Atavistic
Atavistic Records is an American record label based in Chicago, Illinois, known for its no wave and free jazz recordings. Atavistic has released albums by Glenn Branca, Nels Cline, Lydia Lunch, Peter Brötzmann, Ken Vandermark, Pinetop Seven, Swans, Elliott Sharp, Larry Ochs, Mars, Davey Williams, Brian Harnetty, Zeena Parkins, and Poem Rocket, among others. The label was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1985 by Kurt Kellison as a video label producing live VHS recordings by bands such as Live Skull and The Flaming Lips.
Also recorded as Atavistic Records
Atavistic
- Name
- Atavistic Records
- Founded
- 1985.
- Headquarters
- Chicago.
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Documentary summary
Atavistic Records is an American record label based in Chicago, Illinois, known for its no wave and free jazz recordings. Atavistic has released albums by Glenn Branca, Nels Cline, Lydia Lunch, Peter Brötzmann, Ken Vandermark, Pinetop Seven, Swans, Elliott Sharp, Larry Ochs, Mars, Davey Williams, Brian Harnetty, Zeena Parkins, and Poem Rocket, among others. The label was founded in Columbus, Ohio in 1985 by Kurt Kellison as a video label producing live VHS recordings by bands such as Live Skull and The Flaming Lips.
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Atavistic was founded in 1985, with headquarters in Chicago. Its output covers jazz and rock music.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 27 September 2026
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Overview
Overview
The label was relocated when Kellison moved to Chicago in 1988. Unheard Music Series imprint focuses on the reissuing of out-of-print free improvisation/ avant-garde jazz recordings.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Atavistic Records • Founded — 1985 • Founder — Kurt Kellison • Genre — Rock, avant-garde, jazz • Country — U.S. • Location — Chicago, Illinois • Url — www.atavistic.com
Institutional history
Dated record
Institutional history
The full dated record · 2 entries
1985
Atavistic established.
1985
Atavistic is recorded from 1985.
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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