Introduction
The roar of the crowd, the smell of stale beer and freshly cut grass, the collective breath held as the ball arcs towards the net – these are the sensory staples of a football match. But layered beneath the visceral thrill of the game is another crucial element: the soundtrack. And while carefully curated playlists now blare from stadium speakers, there’s a deeper, more ingrained musical heritage echoing within the terraces, a legacy subtly shaped by the spirit of independent music, particularly the output of labels like Cherry Red Records.
Cherry Red Records, founded in nineteen seventy-eight, wasn’t aiming to conquer the football world. This was a label born from the DIY ethic of punk rock, championing post-punk, new wave, indie pop, and alternative artists who dared to be different. Bands like The Monochrome Set, Felt, and Everything But The Girl found a home on Cherry Red, crafting music that was often introspective, quirky, and defiantly independent. Yet, despite the label’s focus on the alternative fringes, its influence quietly permeated the football terraces, shaping the musical tastes and cultural sensibilities of a generation of fans.
This article explores the unlikely connection between Cherry Red Records, its artists, and the vibrant, often chaotic atmosphere of the fans stadium. It argues that while the label wasn’t directly commissioning football anthems, its ethos of independence, authenticity, and community resonated deeply with football supporters, creating a subtle but significant link between the sound of Cherry Red and the heart of the beautiful game. We’ll delve into the label’s history, examine the shared cultural values of indie music and football fandom, and consider how this connection continues to echo in the stands today.
A Brief History of Cherry Red Records
To understand the label’s influence, it’s essential to appreciate its origins. Cherry Red Records emerged from a fertile post-punk scene, a reaction against the excesses of mainstream rock and the commercialization of the music industry. The label’s founder, Miles Copeland, envisioned a platform for artists who were creating music on their own terms, prioritizing artistic expression over chart success. This commitment to independent artists quickly established Cherry Red as a haven for innovative and experimental sounds.
The label’s early releases captured the spirit of the times, showcasing bands who were pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. The Monochrome Set’s witty lyrics and angular guitar riffs, Felt’s ethereal soundscapes, and Everything But The Girl’s sophisticated pop songs became hallmarks of the Cherry Red aesthetic. The label wasn’t afraid to take risks, embracing a wide range of genres and subgenres, from twee pop to avant-garde electronica.
Throughout the eighties and nineties, Cherry Red Records continued to evolve, adapting to the ever-changing musical landscape while remaining true to its independent spirit. The label expanded its roster to include a diverse array of artists, from cult heroes to emerging talents. While its core focus remained on independent music, Cherry Red also ventured into reissues and compilations, preserving and celebrating forgotten gems from the past. At no point did it overtly aim for football tie-ins or cater to a specific sporting demographic, but that didn’t mean its music existed in a vacuum.
The Link: Indie Music, Football Culture, and the Fans
The connection between Cherry Red Records and the fans stadium isn’t immediately obvious, but it lies in a shared cultural ethos. Both indie music and football fandom often stem from similar roots, reflecting working-class experiences, a strong sense of community, and a desire to belong. Indie music, like supporting a football team, is often a chosen identity, a conscious rejection of mainstream trends in favor of something more authentic and personal.
Football fans, particularly those who support smaller clubs or teams with a strong local identity, often share a similar anti-establishment mindset. They are fiercely loyal to their team, even in the face of adversity, and they take pride in their unique culture and traditions. This sense of loyalty and belonging is mirrored in the indie music scene, where fans often feel a strong connection to the artists they support, viewing them as kindred spirits who share their values and beliefs.
Consider the power of music within the terraces. Anthems aren’t simply imposed by the club’s media team; they often bubble up organically from the fans themselves. These songs become woven into the fabric of the matchday experience, expressing the collective hopes, fears, and passions of the supporters. Think of the singalong choruses, the defiant lyrics, the sheer volume of voices raised in unison – this is more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful expression of identity and community.
The DIY mentality that underpinned Cherry Red Records also resonated with football fans. The rise of fanzines in the nineteen eighties and nineties mirrored the label’s independent spirit, providing a platform for fans to express their opinions, share their stories, and create their own culture around the game. These publications, often produced on a shoestring budget, were a testament to the passion and creativity of the fans, echoing the DIY aesthetic of the indie music scene.
Stadium Culture and the Soundtrack
Imagine standing on the terraces, surrounded by a sea of faces, all united by a shared passion for their team. The air crackles with anticipation as the players emerge from the tunnel. The first chords of a familiar song ring out, and the crowd erupts in a chorus of voices. This is the atmosphere of the fans stadium, a unique and unforgettable experience.
Music plays a crucial role in creating this atmosphere. It provides a sense of rhythm and momentum, amplifying the emotions of the game. It can be used to celebrate victories, to commiserate defeats, or simply to express solidarity with fellow supporters. The songs sung on the terraces are more than just tunes; they are cultural artifacts, reflecting the history, values, and identity of the team and its fans.
While it’s difficult to pinpoint specific instances of Cherry Red Records artists directly influencing stadium anthems, the label’s broader impact on musical tastes cannot be ignored. The indie music scene, of which Cherry Red was a key part, shaped the musical sensibilities of a generation of football fans. Many supporters grew up listening to bands like The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Cure, artists whose music explored themes of alienation, frustration, and hope – themes that resonated deeply with the experiences of many working-class football fans. This exposure to indie music influenced the songs they chose to sing on the terraces, the fanzines they created, and the overall culture they cultivated around the game.
The connection, therefore, is less about direct song adoption and more about a shared cultural sensibility. The values of independence, authenticity, and community that defined Cherry Red Records also resonated with football fans, creating a subtle but significant link between the sound of the label and the atmosphere of the fans stadium.
Beyond the Game: Legacy and Lasting Impact
Cherry Red Records continues to thrive, releasing new music and reissuing classic albums, preserving its legacy for future generations. The label’s enduring appeal lies in its commitment to independent artists and its willingness to take risks. It continues to champion music that is challenging, innovative, and authentic, qualities that resonate with fans who are looking for something more than just mainstream pop.
The connection between indie music and football culture persists, although it may have evolved over time. Many contemporary bands continue to draw inspiration from the indie scene of the nineteen eighties and nineties, incorporating elements of post-punk, new wave, and alternative rock into their music. And football fans continue to embrace music that reflects their values and experiences, creating their own unique soundtracks for the game.
The broader cultural significance of this connection lies in its reflection of the changing social and political landscape. The rise of indie music and the growth of football fandom were both influenced by the decline of traditional industries, the rise of youth culture, and the growing sense of alienation among working-class communities. Music and football provided a sense of belonging and identity for those who felt marginalized by mainstream society, creating a powerful counter-culture that continues to resonate today.
Conclusion
Cherry Red Records may not have set out to become a football label, but its influence on stadium culture is undeniable. The label’s commitment to independent artists, its embrace of the DIY ethic, and its celebration of authenticity resonated deeply with football fans, creating a subtle but significant link between the sound of Cherry Red and the heart of the beautiful game.
From the terraces of forgotten grounds to the grandstands of modern stadiums, the spirit of Cherry Red Records continues to echo, reminding us that music and football are more than just entertainment; they are expressions of identity, community, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The next time you hear a chorus of voices erupting from the fans stadium, remember that you’re not just hearing a song; you’re hearing a story, a history, and a cultural legacy that stretches back to the early days of independent music and the passionate hearts of football fans. It’s a story that says, “We are here, we are together, and we will be heard.” And that’s a sentiment that resonates far beyond the final whistle.
