Trouble in Mind Records

United States • ChicagoFounded 2009

Trouble in Mind Records is a Chicago-based independent record label founded in 2009. The label is known for its curated approach to indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, and post-punk. Its roster includes artists from Chicago and beyond, with a focus on guitar-driven indie rock and experimental pop. Trouble in Mind operates as a traditional independent label with vinyl, CD, and digital releases.

Contact & HQ

Headquarters

Chicago, IL, USA

Ownership & Distribution

Label Type

Independent Label

Parent Company

Independently owned

Distribution

Independent distribution network

Additional Details

Genres

Indie RockGarage RockPsychedelicPost-PunkExperimental Pop

Signing Process

Trouble in Mind Records runs its own A&R. Unsolicited demos are not accepted. The label is highly selective and signs artists with distinct artistic identities across indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, and post-punk. Trouble in Mind has a Chicago focus but signs artists from beyond Chicago as well.

Demo Policy

No unsolicited demos. Submit through representation or build a strong independent profile first.

Notable Artists

Various Chicago and international indie rock artists

Trouble in Mind Records is a Chicago-based independent record label founded in 2009. The label is known for its curated approach to indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, and post-punk. Its roster includes artists from Chicago and beyond, with a focus on guitar-driven indie rock and experimental pop. Trouble in Mind operates as a traditional independent label with vinyl, CD, and digital releases.

Trouble in Mind built its reputation on Chicago's indie rock and garage rock scene. The label's roster includes artists from Chicago (many of its artists are based in Chicago, Illinois) and beyond, with a focus on guitar-driven indie rock and experimental pop. The label's curatorial approach favors artists with distinct artistic identities and a connection to the indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, and post-punk traditions. Trouble in Mind's 15-plus year history makes it a fixture of the Chicago independent music scene.

How Trouble in Mind Operates

Trouble in Mind Records runs dedicated A&R from its Chicago headquarters. It operates an independent distribution network. The label's strength is its 15-plus year history of curating indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, and post-punk, and its deep ties to the Chicago independent music scene. Its A&R favors artists with distinct artistic identities and a connection to guitar-driven indie rock traditions.

Why It Matters for Independent Artists

If you make indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, or post-punk with a distinct artistic identity, Trouble in Mind Records is a respected Chicago independent label in that space. Its 15-plus year history and Chicago focus give it deep ties to the indie rock scene. Its traditional independent label model (vinyl, CD, digital) provides physical and digital release support.

Drawbacks and Things to Consider

Highly selective: Trouble in Mind signs very few artists each year.
No unsolicited demos: Trouble in Mind does not accept cold submissions.
Indie rock focus: Trouble in Mind favors guitar-driven indie rock, garage rock, psychedelic, and post-punk. Artists in other genres should look elsewhere.
Chicago focus: The label's primary network is in Chicago. Artists outside that network may find it harder to get attention.