Epitaph Records
| Epitaph Records | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Founded | 1980 |
| Distributor(s) | Alternative Distribution Alliance |
| Genre | Punk rock, hardcore punk, pop punk, post-hardcore, emo, hip hop, metalcore |
| Country of origin | U.S. |
| Official Website | epitaph.com |
Epitaph Records is a Hollywood, California based independent record label owned by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz. The label was originally "just a logo and a P.O. box" created in the 1980s for the purpose of selling Bad Religion records, but has evolved into a large independent record label. Gurewitz took the name from a King Crimson song of the same name. Throughout the 80s and 90s most of the bands on Epitaph were punk and pop punk groups, while it is now primarily made up of post-hardcore and emo bands. A large portion of the record label, known as Hellcat Records, is owned by Tim Armstrong, frontman of the punk rock band Rancid. Several sister-labels also exist, such as ANTI-, Burning Heart Records, Fat Possum Records, Hellcat Records and Heart & Skull Records that have signed other types of bands.
Contents |
History
In 1981, Bad Religion recorded a self-titled EP, which was the first release for Epitaph. Three follow-ups ensued – How Could Hell Be Any Worse?, Into the Unknown and the EP Back to the Known – before their temporary split. In 1988, Epitaph released its first record as a proper label. It was the band L7's self-titled album, and it was distributed by Chameleon. The first album that was both released and distributed by Epitaph was Suffer by Bad Religion.
In 1994, Epitaph received widespread fame, both within and outside the punk community, when NOFX, Rancid and The Offspring all released hit records. This was a big year for punk in the mainstream; Rancid appeared on Saturday Night Live the following year, playing "Ruby Soho" and "Roots Radicals". The Offspring eventually left for Columbia Records in a contract dispute, but their album Smash lived up to its name and quickly became Epitaph's all time best selling album, with more than 11 million units sold worldwide to date.[1]
Although Bad Religion was the founding band of Epitaph, releasing their early records through the label, they switched over to Atlantic in 1993, with Recipe For Hate being their first record outside of the label. Recipe for Hate was followed by their 1994 highly successful release Stranger Than Fiction. Brett Gurewitz is thought to have left Bad Religion as a result of internal disputes, but actually left the band in 1994 so he could run Epitaph full time. This came after lead singer Greg Graffin said he wanted to tour more and quit school to do so. The band responded by filling Gurewitz's place with Brian Baker. In 2001, Brett returned to the band and Bad Religion once again signed to Epitaph Records, releasing four more albums: The Process of Belief in 2002, The Empire Strikes First in 2004, New Maps of Hell in 2007, and The Dissent of Man in 2010.
In January 2002, Brett Gurewitz was quoted saying that "I had multiple offers for $50- and $100 million for half of my business". He never took any of them.
In 2003, Epitaph sparked some controversy among its fans by signing post-hardcore acts as well as alternative hip hop artists such as Atmosphere and Sage Francis and grindcore band The Locust, leading to debates about what constitutes the true nature of "punk" music. This has caused much criticism and scrutiny within its punk base.
In mid-2005 Epitaph was added to the official list of RIAA members[2] along with several other high-profile independent labels. The reason for the listing is not clear, but one source points to an agreement for internet P2P distribution.[3] Another source claims label management joined RIAA in order to get certified sales awards (i.e., official "Gold" or "Platinum" record status) for releases. This sparked some controversy as some feel they should no longer be labeled independent if they are a member of the RIAA.[4]
However, the only source that has actually been used for these claims of membership is the official RIAA membership list, which has been disputed.[2] As of this writing, not only is Epitaph listed as an official member, but Lookout! Records is once again listed, after being falsely listed before. In addition, Fat Wreck Chords has released statements denying their own involvement in the RIAA, condemning the organization.[5]
Current artists
|
|
Former artists
|
|
|
Compilations
- Punk-O-Rama series
- Unsound series
- How We Rock
- Spirit of the Streets
- Epitaph / Union skate/surf DVD series
- Football Schmootball (1st)
- DC Video (3rd) [6]
- Circle One (5th)
- Out of Print Compilations
- Bored Generation skate/surf enhanced CD-ROM (1996)
- More Songs About Anger, Fear, Sex & Death (1992)
See also
- Epitaph Records discography
- List of record labels
- Punk-O-Rama
- Hellcat Records
- ANTI-
Other record companies
- Nitro Records
- Punkcore Records
- Welfare Records