The goal of its founding in 1989 was to give talented musicians from around the world access to state-of-the-art recording facilities and audiences beyond their geographic region. The musical relationships formed at WOMAD festivals were also intended to lead to new music recordings. As a result, the music label is known for bringing together musicians who share a common interest in music in general. New recording methods and new meeting places are created.[4]
In 1999, the label had sold over 3 million records worldwide and released 90 albums.[5] In 2015, it had reached the mark of over 200 albums.[3]
Many of the released recordings continue to be made at Real World Studios, also founded in 1989, whose facilities support the goals of Real World Records.[4]
In 2011, EMI Music Publishing renewed the distribution deal for the Real World catalogue outside of the United Kingdom, thereby also covering the United States for the first time.[6]