Founded by Andy Kaulkin, Anti- first gained attention by releasing Tom Waits's Grammy Award–winning Mule Variations in 1999.

Other veteran recording artists such as rhythm and blues singers Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette and Marianne Faithfull have signed to Anti- after leaving other labels.

His role was looking after the label's data management system.

Under Kaulkin's stewardship, the label began with the release of Mule Variations by Tom Waits which was met with success.

[8] He had multiple roles as composer, musician and producer on the Blues Got Soul album by King Ernest.