It was set up in 1985 by members of various anarcho-punk bands, and managed by former Flux of Pink Indians bassist Derek Birkett.

Success continued with Alabama 3,[2] Björk,[3] Chumbawamba, Kitchens of Distinction, The Shamen,[2] Skunk Anansie,[2] Sneaker Pimps, and the Sugarcubes.

[citation needed] The song titles of The Shamen's 1996 album Hempton Manor form an acrostic, spelling out "Fuck Birket" in an acrimonious reference to founder Birkett, who wanted the group to move back into more commercial territory.

In June 2020, in response to worldwide protests following the murder of George Floyd, it was announced that the company's name would be changed from One Little Indian Records to One Little Independent Records with immediate effect,[5] and that the company would donate money towards organisations which promote and assist Native American communities in North America.

Following the receipt of an eye-opening letter from a Crass fan that detailed precisely why the logo and label name are offensive, as well as the violent history of the terminology, I felt equally appalled and grateful to them for making me understand what must be changed.