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