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

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

Author: The Vinyl Guide June 16, 2025 Duration: 1:09:47

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


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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