On World Cafe's Sense Of Place trip to North Carolina, we discussed the DIY beginnings and subsequent growth of Durham, N.C.'s Merge Records with co-founders Laura Ballance and Mac McCaughan. Founded in 1989 as a way to release their band Superchunk's music — and, later, albums by their friends — the label has become a powerhouse thanks in part to artists like Spoon and Arcade Fire.

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