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Hopeless Records - Making a Positive Impact | BESPOKEN Ep. 9
In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack sits down with Louis Posen, Founder & President of Hopeless Records, and Christina Johns, the label’s VP of Operations. Hopeless is one of the most influential independent record labels of the last 30+ years, and a long-time partner of A to Z. In this conversation, Louis and Christina share Hopeless' origins, evolution, and their continued impact on music and culture.
The episode traces the label’s unlikely beginnings, from Louis being "dared" to release a Guttermouth 7" and calling Fat Mike (Fat Wreck Chords) for advice, to Hopeless becoming a globally respected home for artists like Thrice, Avenged Sevenfold, All Time Low, The Wonder Years, and more. Louis and Christina share stories from the early punk scene, the community that shaped them, and the ethos that still guides Hopeless today.
We also dive deep into Hopeless’ recent acquisition of Fat Wreck Chords, exploring the decades-long friendship between Louis and Fat Mike, the plans for reissues and anniversary editions, and how Hopeless is working to reintroduce the Fat catalog, both to longtime fans and a new generation discovering punk for the first time.
The conversation also highlights Hopeless’ commitment to physical media and the punk community’s love of vinyl, CDs, special editions, and collectible packaging. Christina breaks down how the team collaborates with artists to create unique variants, deluxe editions, and global D2C offerings that fans genuinely connect with.
Finally, Louis shares the evolution of Sub City and the label’s philanthropic work, from Songs That Saved My Life to the Hopeless Music Academy, initiatives that have raised over $3M for more than 150 causes and created opportunities for young people to access the music industry.
Whether you're a fan of punk and alternative music, someone curious about the legacy of Hopeless and Fat Wreck Chords, or an industry professional interested in physical media, artist development, and community-driven labels, this episode offers a rare inside look at one of independent music’s most meaningful institutions.
🔗 Learn more about Hopeless Records: https://www.hopelessrecords.com/
🔨 For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels—major and independent—producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com
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By A to Z MediaIn this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack sits down with Louis Posen, Founder & President of Hopeless Records, and Christina Johns, the label’s VP of Operations. Hopeless is one of the most influential independent record labels of the last 30+ years, and a long-time partner of A to Z. In this conversation, Louis and Christina share Hopeless' origins, evolution, and their continued impact on music and culture.
The episode traces the label’s unlikely beginnings, from Louis being "dared" to release a Guttermouth 7" and calling Fat Mike (Fat Wreck Chords) for advice, to Hopeless becoming a globally respected home for artists like Thrice, Avenged Sevenfold, All Time Low, The Wonder Years, and more. Louis and Christina share stories from the early punk scene, the community that shaped them, and the ethos that still guides Hopeless today.
We also dive deep into Hopeless’ recent acquisition of Fat Wreck Chords, exploring the decades-long friendship between Louis and Fat Mike, the plans for reissues and anniversary editions, and how Hopeless is working to reintroduce the Fat catalog, both to longtime fans and a new generation discovering punk for the first time.
The conversation also highlights Hopeless’ commitment to physical media and the punk community’s love of vinyl, CDs, special editions, and collectible packaging. Christina breaks down how the team collaborates with artists to create unique variants, deluxe editions, and global D2C offerings that fans genuinely connect with.
Finally, Louis shares the evolution of Sub City and the label’s philanthropic work, from Songs That Saved My Life to the Hopeless Music Academy, initiatives that have raised over $3M for more than 150 causes and created opportunities for young people to access the music industry.
Whether you're a fan of punk and alternative music, someone curious about the legacy of Hopeless and Fat Wreck Chords, or an industry professional interested in physical media, artist development, and community-driven labels, this episode offers a rare inside look at one of independent music’s most meaningful institutions.
🔗 Learn more about Hopeless Records: https://www.hopelessrecords.com/
🔨 For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels—major and independent—producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com