Welcome to ITU

INDIE MUSIC FOR A NEW MILLENIUM

Welcome to the Interplanetary Trucker's Union! ITU was a New York-based independent record label from 1995-1998 launched by 3 college friends committed to making a difference in the growing punk and emo music scene at the time. ITU was inspired by bands like Fugazi, Jawbox, Quicksand, Unwound, Drive Like Jehu, Chavez, The Promise Ring, Sunny Day Real Estate, The Get Up Kids, Mineral, Texas Is The Reason, Sensefield, Jimmy Eat World, and so many others who helped evolve the punk/emo sound through growth, experimentation, and diversity. ITU was also inspired by labels like Jade Tree, Dischord, Gern Blandsten, Victory, Saddle Creek, Caulfield, and others who put out some truly amazing and pioneering bands during their early days, and continue to work hard at progressing the punk/indie-rock movement. We strongly encourage you to check these bands and labels out...they'll change your life and are sure to start you down a rabbit hole of discovery and inspiration.

ITU's bands included Flu Thirteen (later known as Diffuser), Cursive (early 7 inches and Such Blinding Stars For Starving Eyes album), Nipper!, Long Distance Runner (former Sleepasaurus), Varistor, and Splendor Bin.

ITU was a label that worked as hard as any indie worldwide that battles to stay afloat, get records made, promoted, and sold, and in between have some fun doing what they love and are passionate about. Unfortunately ITU closed its doors in 1998, but many of the bands and people ITU helped to support, live on today as successful members of the larger music industry.

Thanks to the Internet, the ITU website, a pioneer at the time in Flash animation/design and winner of a silver medal in 1997 of the International Design Magazine - Interactive Media Awards lives on. We've posted the website with no changes at all since ITU's demise in 1998 as a snapshot in time (and space!) of where the label was at, and where it was going with their commitment to new music exploration and discovery. Information is out-dated and there may be some broken links, but that's part of keeping it real.

Click on the logo below to launch the website, enjoy the ride, and if you get the chance and can find them, check out the bands/releases from ITU, blast 'em loud and enjoy.