Mute Records

Overview

Mute Records is one of the most influential independent labels in music history. Founded by Daniel Miller in 1978, its roster spans iconic electronic and experimental artists — from Depeche Mode and New Order to Erasure, Liars, and a new generation of signings. In 2021, Tell Your Friends began a creative partnership with the label, producing visualisers, social assets, and promotional content across the Mute roster.

Over three years and 600+ email exchanges, what started as a single project became an ongoing creative partnership — delivering work for Sunroof (Daniel Miller’s project with Gareth Jones), Simon Fisher Turner, Quinquis, Liars, Erasure, Chris Carter, and catalogue reissue campaigns.

Challenge

Mute’s roster is extraordinarily diverse — from Daniel Miller’s modular electronic experiments as Sunroof to Simon Fisher Turner’s avant-garde compositions to Erasure’s synth-pop. Each project required a distinct visual language that respected the artist’s identity while carrying the Mute brand. There was no template. Every brief started from the music itself.

The working reality: tight deadlines, independent budgets, and the need to earn trust with each project. Mute’s team — Paul A Taylor and Neil Blanket — are experienced music professionals who have worked with some of the most distinctive visual artists in music. The work had to meet that standard without the resources of a major label.

Approach

Sunroof visualisers: We created a series of abstract visualisers for Sunroof’s releases on Mute’s Parallel Series imprint. The visual language was built around modular, evolving imagery that could flex across multiple singles — establishing continuity without repetition. Daniel Miller’s personal approval of the first visualiser set the standard for everything that followed.

Simon Fisher Turner: For SFT, we developed visual content that matched his compositional approach — textural, evocative, and emotionally layered. The response was immediate: “I love it, thank you.”

Liars and Quinquis: Each project demanded a completely different visual register. Liars’ angular, confrontational energy required bold, graphic treatment. Quinquis’ atmospheric soundscapes needed something more meditative. We adapted the approach to the music, not to a formula.

Erasure and Chris Carter: Catalogue reissue campaigns and social content for legacy artists required a different skill — respecting established visual identities while making them feel current. For Erasure, we worked within a visual language beloved by fans for decades. For Chris Carter, we created content that connected his solo work to his legacy in Throbbing Gristle.

Results & Impact

The partnership produced a body of work that spans the Mute roster from its founder Daniel Miller to new signings:

• Multiple visualisers and social campaigns delivered across the artist roster
• Daniel Miller personally approved the first Sunroof visualiser as his favourite
• SFT: “I love it, thank you”
• Sunroof / Mute: “Brilliant, they both love it”
• Mute Records: “This is so brilliant, thanks Jeff! Both I and Mr SFT love how this has turned out”

The relationship deepened across three years, with Mute returning for project after project — new releases, catalogue campaigns, and social content across their diverse roster. The partnership demonstrated that a small, responsive team can deliver work that meets the standard of a legendary independent label.