It was founded in 1989 by English musician Peter Gabriel and original members of WOMAD.

[3] A majority of the works released on Real World Records feature music recorded at Real World Studios, in Box, Wiltshire, England.

The goal of its founding in 1989 was to give talented musicians from around the world access to state-of-the-art recording facilities and audiences beyond their geographic region.

[4] In 1999, the label had sold over 3 million records worldwide and released 90 albums.

[3] Many of the released recordings continue to be made at Real World Studios, also founded in 1989, whose facilities support the goals of Real World Records.