Ever since its inception in 1998 Cargo has developed to be one of the chief players among Germany’s indie distribution companies in the physical and digital sector. Cargo represents the interests of prestigious and legendary labels such as Sub Pop, Damaged Goods, Haldern Pop, Touch & Go, Saddle Creek, Secretly Canadian, SST, SideOneDummy, Hyperdub and many more. THE SHINS, FLOGGING MOLLY and PORTUGAL.THE MAN conquered the charts through Cargo, while the top 10 chart entry for THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM in June 2010 constitutes the biggest chart success in Cargo’s 12-year history so far. Erstwhile newcomers such as ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS, ART BRUT, SHOUT OUT LOUDS or BAND OF HORSES were fostered towards their international break-through and the successful careers of established artists such as GIANT SAND, MATT ELLIOTT, PUBLIC ENEMY, HOLLY GOLIGHTLY or BLACK MOUNTAIN were continued under Cargo’s patronage.

The labels Cargo Records and We Deliver The Guts have released albums by bands like ESKOBAR, CATS ON FIRE, I HEART HIROSHIMA, ABWÄRTS, MY UNCLE THE WOLF, GAVIN PORTLAND and WINNEBAGO DEAL among others. Our inhouse marketing department with its tailor-made promotion tools services all relevant print, online, radio and TV contacts.

With a strong background in vinyl marketing and as an exclusive partner to Sony Music, Music On Vinyl or Roadrunner Records Cargo fills record shelves near and far with MGMT, SLASH, KORN, LEONARD COHEN, BAND OF HORSES as vinyl versions on “black gold”.

Retail programmes like the exclusive vinyl placement in Germany’s biggest music chain stores, the introduction of a VMI system, the retail pool “La Familia” and the b2b tool “eXtranet” underline Cargo’s flexibility in an ever-changing market while retaining tested and true qualities.
In addition to that Cargo Records offers the manufacturing of all image and sound formats as well as the handling of mechanical royalties and the realization of download codes for vinyl releases. Our EMEA Logistic Services handle international shipments, tour or promo shipments and warehousing solutions.

>>Cargo Records as an all-round service provider has the experience and expertise to market the prime commodity that is as important to our partners as it is to us: great music.