13 Record Labels Based In London, Some Looking For Artists Record Labels In London: 4AD 4AD was started in 1980 as a branch of the Beggars Banquet label. At first, it focused on post-punk, before setting sights on the U.S. rock scene, where it found great success. Namely, the label signed The Pixies. Since then, they have signed a remarkable roster of hip indie acts from North America and the UK.