Working at SST and Epitaph Records in the 90s - Behind the Scenes | Frumess

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#RobertArce #AtomAgeIndustries #SSTRecords #EpitaphRecords #PunkRock #90sPunk #IndieLabels
Robert Arce, co-founder of Atom Age Industries, takes us back to the heart of the 1990s punk rock scene, sharing his experiences working at two of the most iconic indie record labels of all time: SST Records and Epitaph Records.

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From the chaos of managing underground punk bands to witnessing the rise of influential artists, Robert sheds light on the inner workings of these groundbreaking labels. Discover the stories behind legendary acts, the challenges of the DIY ethos, and the cultural impact of SST and Epitaph on the 90s music industry. With firsthand insights from Robert, this deep dive into punk rock history offers an unfiltered look at the passion, drama, and creativity that defined an era.

Founded in 1978 by guitarist Greg Ginn, SST Records (Solid State Transmitters) emerged as one of the most influential independent record labels in punk and alternative music history. Originally starting as a small electronics business, Ginn transformed SST into a label to release music for his band, Black Flag, one of the earliest and most iconic hardcore punk bands.

SST became synonymous with the hardcore punk movement, signing and promoting groundbreaking artists like Hüsker Dü, Minutemen, Descendents, Bad Brains, and Meat Puppets. The label helped define the sound and ethos of 1980s punk rock, championing a DIY ethos that inspired countless musicians and fans.

As the 1980s progressed, SST expanded beyond punk, releasing pivotal records in the development of alternative rock and indie music, including Sonic Youth's "EVOL," Dinosaur Jr.'s "You're Living All Over Me," and Soundgarden's early EPs. SST Records became a hub for creative experimentation, blending punk with genres like jazz, psychedelia, and folk.

Despite its legacy as a trailblazer, SST faced significant challenges, including financial struggles, legal disputes with artists, and criticisms of Greg Ginn's management style. Many artists eventually left the label, but SST's impact on independent music and the broader industry remains undeniable.

Founded in 1980 by Brett Gurewitz, guitarist of the legendary punk band Bad Religion, Epitaph Records began as a DIY label to release the band’s music. Over the decades, Epitaph evolved into one of the most influential independent record labels in punk rock and alternative music, helping to define the sound of multiple generations.

In its early years, Epitaph focused on Southern California’s burgeoning punk scene, releasing records by local bands like Bad Religion and L7. However, the label’s rise to prominence came in the 1990s when it became a driving force behind the explosion of punk rock’s mainstream revival. Albums like The Offspring's "Smash" (1994), which became one of the best-selling indie records of all time, catapulted Epitaph into the spotlight, alongside releases from bands like Rancid, NOFX, and Pennywise.

Epitaph Records became synonymous with the pop-punk and skate-punk movements, promoting anthemic, high-energy music that resonated with youth culture. It played a key role in bringing punk rock to the masses, helping bridge the gap between underground scenes and mainstream success.

As the label expanded, Epitaph broadened its roster to include a diverse array of artists, from hardcore and post-hardcore bands like Converge and Refused to emo and alternative acts like The Weakerthans and The Matches. The creation of ANTI- Records, Epitaph’s sister label, allowed it to explore genres beyond punk, signing artists like Tom Waits, Neko Case, and Mavis Staples.

Despite its growth, Epitaph has maintained its commitment to artist freedom, innovation, and its punk rock roots. The label’s enduring success is a testament to its ability to adapt while staying true to the independent ethos that defined its early days.