NMC is an abbreviation for "New Music Cassettes", which refers to the intended main means of packaging its recordings at the time.

As the recordings it releases rarely break even, NMC needs the financial support of trusts, foundations and individuals to operate.

All profits from sales are invested back in the organisation and recordings are selected through an Artistic Panel, which ensures that they are chosen based on quality and in order to maintain balance in the catalogue.

[9] In parallel, the label curated a series of 4 concerts, the first public performances of the songs, at Kings Place, London from 1–4 April 2009.

[10] [11] To celebrate its 25 years, NMC released three major British contemporary operas, funded by a special anniversary appeal.

NMC managed to raise over £40,000, thanks to eight trusts and foundations and more than 50 individual donors, in order to produce these landmark works and to give them a permanent place in its catalogue.

For the first time, NMC teamed up with leading dance companies – Sadler's Wells and Rambert – to release Mark-Anthony's UNDANCE.