternative acts of the past five decades.
The podcast brings together voices from musicians, insiders, and label veterans who reveal how Beggars Banquet went from a small shop in Earl’s Court in 1974 to a pioneering independent powerhouse.
The new series, States of Independence, seeks to highlight the impact of independent record labels that shaped cultural history outside the traditional music industry. For decades, indie labels have operated as platforms for innovation, discovery, and artistic risk-taking. This podcast promises to uncover the untold stories behind those labels — beginning with Beggars Banquet, one of the most iconic survivors of the punk explosion.
The show has been two years in development, reflecting the scale and depth of the research required to capture Beggars’ extraordinary history.
From Record Shop to Record Label: The Origins of Beggars Banquet
The Earl’s Court Beginnings (1974)
Beggars Banquet began in 1974 as a modest record shop located in Earl’s Court, London. At the time, the shop catered to music enthusiasts during a period when the British music landscape was undergoing significant change. Punk was on the horizon, and underground culture was flourishing.
The shop quickly became a hub for alternative sounds and fans seeking music outside the mainstream. Within a few years, it evolved into a record label that carried the same spirit of independence and rebellion that defined its early customer base.
The Rise of Beggars Banquet: Punk and Post-Punk Years
Surviving the Punk Explosion
The mid-1970s and early 1980s were turbulent for the music industry. Many small labels rose and fell during this time, but Beggars Banquet survived against the odds. Its willingness to take risks and champion unorthodox artists set it apart.
Gary Numan: The First Breakthrough (1979)
The label’s first major turning point came with Gary Numan, who delivered Beggars Banquet’s first chart-topping single in 1979.
Song: “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” with Tubeway Army
Chart Impact: Reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart
Cultural Impact: Brought electronic and synth-driven sound into the mainstream
Founder Martin Mills, now Chairman of the Beggars Group, described Numan’s arrival as their “Beatles moment.”
Mills recalls:
“With Gary, it felt like the Beatles. But it was a steep learning curve — there definitely was no instruction manual.”
This success not only put Beggars Banquet on the map but also demonstrated the power of independent labels to influence mainstream culture.
The Challenges of Success: Numan’s Reflections
While Gary Numan’s success was monumental for the label, it also came with challenges. Numan himself reflects in the podcast on the unexpected hostility that came with fame.
“I thought it was gonna be more fun. I didn’t expect all the hostility that came with it… People writing things about you as if you’ve just done the most evil thing.”
This clash between creativity and public perception became a recurring theme for many artists under Beggars Banquet. The label, however, stood by its musicians, allowing them to develop authentically despite commercial pressures.
Artist Spotlights: Beggars Banquet’s Legacy Acts
Throughout its history, Beggars Banquet signed and nurtured artists who would go on to leave a lasting mark on the music world.
Bauhaus: The Birth of Gothic Rock
Known for their dark, atmospheric style, Bauhaus helped shape the gothic rock genre.
Their single “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” (1979) became an anthem and remains a cornerstone of goth culture.
The Cult: Commercial Lifeline
The Cult delivered a series of commercially successful releases during the 1980s.
Martin Mills noted that they were “the band that literally stopped the cheques from bouncing,” underscoring their financial importance to the label’s survival.
The Charlatans & The Go-Betweens
Bands like The Charlatans and The Go-Betweens further expanded the label’s reputation in the indie and alternative rock scenes.
Their influence bridged the gap between underground credibility and broader appeal.
Love and Rockets & Gene Loves Jezebel
Both acts contributed to the alternative landscape of the 1980s and early 1990s.
Their experimentation with sound mirrored the eclectic identity of Beggars Banquet itself.
Buffalo Tom
An American addition to the Beggars Banquet roster, Buffalo Tom underscored the label’s global reach and commitment to diversity in sound.
Behind the Label: The Vision of Martin Mills
The Driving Force
Founder Martin Mills was instrumental in shaping Beggars Banquet’s philosophy. His vision was to create a label that operated independently of major record companies while supporting artists on their own terms.
Mills’ emphasis on artist integrity and financial survival created a delicate balance. While some bands brought commercial success, others defined subcultures and earned critical acclaim.
Rob Fitzpatrick: From Shop Floor to Podcast Host
Host Rob Fitzpatrick brings a personal connection to the story. At age 20, he worked in Beggars’ Kingston shop in the mid-1990s. He describes the experience as “the most incredible musical education.”
Fitzpatrick later pursued a career in music journalism but remained fascinated by the label and its cultural significance. His perspective as both insider and observer makes him uniquely suited to tell this story.
Beggars Banquet Evolves into Beggars Group
Expansion and Subsidiaries
From its humble origins, Beggars Banquet evolved into the Beggars Group, a collection of influential indie labels including:
4AD – Known for Cocteau Twins, Pixies, Dead Can Dance
XL Recordings – Home to Adele, The xx, Radiohead (later releases)
Matador Records – Associated with Pavement, Interpol, Cat Power
Rough Trade Records – Historic label behind The Smiths, The Libertines
Young (Young Turks) – Representing forward-thinking artists like FKA twigs and The xx
Continuing the Independent Spirit
Despite its size and influence today, Beggars Group maintains the independent ethos of its early years. It continues to provide artists with creative freedom while pushing boundaries in alternative music.
The Importance of Independent Labels
The story of Beggars Banquet is not just about one label — it represents the larger role of independent labels in shaping modern music.
Innovation: Indie labels took risks on sounds the majors ignored.
Cultural Movements: Punk, goth, alternative rock, and electronic music were often incubated by independents.
Artist Freedom: Many musicians credit indie labels for allowing them to stay true to their vision.
Survival Against Odds: Financial struggles were constant, yet survival stories like Beggars Banquet show resilience.
Why Podcasts Matter in Music History
Podcasts like States of Independence play a crucial role in preserving and sharing music history:
Oral Histories: First-hand accounts from artists and executives add authenticity.
Accessibility: Fans worldwide can access stories once confined to niche publications.
Context: Podcasts provide cultural, social, and economic context to music movements.
Conclusion: Beggars Banquet’s Enduring Legacy
From a small record shop in 1974 to becoming the foundation of one of the most influential indie groups in the world, Beggars Banquet’s story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and independence.
The new podcast States of Independence ensures that this legacy is not forgotten — capturing the voices of those who built, experienced, and continue to be inspired by one of the most important labels in modern music history.
For fans of punk, goth, indie rock, and beyond, Beggars Banquet remains a name synonymous with artistic courage and cultural impact. And now, through this new podcast, its full story can finally be told.
