DIY Label Spotlight #2: Speedy Wunderground • Interview • DIY Magazine

DIY wouldn’t be what it is without buzzy bands and grassroots scenes, and independent labels are an essential part of the ecosystem working to support artists from the ground up.

Up next in our monthly feature spotlighting some of the very best in the biz, we catch up with Dan Carey of Speedy Wunderground - the fabled South London label that’s spawned milestone releases and a devoted cult following.

How would you describe, in less than 10 words, the ethos behind Speedy Wunderground?
Spontaneous, loud, minimal, direct, experimental, fresh.

What was the initial motivation behind founding the label? Tell us a bit more about those early days.
I felt frustrated by the length of time between finishing a record and its release. I wanted to have a system where we could record music and then have it available for physical release in a couple of weeks. As far as the aesthetic of the sound is concerned, I wanted the records to be spontaneous, clear snapshots of the day of recording, avoiding going back and overthinking… a process of following instincts and trusting the first thought. The idea is that the listener is easily transported into the studio and can feel what the recording was like at the time. While that’s not the way to make all records, I thought it would make an interesting musical diary.

Walk us through a typical day in the life at Speedy.
It’s split across various peoples’ roles: Dan working in the studio; Lex working in the studio and some label logistics; Mina, Olly, Liv, Róisín, Emily and Tegan running things at the label along with our colleagues at PIAS; bands rehearsing and making demos at Mr Punch; whilst Tom sends out all the singles and merch.

“I wanted the records to be spontaneous, clear snapshots of the day of recording, avoiding going back and overthinking… [Speedy Wunderground is] a process of following instincts and trusting the first thought.”

What are some of your highlights or most memorable moments since founding the label?
Our SXSW showcase and EP recording session in 2023. Our Village Underground show last September, where a continuous stream of Speedy artists past, present, and future played through the night with none of their own gear, just some guitars. Seeing all 50 Speedy singles laid out next to each other. The various record fairs, where we get to have direct contact with the audience and fans of the label - we’ve had some really interesting conversations with people starting in music, as well as old school collectors.

⁠If you could re-release any classic album on Speedy, what would it be and why?
‘Donnie Hathaway Live’: it’s one of my favourite albums, and although the musical style is quite different from Speedy’s, it affects me in the way I want to affect our listeners… I feel transported directly to The Troubadour.

What’s one piece of label-running advice you’d give your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.

⁠Is there anything you can tell us about what Speedy has in the pipeline for 2025…?
Heartworms’ debut album, and new Moreish Idols…

Find out more about Speedy Wunderground at speedywunderground.com.

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