ConradSound

ConradSound is a Norwegian independent record label and music platform devoted to experimental, noise, free improvisation and genre-defying rock. It operates from Oslo and is closely associated with the Norwegian band MoE, whose catalogue and many international collaborations form a large part of the label's output. Releases are catalogued with a 'CnRd' prefix (for example CnRd332 and CnRd333), and the label issues music on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital download. The label's roster and release programme reach well beyond Norway. ConradSound has put out records involving Japanese experimental figures such as Keiji Haino and Ikuro Takahashi, collaborations with Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, Mexican musicians including Martin Escalante, and projects connected to the Australian and wider European experimental scenes. Its catalogue includes albums and singles by MoE, MoE/Bruxa Maria, MoE y Escalantes, MoE/Marhaug, The Touchables and others, alongside live and collaborative recordings. ConradSound presents itself as a home for music that resists easy categorisation. The label's own description of MoE — mixing minimalistic composition with alternative and experimental approaches that fail to fit the rock genre — reflects the broader aesthetic of the imprint. Its releases are documented and promoted through its official website, which serves as a news feed, shop and catalogue for the label's activities, and part of the catalogue is also available on streaming services such as Spotify. As an independent label, ConradSound is privately held and does not disclose corporate ownership or financial information. Its activity is driven by touring, international collaboration and a network of experimental musicians rather than by mainstream commercial release cycles. The label continues to announce new releases and tours, positioning itself within the global underground of noise, improvisation and experimental rock.

ConradSound is a Norwegian record label based in Oslo and dedicated to experimental, noise and improvised music. It is closely identified with the band MoE, whose work and collaborations make up a substantial share of the label's catalogue. MoE has existed since 2008 and has released records including 'Lies' (7", 2009), 'It Pictures' (LP, 2011) and 'Left to Swallow' (12" one-sided LP single, 2012), as well as a split single with The Observatory, a 'David Yow' seven inch, three albums in the 'Oslo Janus' series and 2014's 'MoE 3' on Fysisk Format. ConradSound's own releases carry a 'CnRd' catalogue prefix, such as CnRd332 and CnRd333. The label's output reflects an international, collaborative approach. It has issued music involving Japanese experimental musicians Keiji Haino and Ikuro Takahashi, Danish saxophonist Mette Rasmussen, Mexican collaborators including Martin Escalante, and projects tied to the Australian experimental scene. Releases have appeared on vinyl, CD, cassette and digital formats, and part of the catalogue is available on streaming services such as Spotify. ConradSound uses its official website as a combined news feed, shop and catalogue. Announcements on the site have covered releases such as MoE & Ikuro Takahashi featuring Signe Emmeluth recorded live at Børsen Kulturhus, Keiji Haino & Guro Moe's 'Drums & Octobass' LP/2xCD/DL, a double release on 2 December 2022 comprising MoE/Bruxa Maria's 'Skinwalker' (CnRd332) and MoE y Escalantes' 'Saint Vitus Dance' (CnRd333), and MoE's 'Oslo Janus (IV)' recorded in Australia and released on 1 January 2019. The site also documents tours and festival appearances, including MoE tours in Mexico, Australia, Japan, Europe, China and Southeast Asia, and appearances at events such as the ZEZ Festival in Zagreb and Raw Power in London. The label's aesthetic is defined by music that resists genre boundaries. Its own description of MoE — mixing minimalistic compositions with alternative and experimental approaches that fail to fit in the rock genre — captures the broader character of the imprint. ConradSound remains an independent, privately held operation without publicly disclosed corporate ownership, sustained by touring, international collaboration and a network of experimental musicians.

• MoE formed, later becoming the label's central associated band

• MoE releases 'Lies' 7"

• MoE releases 'It Pictures' LP

• MoE releases 'Left to Swallow' 12" one-sided LP single

• MoE releases 'MoE 3' on Fysisk Format

• MoE 'Oslo Janus (IV)', recorded in Australia, released January 1st

• Double release: MoE/Bruxa Maria 'Skinwalker' (CnRd332) and MoE y Escalantes 'Saint Vitus Dance' (CnRd333)

Independent Norwegian label for experimental, noise and improvised music, closely tied to MoE and international underground collaborations.

• MoE/Bruxa Maria 'Skinwalker' CD/DL (CnRd332)

• MoE y Escalantes 'Saint Vitus Dance' CD/DL (CnRd333)

• Keiji Haino & Guro Moe 'Drums & Octobass' LP/2xCD/DL

• MoE & Ikuro Takahashi featuring Signe Emmeluth live at Børsen Kulturhus

• MoE/Marhaug 'Capsaicin' double tape (released by Utech Records, available from ConradSound shop)

• The Touchables 'The Noise Is Rest'

1. 1ConradSound – music, records & moreconradsound.com
2. 2About – ConradSoundconradsound.com
3. 3ConradSound – Wikidatawikidata.org