The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

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


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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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The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music NerdsBy Nate Goyer, Record Collector, Music Fan, Vinyl Maniac

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