Pioneer Award 2012: Daniel Miller, Mute
Recognizing a visionary independent label founder, the Pioneer Award , this year goes to Mute Records’ Daniel Miller, one of the most influential figures in the history of electronic music.
After years of experimenting with synthesizers and electronic sounds, Miller founded Mute Records in 1978 releasing his first single ‘Warm Leatherette’, as The Normal, which went on to sell a remarkable 40,000 copies in the UK. Before long Daniel had signed Depeche Mode and produced the albums that would lead the band to become one of the biggest acts in the world and cement his position as a visionary independent music pioneer.
Mute Records went on to enormous success, signing artists such as Yazoo, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Cabaret Voltaire, Moby, Sonic Youth, Wire and many more. Returning to Independence in 2010 under Miller’s guidance, Mute continues to thrive, nurturing an array of new talent and globally successful acts.
The Pioneer Award is sponsored by Nokia.
