BBC Radio 1 celebrating Independence Day with independent music marathon tonight

Today (4 July) between 6pm and 4am, every song played on Radio 1 will be from an independent artist - i.e. signed to an independent label or unsigned entirely.

Radio 1's head of music, Chris Price, says of the marathon: "The UK's independent label community is one of the most vibrant in the world. We want to celebrate the part it plays in making Britain one of the most creative and respected music hubs on the planet."

DJ Huw Stephens is set to host a special show which takes a close look at some of the world's most vital independent labels: "Their success stories are huge, and we're super excited to highlight our constant support of the great work the independent labels do."

A huge number of big name stars are on, or have released via, indie labels during their career - from Adele to Radiohead to Drake. Wikipedia's list of independent labels is a veritable who's who of talent, with Domino, the Beggars Banquet crew (4AD, Bella Union, Rough Trade, XL, Matador), Moshi Moshi, Dirty Hit, Hospitality, Heavenly, Ninja Tune, Warp, Young Turks, LuckyMe, Transgressive, Memphis Industries, and countless more all thriving in the UK - be sure to tune in to Radio 1 for a deluge of great music tonight.

Listen to BBC Radio 1 online from 6pm tonight to catch their Independence Day celebrations.