Sub Pop is a
record label founded in 1986 by Bruce Pavitt. In 1988, Sub Pop Records LLC was formed by Bruce Pavitt and Jonathan Poneman in
Seattle,
Washington. Sub Pop achieved fame in the late 1980s for first signing
Nirvana,
Soundgarden,
Mudhoney and many other bands from the Seattle
alternative rock scene. They are often credited with taking the first steps toward popularizing
grunge music, and have continued to achieve critical and commercial success in the new millennium, with bands such as
Fleet Foxes,
Foals,
Beach House,
The Postal Service,
Flight of the Conchords,
Sleater-Kinney,
Blitzen Trapper,
No Age,
Wolf Parade and
The Shins on their roster. In 1995 the owners of Sub Pop sold a 49% stake of the label to the
Warner Music Group.