IRS

IRS Records was founded in 1979 by Miles Copeland III, alongside his brothers Ian and Stewart Copeland of The Police. Initially focused on punk and new wave music, the label gained prominence in the 1980s, signing influential artists such as R.E.M., The Go-Go's, and The Buzzcocks. IRS played a crucial role in the rise of alternative rock, helping to define the genre with its eclectic roster. The label's most notable era was during the mid-1980s, when R.E.M.'s success with albums like "Murmur" and "Reckoning" brought significant attention to the label. IRS also ventured into other genres, including pop and rock, but its identity remained closely tied to the alternative scene. Despite its decline in the 1990s, IRS Records left a lasting legacy, influencing the music industry and paving the way for future independent labels. The label's commitment to artistic integrity and innovation continues to be recognized in discussions of music history.