Ninja Tune and the Rise of Independent Electronica (1990–2000)

1. Ninja Tune founded by Coldcut in London

   Jan 1, 1990Labels: Coldcut, Ninja Tune, London

   • Ninja Tune
   • NinjaWiki

2. Solid Steel radio show becomes a key platform

   Jan 1, 1990Labels: Solid Steel, Coldcut, Radio Show

   • Solid Steel
   • SolidSteel Site

3. First release: Bogus Order “Zen Brakes Vol 1”

   Sep 1, 1990Labels: Bogus Order, Zen Brakes, Ninja Tune

   • Ninja Release
   • Independent

4. DJ Food “Jazz Brakes Vol. 1” expands the template

   Oct 1, 1990Labels: DJ Food, Jazz Brakes, Ninja Tune

   • DJ Food Discog
   • Independent

5. “Funkjazztical Tricknology” introduces the label via compilation

   Jan 1, 1995Labels: Ninja Cuts, Compilation, Ninja Tune

   • Fact Mag
   • Independent

6. Funki Porcini’s “Hed Phone Sex” broadens the sound

   May 1, 1995Labels: Funki Porcini, Hed Phone, Ninja Tune

   • Ninja Release
   • Funki Porcini

7. The Herbaliser debut “Remedies” anchors jazz-hip-hop fusion

   Oct 1, 1995Labels: The Herbaliser, Remedies, Ninja Tune

   • Ninja Release
   • Remedies Wiki

8. Stealth club night gains major recognition

   Jan 1, 1996Labels: Stealth, The Blue, Club Night

   • Ninja About
   • Quietus

9. Amon Tobin signs to Ninja Tune

   Jan 1, 1996Labels: Amon Tobin, Cujo, Ninja Tune

   • Ninja Bio
   • Amon Tobin

10. “Flexistentialism” documents a growing label ecosystem

    Mar 1, 1996Labels: Flexistentialism, Compilation, Ninja Tune

    • Ninja Release
    • Apple Music

11. Big Dada founded as Ninja Tune’s hip-hop imprint

    Jan 1, 1997Labels: Big Dada, Will Ashon, Ninja Tune

    • Big Dada
    • Ninja About

12. Amon Tobin’s “Bricolage” launches a signature sound

    May 19, 1997Labels: Amon Tobin, Bricolage, Ninja Tune

    • Bricolage
    • Ninja Bio

13. Coldcut returns with “Let Us Play” on Ninja Tune

    Sep 8, 1997Labels: Coldcut, Let Us, Ninja Tune

    • Ninja Release
    • Let Us Play

14. “Timber” links music video art and activism

    Jan 22, 1998Labels: Timber, Hexstatic, Coldcut

    • Ninja Release
    • Timber Wiki

15. Amon Tobin’s “Permutation” signals international growth

    Jun 1, 1998Labels: Amon Tobin, Permutation, Ninja Tune

    • Permutation
    • Ninja Bio

16. Solid Steel moves online, expanding global reach

    Jan 1, 1999Labels: Solid Steel, Online Distribution, Ninja Tune

    • SolidSteel Site
    • Solid Steel

17. Roots Manuva’s debut album boosts UK independent hip-hop

    Mar 22, 1999Labels: Roots Manuva, Brand New, Big Dada

    • Brand New
    • Big Dada

18. Mr. Scruff’s “Keep It Unreal” crosses into mainstream awareness

    Jun 7, 1999Labels: Mr Scruff, Keep It, Ninja Tune

    • Keep It Unreal
    • Apple Music