It was established as a webzine in July 1997 by Alex Steininger and his friend Ryan O'Neill.
[1] Steininger founded the website after losing his job at another online magazine, when he contacted O'Neill for his web design expertise and asked him for help.
[2] In 2001, Steininger started In Music We Trust Records; its first release was Sean Croghan's debut solo album.
That year, the Willamette Week reported that "In just a few short years of music obsession, Steininger has transformed himself into a dynamo of Portland's music scene, releasing albums by local supremos Luther Russell, Sean Croghan and Joe Davis.
[4] Notable artists who have released one or more albums on In Music We Trust Records include:[5]