Christopher Lombardi founded Matador Records in 1989, transforming it into one of the iconic labels of the next decade. The label’s roster included bands like Superchunk, Pavement, Teenage Fanclub, and others. In 1993, Matador released Liz Phair’s critically and commercially successful debut album Exit in Guyville. The company entered into partnerships with Atlantic Records and Capitol Records, and eventually entered into a partnership with Beggars Group in 2002.

Matador operates in both New York and London, and represents some of North America’s most acclaimed contemporary artists including Yo La Tengo, Sleater-Kinney, Modest Mouse, Cat Power, and the Arsonists. The company has, since its founding, retained a reputation as a critically acclaimed and commercially successful arbiter of culture.