Play It Again Sam was part of a wave of influential labels that emerged during a fertile generation of European independents in the early eighties along with peers like Factory, Mute, Rough Trade and 4AD. It was initially known for being one of the drivers behind the emergence of EBM and Industrial music with artists like Front 242, Meat Beat Manifesto and The Young Gods.

The label later broadened its musical horizon with releases by artists including The Sound, Soulwax/2ManyDJ's, Sigur Ros, Dinosaur Jr and Mogwai. Today Play It Again Sam is home to acts as diverse as Editors, Agnes Obel, Seasick Steve, Ghostpoet and Young Guns.