Information of independent record label Epitaph Records

1. Epitaph Records
By Connor Flello

2. History
• 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.

3. Who is signed to the label?
• Alkaline Trio
• Anthem for the Unwanted
• Architects (U.S. & Europe only)
• Bad Religion
• Big Talk
• Bring Me the Horizon (U.S. only)
• Ect ect

4. Highest Selling Record on the Label

5. Facts about the album
• The album was certified six times platinum in
the U.S and sold more than 12 million copies
worldwide.
• Considered one of the most influential punk
albums from the 90’s.
• By 2009, the album had sold over 12 million
copies worldwide.

6. Influence
• Original -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jOk8dk-
qaU
• Cover -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ4qn9_
Poyw

7. Distribution from Epitaph
• In mid-2005 Epitaph was added to the official
list of RIAA (Recording Industry Association of
America) members 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.

8. New Age
• 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.

9. • During this time, the label started to stray
from its traditional punk rock output by
signing a number of post-hardcore bands such
as The Blackout, Escape The Fate, From First to
Last, Hell Is for Heroes, I Am Ghost,
Matchbook Romance, Our Last Night, Scatter
the Ashes, Story of the Year, Thursday, Vanna,
and You Me at Six.