Epitaph Records Added To Record Label Links

Epitaph Records has had some famous, and even influential punks bands on their label. They seem to have sparked some controversy as of late with some of the more recent bands being a bit more modern and in a more popular vein than some of Epitaphs previous bands. Epitaph currently has one of my favourite bands signed, Converge.

A year ago, I had a really good conversation with a guy really into underground punk about underground music in general. Many of the people I’ve met who are into the more underground styles of punk (or stick-it-to-the-man style punk as I like to call it) have a good deal of respect for underground metal and it’s ideals A third person entered the conversation to speak more about punk , and Epitaph Records came up in the conversation. It was the stick-it-to-the-man style punk’s contention that Epitaph Records had sold out.

From a personal standpoint, I find it difficult to say wether or not a record label has sold out or not. Record labels aren’t bands, and as such the standard of ideals is quite a bit looser for a record label. A business of course has to generate revenue, although some record labels feel just fine making only a small portion of money since their business is more about passion and supporting the underground or indie music scenes.

I will say that in a way, Epitaph has lost some of their roots, since I don’t see too many underground style punk bands still on the label, and I haven’t heard of any new ones getting signed recently.

Epitaph Records