In the mid-90s, Chemikal Underground came out of nowhere to set a new precedent for independent record labels in Scotland. At the time, despite its vibrant music culture, Scotland had few truly viable, or financially solvent, record labels that bands could turn to. To many young artists, the industry felt London-centric, and thus out of reach. Inspired by DIY labels of the past, however, one band from Glasgow - The Delgados - decided to go their own way. With £200 each to their names, Emma Pollock, Alun Woodward,Stewart Henderson and Paul Savage set up Chemikal Underground and began releasing their own music, as well as that of friends from the local scene. Success came unexpectedly quickly, with NME and Melody Maker support and a surprise Top of The Pops appearance from label-affiliated BIS (the first from an ‘unsigned’ band in the history of the show).