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.

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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

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