| Vagrant Records | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Rich Egan, Jon Cohen |
| Distributing label | Fontana Distribution |
| Genre | Rock, Indie Rock, Emo, Post-Hardcore, Hardcore punk, Punk, Metalcore |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Location | Santa Monica, California |
| Official website | http://www.vagrant.com |
Vagrant Records is an independent record label, founded by Face to Face manager Rich Egan and friend Jon Cohen in 1996. The label has become increasingly popular, garnering gold albums and MTV Video Music Awards. In 2001 Interscope Records acquired a non-controlling interest in Vagrant Records, but in December 2006 the terms ended and Vagrant became a fully independent record label, with record distribution through Fontana Distribution.
Contents |
History
In 1999 Vagrant Records signed Kansas City's The Get Up Kids who released their Vagrant debut Something to Write Home About in September 1999. This release was the catalyst for the label's initial success and momentum into 2000. They followed this by signing and releasing albums from other heavyweights in the emo scene like Alkaline Trio, Saves the Day, and Dashboard Confessional. Dashboard Confessional's video for "Screaming Infidelities" garnered Vagrant a coveted MTV Video Music Award. Keeping it in the family, the video was co-directed by Egan's sister, Maureen Egan, and partner Matthew Barry.
The label then went on to release solo material from The Replacements frontman Paul Westerberg; this was the beginning of Vagrant's transition away from their roots of punk and emo. They soon became even more eclectic with the signing of Eels and the release of their critically acclaimed double album Blinking Lights and Other Revelations. In 2005 the label furthered themselves by acquiring New York City indie label Startime International; with whom they co-released albums from The French Kicks and The Futureheads. During that time Vagrant signed The Hold Steady and The Lemonheads. In 2006 Vagrant formed a children's label imprint, Poquito Records and released Vagrant artist The New Amsterdams' side-project The Terrible Twos' debut album "If You Ever See an Owl". In 2007 Vagrant formed another imprint label, Density Records, which will delve into heavier material than it has in the past, according to a post on Billboard.biz. In October 2007, Vagrant announced the signing of Murder By Death. In addition to albums by the listed artists, they also release the popular Another Year on the Streets compilations.
Bands
- Alexisonfire
- The A-Sides
- Biology
- The Bled
- City And Colour
- The Comas
- A Cursive Memory
- Dashboard Confessional
- Dr Manhattan
- Eels
- Emanuel
- French Kicks
- From Autumn To Ashes
- The Futureheads
- The Hold Steady
- John Ralston
- The Lemonheads
- Moneen
- Murder By Death (band)
- Paul Westerberg
- Protest The Hero
- Reggie And The Full Effect
- Saves The Day (re-signed in 2006)
- Senses Fail
- Thrice
Former Bands
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- Alkaline Trio
- The Anniversary
- Audio Learning Center
- Automatic 7
- Boxer
- Down To Earth Approach
- Face to Face
- The Get Up Kids
- The Gotohells
- Hey Mercedes
- The Hippos
- Hot Rod Circuit
- Koufax
- The New Amsterdams
- No Motiv
- Rocket From The Crypt
- Down To Earth Approach
- Viva Death
Links
See also
External links
- Vagrant Records
- Vagrant Records at MySpace
- Business as Usual? The Rocky Rise of Vagrant Records — in-depth label profile Punk Planet 49 (2002)
