Soma

Soma is a US label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was founded in 1954 by brothers Amos and Dan Heilicher, with the name being "Amos" spelled backwards. The first 17 releases were from FM Recording Co of Hollywood, California, some of which were reissued on Soma. Initially focusing on polka music, old-time country and western, and jazz groups, Soma's breakthrough came with Bobby Vee's regional hit "Suzie Baby" in 1959.

Over the years, Soma released several notable hits including "Mule Skinner Blues" by *The Fendermen*, "Liar Liar" by *The Castaways*, "Run, Run, Run" by *The Gestures*, and the iconic "Surfin' Bird" by *The Trashmen*. While Soma recorded many local rock groups during the 1960s such as *The Accents*, Gregory Dee and The Avanties", *The Underbeats*, and *The Del Counts*, they also distributed records for smaller labels like Garrett Records.

In addition to their recording endeavors, Amos Heilicher had ownership in Kay Bank recording studio where most of Soma's recordings took place. However, in 1967 Soma merged its co-owned record distributing company into Pickwick Records. The Heilicher brothers eventually left the recorded music business in 1977.