Epitaph Records first entered the annals of pop culture as the label that ushered in the punk rock revolution of the nineties. It has hence grown into one of the most diverse and well-respected independent labels of its time, revered for both its “artist-first” approach and the consistent quality of its signings. Celebrating it hallmark 20 year anniversary next year, Epitaph is more diverse and vibrant than ever, and home to some of the hottest new bands on the scene.
What makes Epitaph different from other labels?The simple idea that they work for their artists and not the other way around. They're the reason were here and as long as they never forget it we can never get off track.
Epitaph Records was founded by Bad Religion guitarist Brett Gurewitz, with the aim of starting an artist-friendly label from a musicians point of view. Perhaps most well known for being the little indie from L.A. that spawned the 90s punk explosion, Epitaph stayed independent even while breaking gold and multi-platinum punk acts such as The Offspring, Rancid, NOFX, Bad Religion and Pennywise.