Secretly Canadian Concerts

Experience Secretly Canadian

Secretly Canadian was founded in 1996 in Bloomington, Indiana by Chris Swanson, Jonathan Cargill, and Darius Van Arman as a vehicle to release music by Swanson’s band, Rodan. Initially operating as a mail-order record label distributing primarily vinyl, the company expanded to include CD releases and digital distribution. The label’s early aesthetic favored independent and experimental rock.

Throughout the 2000s, Secretly Canadian broadened its roster, signing artists like Sufjan Stevens, whose *Illinois* (2005) garnered significant critical acclaim and commercial success. Other notable signings included The Decemberists, Antony and the Johnsons, and Yeasayer. The label is known for fostering long-term relationships with its artists and allowing for substantial creative control.

In 2016, Secretly Canadian expanded its operations with the acquisition of Dead Oceans, another independent record label. The combined entity operates under the umbrella of Secretly Group, which also includes Park the Van. Musically, while rooted in indie rock, the label's catalog demonstrates diversity encompassing folk, electronic music, and experimental pop. Secretly Canadian has received multiple Grammy Award nominations through its artists and consistently appears on lists recognizing influential independent labels.