Founded as an independent label in 1983, Narada began with piano solos & became known for new instrumental & world music, i.e., Celtic, new flamenco, jazz, new age, acoustic guitar and piano genres. Narada & affiliates, as an alternative-new age leader, were bought by EMI/Virgin Records America in 1997. Since then, Narada expanded to include sister labels Back Porch & Real World Records with sister Higher Octave Music joining in 2004. In 2005, Narada became further affiliated with EMI's Blue Note Label Group, adding sisters Blue Note, Manhattan, Angel & Metro Blue.