Epitaph founder Brett Gurewitz discusses rare records, early Bad Religion releases, the lasting impact of "Suffer", format transitions, and staying relevant through punk's evolution and vinyl's revival.
Topics Include:
- Brett's first record: Cosmo's Factory at age 9-10
- Lost entire record collection after breakup with Susie Shaw
- Greg Shaw's legendary garage rock collection inspired young Brett
- Vinyl revival surprised Brett after seeing format cycles
- Started Epitaph shipping vinyl from West Beach closet
- CD controversy: expensive, poor sound quality initially
- Made three formats: vinyl, cassette, CD for releases
- Vinyl nearly died in late 90s, warehouse troubles
- COVID lockdown sparked massive vinyl sales resurgence
- Indie artists need vinyl for merch booths
- Color variants important for hardcore collecting communities
- Epitaph's mission: help artists, don't make records ourselves
- Started Bad Religion at 17, Greg/Jay were 15
- No label knowledge, just entrepreneurial punk rock spirit
- Dad lent $1500, found Alberti pressing plant
- First 7-inch had skipping error, different pressings exist
- Rodney on ROQ played cassette before vinyl
- Fan mail arrived from Europe surprisingly early
- "Into the Unknown" prog disaster: 11,000 returns somehow
- Took day job selling gay disco imports
- Learned recording at University of Sound Arts
- Started West Beach studio in Pacifica's back closet
- Cocaine-fueled 80s work schedule: three jobs simultaneously
- "Suffer" recorded in seven days, transcendent experience
- Eddie Schreier at Capitol gave Brett confidence boost
- "Suffer" sound attracted top punk bands to studio
- Signed NOFX, Offspring through West Beach connections
- California harmonies influenced by Adolescents, Beach Boys
- "Beginner's mind" philosophy keeps Epitaph current today
- Authenticity and youth create that rock miracle
Enter to win a record from us to celebrate Ep500
High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0
Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8
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