Warp records was founded in Sheffield in 1989 by Steve Beckett and the late Rob Mitchell, from their experiences working at the FON record store, alongside producer Robert Gordon. The label (whose name was chosen because the original name, 'Warped Records' was difficult to distinguish over the telephone) soon became home to artists who would be highly influential in electronic music.
The first album released by Warp was Sweet Exorcist's C.C.E.P. in 1991. In the same year Robert Gordon left Warp acrimoniously. Warp has worked with many artists including Maximo park, Lfo, Nice nice, Dj mujava, Vincent Gallo, Jamie Lidell, and Pivot.







In 1999 the label released Warp 10: Influences, Classics, Remixes, a compilation spanning six discs, featuring early acid house and techno music that influenced the label and its artists, as well as classic tracks from Warp's back catalog, and new remixes of Warp material. The collection celebrated the label's tenth anniversary.Later In 2000 the label moved its operation to London along with its physical music and merchandise store Warpmart. In 2001 Co-founder Rob Mitchell was diagnosed with cancer, He died later that year.



Warp films was set up in 1999 with funding from NESTA. It is based in Sheffield, England with a further office in London. At present there have been four releases on Warp Films: My Wrongs by Chris Morris, which won the Best Short Film award at the BAFTA Awards, and Shane Meadows's films Dead Man's Shoes and This Is England.



In April 2008, Australian film distributor Madman Entertainment announced "a collaboration" with Warp Films. Warp and Madman plan to make "at least 2 films together over the next 3 years."

Warp have recently created 'Bleep' which is a download store, where songs, albums, and tickets can be purchased and listened to.