Ep500: Brett Gurewitz - Epitaph Records, Bad Religion & more

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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Nate is a record collector, music lover and vinyl maniac. Join him on his journey to discuss, share and review all things related to vinyl records. We feature stories about and interviews with musicians, artists and people of knowledge in the area of vinyl records. Additionally we share information on desirable pressings of records, how to tell a $5 pressing from a $500 pressing and care and maintenance for your cratedigging hobby. Subscribe and share with your record-nerd friends. Cheers!