Accidental Records is the overall name for Matthew Herbert's family of labels, incorporating Soundslike and, until the beginning of 2004, Lifelike. It was set up in January 2000 to administer and oversee the release and distribution of Herbert's music after all the labels he'd previously recorded for finished. Initially each label provided a home to one of his recording names: Soundslike for Herbert, Lifelike for Doctor Rockit and Accidental for Radio Boy. It grew into something much more, eventually assimilating artists from Lifelike and becoming a home to many Ms: Mara Carlyle, Matthew Herbert, Mugison and Max de Wardener. And Lenka Clayton. Guests such as Kippi Kaninus , Jamie Lidell, Arto Lindsay, Mouse On Mars, Plaid, Shingai Shoniwa and Dani Siciliano have all collaborated or appeared on the label's releases.

Accidents and mistakes often provide humanity in a sterile world. To paraphrase Don Delillo, crowds (in sport) are always waiting for something to happen between magic and accident. The general philosophy behind much of the music on both Accidental and Soundslike is to get the best out of the unexpected. Accidental's aim is to create an independent home for itself and its artists on its own terms.

This creative freedom allowed the label to give away over 12,000 copies of Radio Boy's 'The Mechanics of Destruction' CD free of charge at live performances or to anyone who sent the office a stamped addressed envelope. It also allows the label to think of the possibilities of edible packaging.


www.magicandaccident.com