Durtro

Lore & Background

David Tibet created a series of record labels and small publishing houses under the names Maldoror (referring to Les Chants de Maldoror), Durtro (from the Tibetan word for charnel ground), Jnana Records, Coptic Cat, The Spheres, Ghost Story Press, and Cashen's Gap (named for the home of Gef). These businesses publish and release his own work, as well as the work of artists he has collaborated with or has an interest in. The first album by Antony and the Johnsons was released by Durtro. Together with Mark Logan, Tibet curated the 2006 five-CD compilation Not Alone to raise funds for Médecins Sans Frontières.

Reader's Guide

Durtro functions as a key outlet for David Tibet's creative output and that of his collaborators, reflecting his wide-ranging interests in music, supernatural fiction, and esoteric themes. The label's release of Antony and the Johnsons' debut album highlights its role in launching significant musical careers. Durtro's association with other imprints like Maldoror and Coptic Cat underscores Tibet's commitment to producing limited-edition, often esoteric works. The compilation Not Alone demonstrates the label's engagement with humanitarian causes. Durtro's significance lies in its curation of a distinct, underground aesthetic that bridges neofolk, industrial, and occult-tinged art, preserving and disseminating work that might otherwise remain obscure.

Did You Know?

• The name Durtro comes from the Tibetan word for charnel ground.
• Durtro released the first album by Antony and the Johnsons.
• David Tibet created Durtro as one of several labels and publishing houses, including Maldoror, Jnana Records, Coptic Cat, The Spheres, Ghost Story Press, and Cashen's Gap.
• In 2006, Durtro co-curated the five-CD compilation Not Alone to raise funds for Médecins Sans Frontières.