30 years of 4AD

Bauhaus were one of the first bands to sign to 4AD, releasing their debut album in 1980 Photograph: Kevin Cummins/Getty Images

Nick Cave, lead singer of The Birthday Party, pictured at The Venue in London. They released their first UK full length album Prayers On Fire in 1981 Photograph: David Corio/Redferns

The Cocteau Twins, seen here performing on The Tube in 1984, have been stalwarts of the label since their debut in 1982 with the album Garlands Photograph: ITV / Rex Features

Lydia Lunch, performing here in 1980, briefly recorded on 4AD Photograph: Angie Coqueran/ CORBIS

Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance worked with the label in the mid 80s Photograph: Kerstin Rodgers/Redferns

Tanya Donelly and Kristin Hersh of Throwing Muses, the first American band to sign to the label. Their eponymous debut album was released in 1986 Photograph: David Redfern/Redferns

The Pixies released their debut mini album Come on Pilgrim in 1987, followed by the influential Doolittle two years later Photograph: Kevin Cummins/Getty Images

Lush were popular during the shoegazing days of the early 90s Photograph: Bob Berg/Getty Images

Kim Deal of the Pixies worked with her sister Kelley to form a side project, The Breeders. Their album Pod and the single Cannonball were big successes for 4AD Photograph: RB/TS/KEYSTONE USA / Rex Feature

Belly, the side project of Tanya Donelly of the Throwing Muses Photograph: Steve Jennings/CORBIS

American band Deerhunter are signed to 4AD and are releasing a new album in September Photograph: PR