25 Record Labels In The UK & The Genres They Release Dec 29, 2020 · 4AD is a British independent record label, founded in 1980. It is a part of the Beggars Group, meaning it was originally funded by the Beggars Banquet label. The label gained prominence in the 80s by releasing some of the best alt-rock, post-punk, gothic rock and dream pop artists of the time.