Today is Julian Casablancas’ birthday. Apart from being the frontman and primary songwriter of The Strokes, Casablancas is also the founder of the independent record label Cult Records. Initially used as an imprint for Casablancas' solo releases, Cult later became a standalone label and entered label services agreements and digital distribution agreements in 2014. It’s a testament to an artist’s talent and passion for the industry when they decide to either work with or break out of that major-label success and start their own record labels.

Let’s recognize all the artists that took matter into their own hands when it comes to their love of music. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear from artists who started their own label?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

Have an idea for a Coffee Break topic? Submit your idea for a future theme and browse past Coffee Breaks in our archive.

Songs Played:
Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
LCD Soundsytem – Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
Prince – Guitar
John Prine – Knocking On Your Screen Door
The Dead Weather – Hang You From The Heavens
Superchunk – FOH
Cake – Sick Of You
The Beatles – Something
Jay-Z – Hard Knock Life (Bonus Track!)