Famed independent punk label Epitaph Records and its eclectic sister imprint, Anti-, have announced that AMPED, the indie distribution division of wholesale giant Alliance Entertainment, will be its new U.S. physical distributor.
“Brett Gurewitz and Andy Kaulkin, respectively, have built Epitaph and Anti- into two of the most respected and seminal independent labels, championing what being an indie label is all about,” said Dean Tabaac, head of AMPED Distribution, in a statement. “AMPED’s ability to quickly and continually supply brick and click outlets large and small with Epitaph Records and Anti- records impressively diverse roster will help fans find their artist wherever they shop. It is the core of who we are and we are elated that they feel the same way.”
Alliance currently sells to approximately 1,800 indie stores, as well as chains like Barnes & Noble, Meijers and Dillards, in addition to providing vendor management of CDs for Walmart.
Epitaph’s artist roster currently includes the likes of Bad Religion, Rancid, The Offspring, Alkaline Trio, Bring Me the Horizon, and Dropkick Murphys, while Anti-‘s roster includes Neko Case, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and Ben Harper.
The deal, which kicked off on October 1, sees Epitaph and Anti- ending a longstanding distribution partnership with ADA/WEA.