Instant Karma (record label)

Instant Karma was a British independent record label founded in 1970 by Tony Stratton-Smith, the founder of Charisma Records. It was intended as an outlet for more experimental and eclectic music that didn't quite fit the Charisma mold, or for artists who wanted a looser contractual arrangement.

Instant Karma's roster, though relatively small, included artists like Bridget St John, Genesis (early singles, predating their Charisma album deal), Audience, and Lindisfarne. It was distributed by Charisma and initially found success, contributing to Stratton-Smith's financial strength.

The label's aesthetic often leaned towards folk, progressive rock, and singer-songwriter genres. It was known for its distinctive label design, typically featuring a stylized karma wheel symbol.

Instant Karma was eventually absorbed back into Charisma Records as Charisma's success grew. The exact date of its dissolution as a separate entity is somewhat unclear, but it was effectively phased out by the mid-1970s. While its lifespan was relatively short, it played a role in supporting emerging British musical talent during a significant period of artistic innovation. The label's catalogue is now generally considered part of the broader Charisma Records archive.