LABELOBIT

The death has been announced of John Loder, founder of Southern Records.

Loder's enthusiasm for music saw him build up the Southern network - label, distro, studio and a share in the establishment of Dischord Records - often losing his shirt and much cash on deals. Each setback he took on the chin, and just worked around it. In a long run of successes and setbacks, Southern gave a home to a number of bands, including Jah Wobble, Chumbawamba, Therapy, Carter and Silverfish; while their distribution arm got records into the public's hands from labels including Adult Swim and Kill Rock Stars. Loder wasn't just a passive supporter, though, and got his hands dirty - very dirty - producing and engineering for bands including the Jesus & Mary Chain (he engineered You Trip Me Up and Just Like Honey, amongst others), Crass, Shellac and PJ Harvey.

We probably can't sum up his importance on indie music in the last thirty-odd years any more effectively than the warm, enthusiastic messages left for him online.

Writing on the memorial blog, his daughter Natasha said:

As far as I am aware, the last word my father spoke was on Wednesday, was the word "blins". This is a made-up family word that is an expression of happiness, satisfaction and either comfort or delight. He said it after eating a Krispy Kreme donut with white icing and raspberry filling.

music obit obituary john loder southern