GILLES PETERSON PRESENTS: INTERNATIONAL ANTHEM

Gilles Peterson presents International Anthem is a Deluxe Double LP compilation chronicling the infamous London-based radio host, DJ, label head, curator and cultural impresario's long-standing affinity for and interaction with artists and music from the Chicago-born record label International Anthem.
The tracks on this compilation were chosen by Peterson via an extensive review of track lists from his broadcasts on BBC 6 Music, Worldwide FM, and various syndicated radio programs. The compilation also includes a previously unreleased track recorded live on the Peterson-founded online radio station Worldwide FM. The RSD exclusive 2LP is on "Frozen Lake Michigan" colored vinyl. This album is released via International Anthem as part of their "IA11" series of releases and events – where the label celebrates their eleventh year of existence by looking back on their first ten years while establishing new standards for the next ten years.
 
GILLES' LINER NOTES:
 
From the get go I could see it.
I could see that International Anthem was the real deal. I could hear it too - more importantly.
A record label with the vision and care that places it in the pantheon of labels where you can pick up any release without knowing what it is and be certain the quality will be there.
A label where the singular attention to every detail  - sound, packaging, cover design and branding - shows the respect in which the artists and their music are presented and held.
Also the deep connection to Chicago where the unique crosswinds of Chess Records, Sun Ra’s Saturn and the AACM all intersect with the blues, house music, footwork and post-rock to create a fertile space for creative music to emerge.
International Anthem is more than a record label though. It’s a community that is built on the city’s history but has, over the years, championed the spirit of creative music and pushed it forward with an outlook that reaches out to like minded souls regardless of time and space.

Throughout the 10 years of their existence we have crossed paths many times. From being in Chicago to celebrate them as label of the year in January 2020 just before the world shut down, to hanging with the crew in London, to playing so much of the label’s output on both on my radio shows and in my DJ sets.
 
So it is my pleasure to honour our friendship with a selection of tracks that have soundtracked the journey, so far…
 
- Gilles Peterson, November 2024