There is something going on in Montreal that is great to watch. None of those loaded terms really does justice to a company that produces art for art's sake, and allows artists to make their music in an uncomprimised and beautiful way. They have attracted a large audience to an otherwise very quiet presence on the music scene. And independent is a word that really does apply to Godspeed and Constellation. The philosophy of this label is strongly anti-corporate and they have been very true to their ideals.
Packaging is unique and hand-made for each release.
While the success of Godspeed has forced some efficiencies on the production process, generally the item you hold in your hand has been cut, glued and filled with goodies by the folks at the label. Releases in the past have included schematics, drawings, interchangeable cover art, unique photos attached to the jacket, and, in one case, a penny that has been run over by a train. I always use mail order for purchases so that I can get the money directly into the hands of the label, and get vinyl whenever possible to really appreciate the art work in its full size. While I might actually buy these records just to admire them, the music is what originally attracted me to this label. To me, their music is extremely political, without a single syllable of lyric.