Sub Pop released the original version of Nirvana’s Bleach.
The Seattle independent label issued Bleach in June 1989, making Nirvana one of the key bands associated with the Pacific Northwest underground. Sub Pop co-founder Bruce Pavitt helped establish the label’s reputation by documenting Seattle’s emerging guitar music.
Bleach was Nirvana’s first studio album, and its release connected the band with the growing grunge scene before major-label success. The original album appeared on Sub Pop, while later expanded and remastered editions were distributed through other arrangements after Nirvana’s popularity increased.
Nirvana signed with DGC Records for Nevermind, which became the band’s international breakthrough. That change in label is a frequent source of confusion: DGC released Nevermind, but Sub Pop released the original Bleach.