Sacred Bones Records is an American independent label founded in 2007 by Caleb Braaten in Brooklyn, New York. It focuses on dark, experimental, post-punk, and indie music. Sacred Bones is home to Crystal Stilts, Moon Duo, Uniform, Marching Church, and Alan Vega (catalog). The label has a strong visual identity and a curated roster, with 27 products listed in its 2026 releases collection. It is distributed by Secretly Distribution, placing it within the Secretly Group distribution network.
Sacred Bones built its reputation on a tightly curated aesthetic that spans post-punk, darkwave, gothic, and experimental music. Its visual identity (distinctive sleeve design) is as much a part of the brand as its sound. The label has released catalog material from Alan Vega (Suicide) and David Lynch, alongside new signings from the dark experimental underground. Its 2026 releases include deluxe collector's editions and graphic novel collaborations.
How Sacred Bones Operates
Sacred Bones runs a small, selective A&R operation from its Brooklyn headquarters. It is distributed by Secretly Distribution, giving it global physical and digital reach. The label's strength is its tightly curated aesthetic and visual identity. Its A&R favors artists with a distinct dark, experimental, or post-punk identity who fit the Sacred Bones visual and sonic world.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make post-punk, darkwave, gothic, or experimental music with a strong visual identity, Sacred Bones is one of the most respected independent labels in that niche. Its curated approach means its roster carries cultural weight within the dark experimental community.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Highly selective: Sacred Bones signs very few artists each year.
- No unsolicited demos: Sacred Bones does not accept cold submissions.
- Aesthetic expectations: The label has a distinct visual and sonic identity. Music outside that aesthetic will not fit.
- Niche market: Dark experimental and post-punk is a dedicated but small market.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance / Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Molchat Doma | Sudno (single, from Etazhi) | 2020 | #2 on Spotify Worldwide Viral 50 chart, 48.9M YouTube views |
| Molchat Doma | Monument (album) | 2020 | First album released on Sacred Bones after signing |
| Molchat Doma | Belaya Polosa (album) | 2024 | Fourth studio album on Sacred Bones |
| Zola Jesus | Okovi (album) | 2017 | Sacred Bones release, widespread critical coverage |
| John Carpenter | Anthology: Movie Themes 1974-1998 | 2017 | Sacred Bones release, 2.6M views on "Christine" video |
| John Carpenter | Cathedral (album and graphic novel) | 2026 | Upcoming Sacred Bones release with companion graphic novel |
| David Lynch | The Big Dream (album) | 2013 | Second album released through Sacred Bones |
| Black Marble | Fast Idol (album) | 2021 | UK Dance Albums Chart #12, UK Record Store Chart #14 |
| Mandy, Indiana | Urgh (album) | 2026 | Sacred Bones release (catalog SBR373CD) |
Videos
Deal Structures
Sacred Bones operates a profit-sharing model, splitting profits with its artists 50/50. This is more favorable than typical major label deals. The label also sells physical copies of records to its own artists at close to cost price, allowing artists to sell directly at shows and retain more revenue. Distribution is handled through Secretly Distribution (part of the Secretly Group), providing global physical and digital reach. The label works with both emerging artists and established figures, including film directors David Lynch, John Carpenter, and Jim Jarmusch. Sacred Bones also operates a book and publishing division (headed by Carrie Schaff), releasing photography and art books. Founder Caleb Braaten co-founded the artist management company Zone 6 and the NYC nightclub TV Eye, creating additional infrastructure for artist development.
How Artists Get Signed
Sacred Bones does not accept unsolicited demos. Founder Caleb Braaten and label manager Brad Sanders (who joined in 2013 from Secretly Group's distribution side) conduct A&R as a team. The label signs approximately three new artists per year. Braaten's stated criteria: "It needs to be special. No matter what the genre of music, it needs to be brave in some way" and "It just needs to have soul." Artists are discovered through live performances, recommendations from friends and existing label artists, and organic connections. Molchat Doma was signed in January 2020 after gaining viral popularity on TikTok with their song "Sudno." Këkht Ärakh was recommended to Braaten by a friend knowledgeable about the black metal underground. Uniform was signed as a group decision based on their live show and previous recordings. Artists who build a strong independent profile, maintain a distinct visual and sonic identity, and fit the label's dark aesthetic have the best chance of being noticed.
Similar Labels
- Dead Oceans - Secretly Group label with overlapping indie and experimental roster
- Matador Records - Independent label with strong post-punk and experimental history
- Sub Pop - Major American independent with diverse alternative roster
- Anti-Records - Independent label with artist-driven, alternative roster
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What a Sacred Bones deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The niche independent model
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an experimental profile
- Secretly Group - Sacred Bones' distributor
- Sacred Bones Records Official Site - Roster and releases
