ICR Distribution

ICR Distribution is a British independent record label and mail-order distributor focused on experimental, industrial, ambient and avant-garde music. It grew out of Integrated Circuit Records and Integrated Circuit Studio, a DIY recording project founded by musician and producer Colin Potter. The name was shortened to ICR and IC Studio because the original full name was considered too much of a mouthful. The first release, ICR 001, was a compilation LP titled 'We couldn't agree on a title', followed by a series of cassettes promoting Colin Potter's own musical work. Over time the studio expanded from a bedroom setup to a 4-track, then 8-track and eventually 16-track facility, while the label evolved into ICR Distribution, promoting like-minded artists from near and far. After a hiatus caused by family commitments, ICR Distribution was revived in a new location — a converted Victorian water tower in Lancashire — and grew much faster thanks to the internet. The label reached a significant milestone in 2024 with its 100th release, ICR 100, titled 'We Couldn't Agree on a Total'. ICR Distribution operates primarily as an online shop and label, selling CDs, LPs, box sets and limited editions by artists such as Nurse With Wound, Andrew Chalk, irr. app. (ext.), Troum and Tim Hill. Its catalogue is characterised by handmade, limited-edition pressings and a strong association with the UK experimental and industrial underground. The label's output includes both new releases and reissues, often with expanded or special editions. For example, Nurse With Wound's 'SIC' was first released in 2013 as a handmade limited CD edition and later issued on vinyl for the first time by ICR. The shop also stocks test pressings and art editions. ICR Distribution remains a small, independent operation deeply embedded in the experimental music scene, with a reputation for curating unusual and challenging sound works.

ICR Distribution began as Integrated Circuit Records and Integrated Circuit Studio, a DIY recording project founded by Colin Potter. The name was shortened to ICR and IC Studio because the original was too long. The first release, ICR 001, was a compilation LP titled 'We couldn't agree on a title'. Early releases were cassettes promoting Colin Potter's own music. The studio moved from a bedroom to an outbuilding and grew from a 4-track to an 8-track facility, becoming known as a safe place for 'unusual' sound producers. As the label expanded, it became ICR Distribution, promoting other artists. However, the arrival of two children forced a hiatus, and ICR Distribution was put on ice. The studio continued to improve, reaching 16 tracks and relocating to a converted Victorian water tower in Lancashire. After the children grew up and CD production costs dropped, ICR Distribution was revived. It started small but grew faster due to the internet. In 2024, the label released its 100th release, ICR 100, titled 'We Couldn't Agree on a Total'. The label continues to release and distribute experimental music.

• 2024

  Released 100th release, ICR 100 'We Couldn't Agree on a Total'.

Specialist independent label and distributor for experimental, industrial and avant-garde music, with a focus on limited editions and handmade artefacts.

• Nurse With Wound 'SIC' 2LP

  Rotorelief Silver edition on black vinyl in gatefold sleeve, first time on vinyl.

• Troum 'EmphasYs' CD

  CD album with seven tracks each based on a different instrument.

• Andrew Chalk 'Mystical Obscurant' LP

  LP release.

• irr. app. (ext.) 'Hymns to the Extrusiarch' CD

  CD release, back in stock.

1. 1ICR DISTRIBUTIONicrdistribution.com
2. 2About ICR – ICR DISTRIBUTIONicrdistribution.com
3. 3Troum 'EmphasYs' CD – ICR DISTRIBUTIONicrdistribution.com
4. 4Nurse With Wound 'SIC' 2LP – ICR DISTRIBUTIONicrdistribution.com
5. 5ICR Distributionwikidata.org