From 1992 to 1996, he was an A&R representative for Elektra Records, where he signed alternative groups such as Stereolab and Afghan Whigs.
[1] Tolkin has been credited for coining the term "alternative music" in 1979 while writing for the trade publication Rockpool.
[3] No.6 released music by artists such as Unrest, future Hollywood director Alex McAulay, Tindersticks, and Dean Wareham.
[2] In 1988, Tolkin conceived and produced the alternative rock tribute album The Bridge: A Tribute To Neil Young," which featured many new and upcoming bands who would later achieve commercial and critical success, including Pixies, Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr., The Flaming Lips, Soul Asylum, Nick Cave and Psychic TV.
During his tenure with the label he signed Luna, Stereolab, Afghan Whigs, Scrawl, Vaganza, and others.