Schneeball Records
distribution: INDIGO
Wellcome Visitor!
This site is for documentation purposes.
It tells the story of artists in Germany who came together to become creators.
This site is for documentation purposes.
It tells the story of artists in Germany who came together to become creators.
50 Years
Schneeball Records
1976 – 2026
1976 – 2026
Half a Century of Independent Music
Schneeball Records celebrates its 50th anniversary – five decades of uncompromising artistic freedom, collective experimentation, and pioneering spirit. Founded in 1976 by musicians from Ton Steine Scherben, Embryo, Missus Beastly, Sparifankal, and Julius Schittenhelm, Schneeball became Germany’s first independent musician-run label. lIts founding principle shaped an era:
“Schneeball – Music distributed by musicians.”
At a time dominated by major record companies, Schneeball built its own distribution network, proving that artists could organize themselves, reach audiences directly, and make a living from their music. The legendary “Umsonst & Draußen” festival in Vlotho helped generate national visibility and launched a new generation of Schneeball artists, including Munju, Moira, Checkpoint - Charlie, and Real Ax Band.
From these beginnings arose long-lasting structures. The label’s early distribution network ultimately seeded Indigo, today one of Europe’s leading independent music distributors. Schneeball releases continue to be distributed worldwide through INDIGO.
Over five decades, Schneeball published more than one hundred albums across Jazz, Rock, World Music, Improvisation, and Avant-garde, featuring artists such as:
Jazz / Avant-garde: Charlie Mariano, Mal Waldron, P. M. Hamel, Christian Burchard, Grace Yoon, Lothar Stahl
World / Ethno: Ramesh Shotham, Rama Mani, Rabia Abu Kalil, Muraina Oyelami, Uve Müllrich, Friedemann Josch, Marlon Klein
Rock / Experimental / Krautrock: Roman Bunka, Chris Karrer, Gerald Luciano Hartwig, Rio Reiser, Nikel Pallat, Uwe von Trotha, Corny Littmann
Schneeball has always been more than a record label. It is a creative network—a bridge between cultures, generations, and artistic visions. Its history demonstrates how independent music can challenge convention, expand listening habits, and inspire transformation.
The Anniversary Year 2026
A program of concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, and special releases will celebrate Schneeball’s legacy and honor the artists who shaped it.