Mushroom

Label formed by [a=Michael Gudinski] and [a=Ray Evans (2)] in Melbourne, Australia in 1972.
[b]Label Code: LC 4917[/b]
** For (unofficial) releases, see label: [l608561].
Its earliest signings included [a=Skyhooks] and [a=Split Enz] and by the mid Seventies it was Australia's leading independent label, in partnership with [l=Festival Records Pty. Ltd.] The company entry associated most to this label is [l=Mushroom Records pty. Ltd.]

Mushroom went from strength to strength in the 1980s as Split Enz had substantial international success and they signed [a=Kylie Minogue]. Subsidiary labels like [l=Liberation Records] & [l=White Label Records] were also set up, as well as branches in London and Auckland.

In 1993 half the company was sold to Rupert Murdoch's Newscorp and the remainder in 1998. Murdoch merged it with his [l=Festival Records Pty. Ltd.] and Mushroom Distribution Services ([l=MDS]) to form the company [l=Festival Mushroom Records Pty. Ltd.] in 1999.

When FMR was sold to Warner Music in 2005, they revived the Mushroom Records name as an imprint.

Label History: Variations in label references displayed on both vinyl and CD
1972-1980 (approx.)
Type: “Australian Recording.”, “Mushroom Records”.
Displayed on logo where ‘Australian Recording” is bordered by an outline map of Australia

1980-1990 (approx.)
Type: “Aust. Recording.”, “Mushroom Records, Aust.”
Displayed on logo, where ‘Aust. Recording” is written across overlaying triangles

1990- onward
Type: “Mushroom”, “Mushroom Records, Pty Limited, Australia”, “Mushroom Records International”, “Mushroom Records P/L“
Displayed on logo, where ‘Mushroom’ is on top a black square, with a white bold-faced M and mushroom shaped sickle sitting over it.