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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
How to listen to The Vinyl Guide
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About The Vinyl Guide
If you like records, just starting a collection or are an uber-nerd with a house-full of vinyl, this is the podcast for you. Nate Goyer is The Vinyl Guide and discusses all things music and record-related.