History of Merge Records documented in the Southern Folklife Collection

UNC's Southern Folklife Collection (SFC) announced yesterday that a collection of recordings and documents from Merge Records is now available.

The collection includes around 4,200 items from 1987 to 2012 with 800 audio recordings ranging from test pressings to commercially-released CDs. It also includes one bootleg recording of Superchunk at the Whiskey A Go Go in Los Angeles from 1992.

This collection does more than document Merge's record releases; it also will provide insight into how the label has been run. Researchers will have access to financial records, Merge's correspondence with band and marketing materials. Specifics of what is included in the library can be found on the SFC's website.

The collection was donated by Merge co-founders Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan in June and December 2012.