Numero Group

Numero Group is an American independent reissue and archival label founded in 2003 by Tom Lunt, Rob Sevier, and Ken Shipley in Chicago. It specializes in meticulously researched reissues of obscure music across genres, including soul, funk, rock, folk, and experimental. Numero is now part of Secretly Group and is distributed by Secretly Distribution. Its 2026 releases include Sooj's Crusher, a collaborative project between members of Duster and Dirty Art Club that sees Duster's slowcore drift dissolve into Dirty Art Club's sample-heavy, collage-minded production.

Numero Group built its reputation on archival reissue projects that recover and document obscure music. Its compilations (such as the Eccentric Soul series, the Purple Snow series, and various regional soul and funk compilations) are known for their thorough research, liner notes, and packaging. The label does not sign new artists in the traditional sense. Instead, it licenses and reissues existing catalog material, working with archivists, collectors, and original artists to compile definitive editions.

How Numero Group Operates

Numero Group operates as a reissue and archival label within Secretly Group. It does not run traditional A&R for new artists. Instead, its team researches, licenses, and compiles obscure catalog material into definitive reissue editions. Its 2026 work includes collaborative projects like Sooj's Crusher, which blends existing artists (Duster, Dirty Art Club) into new collaborative releases. Distribution flows through Secretly Distribution.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

Numero Group is not a traditional signing target for new artists. Its relevance is for artists with existing catalog material (especially obscure or out-of-print recordings) who want a meticulously researched reissue. If you have archival recordings or an overlooked catalog, Numero is the most respected reissue label in the US.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

• Not for new artists: Numero licenses and reissues existing catalog material. It does not sign new artists for new recordings.
• No unsolicited demos: Numero does not accept cold submissions for new recordings.
• Archival focus: The label's expertise is in reissue packaging, research, and documentation, not artist development.
• Licensing, not signing: Deals are typically licensing arrangements for specific catalog material, not full artist contracts.

Notable Artists and Releases

Videos

Deal Structures

Numero Group operates on a different model than traditional record labels:

• Licensing arrangements: Numero licenses specific catalog material from original artists, their estates, or rights holders. These are not full recording contracts. The label pays licensing fees and handles remastering, packaging, research, and distribution.
• Reparation-focused partnerships: For projects like The Lijadu Sisters reissue campaign, Numero structures deals that address historical misuse of the artists' material while providing financial participation for the original artists or their estates.
• Compilation licensing: For compilation projects (Eccentric Soul series, regional soul and funk compilations), Numero licenses individual tracks from multiple rights holders, often tracking down obscure labels and artists who have been out of contact for decades.
• No traditional recording deals: Numero does not sign artists to record new material. The label's business is exclusively reissue, archival, and compilation work.
• Secretly Distribution: All Numero Group releases are distributed through Secretly Distribution, the in-house distribution arm of Secretly Group.

How Artists Get Signed

Numero Group does not sign new artists in the traditional sense. Its process is research-driven and archival:

1. Research and discovery: Numero's team (founders Ken Shipley and Rob Sevier, plus researchers) actively searches for obscure, out-of-print, and overlooked recordings across genres and regions. Sources include record collector networks, archive sales, tips from music historians, and field research.
2. Rights clearance: Once material is identified, Numero tracks down the original artists, labels, or rights holders to negotiate licensing arrangements. This process can take months or years, particularly for material where ownership is unclear.
3. No unsolicited demos: Numero does not accept cold submissions. The label approaches artists whose existing catalog material fits its reissue and archival mission.
4. For artists with existing catalog: If you have obscure or out-of-print recordings that deserve reissue treatment, the path to Numero is through music industry contacts, archivists, or collectors who can make an introduction. Direct outreach to the label with documentation of your catalog's history is also possible.
5. Collaborative reissue process: Once a deal is struck, Numero works closely with the original artists or their estates on remastering, liner notes, packaging, and historical documentation. The label's reputation is built on the thoroughness of this research and presentation.

Similar Labels

• Craft Recordings - Reissue and catalog management label with similar archival focus
• Merge Records - Secretly Group affiliated indie label
• Dead Oceans - Secretly Group label sharing distribution infrastructure
• Concord - Independent label with catalog and reissue divisions

Related Resources

• Record Label Contracts Explained - How reissue licensing differs from a label deal
• Selling Your Music Catalog Rights - Catalog licensing and sales
• Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The reissue label model
• Secretly Group - Numero's parent company
• Numero Group Official Site - Catalog and releases