Record label Oval was the passion project of the late Charlie Gillett and his friend and neighbour, Gordon Nelki. The production company and publishing house was founded in 1972, initially intended to house the reissues of Charlie’s favourite Louisiana rock ‘n’ roll and swamp pop music. Before long, the label diversified into another one of Charlie’s favourite genres: reggae.

Success eluded them, and they decided to leave the reissue business as the label began to represent contemporary acts of the 70s and 80s, including Lene Lovich, Local Heroes SW9, David Lowe, Touch and Go, Paul Hardcastle, First Light, and Direct Drive.