Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation (Thee SPC) is an independent record label founded in Sheffield in 2003 by Markie Mofo (Mark Harrison), Rob Chuck, Darren Chuck and Missy Tassles, all of whom were active in Sheffield bands including Velodrome 2000, The Motherfuckers and Chuck. Created initially to release records by their own groups, the label quickly expanded to champion emerging artists from Sheffield and the wider Yorkshire independent music scene.
Operating with a strong DIY ethos, Thee SPC became known for issuing limited-edition coloured vinyl, distinctive sleeve artwork inspired by Victorian design, and witty, old-fashioned sleeve notes. The label also embraced digital distribution by offering free downloads alongside its vinyl releases, while maintaining a reputation for carefully produced physical editions.
The label played an important role in promoting Sheffield’s “New Yorkshire” guitar scene during the 2000s, releasing early records by artists including The Long Blondes, Monkey Swallows the Universe, Champion Kickboxer, Smokers Die Younger, Slow Down Tallahassee, Standard Fare, Nat Johnson & the Figureheads, The Sleazoids and Black Light Ray. It also issued the compilation albums A Box of Odd, showcasing Sheffield guitar bands, and Thee Sheffield Radiophonic Workshop, celebrating the city’s electronic music heritage.
Alongside the record label, Thee SPC published the fanzine Thee Humbug, each issue accompanied by a compilation CD featuring local artists. The second issue became particularly sought after because it included an early recording by Arctic Monkeys, together with rare tracks by The Long Blondes before either band achieved national recognition. The label also organised showcase nights and, for a period, presented a weekly programme on Sheffield Live radio, further supporting the city’s independent music community.
Although operating on a relatively small scale, Thee Sheffield Phonographic Corporation has become one of Sheffield’s best-regarded independent labels, earning recognition for documenting and nurturing the city’s grassroots music scene while preserving the DIY traditions established by earlier Sheffield labels such as Neutron, FON and Warp. )
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