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.

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