Get Better Records

Last updated
Get Better Records
Screen Shot 2020-09-10 at 4.53.33 PM.png
Founded2009
FounderAlex Lichtenauer
Distributor(s) Redeye Distribution
Genre Punk
Hardcore punk
Indie rock
Alternative rock
Experimental music
Country of origin United States
Location
Official website www.getbetterrecords.com

Get Better Records is an American independent record label based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

History and background

The label was founded by Alex Lichtenauer and Nick King in 2009 in Keene, New Hampshire. [6] King left the label in 2010; Get Better is now run by Lichtenauer . [7] [8] [9]

Its stated aim is to "reverse the constant underrepresentation of the queer arts community, with a specific focus on punk, hardcore, and alternative rock music". [10] An article in Philadelphia similarly described it as "queer forward". [11]

Releases and events

In 2017, the label released a compilation album titled A Benefit Comp to Help Pay Medical Bills for Those Activists Fighting Against Fascism and Racism, the proceeds were donated to victims of the Charlottesville car attack and Hurricane Harvey. [12] [13] In June 2020, the label donated its Bandcamp profits to a bail fund based in Philadelphia and Black and Pink. [14]

In 2018, the label released an album for The HIRS Collective featuring guest vocals by Shirley Manson of Garbage, Laura Jane Grace of Against Me!, Martin of Limp Wrist, Sadie of G.L.O.S.S. and others.

The label has released compilations featuring Bren Lukens of Modern Baseball, The Menzingers, Less Than Jake, Spraynard, Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Anti-Flag, Joe Jack Talcum of The Dead Milkmen, and more.

The label hosts "Get Better Fest" which has included Code Orange, Full of Hell, The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, Mannequin Pussy and more. [15]

Artists

Current

Alumni

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References

  1. Yoo, Noah (March 20, 2020). "Labels Directing Bandcamp Revenue to Their Artists". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  2. Gargano, Jason (December 18, 2019). "Philadelphia Noise Punk Band Empath Talks About Their Acclaimed Debut Album Ahead of Free Cincinnati Concert". Cincinnati CityBeat . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  3. "Empath Sign to Fat Possum Records". Music Connection . July 24, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  4. Fiorillo, Victor (March 31, 2017). "The Hit List: Victor Fiorillo Picks April's 10 Best Shows". Philadelphia . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  5. "Juxtaposing Lightness and Darkness with Planet Jackpot". WOUB-FM. May 28, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  6. Bryan Bruchman (July 5, 2019). "The Subliminal Inevitable Show". btrtoday.com (Podcast). BTRtoday.
  7. Mok, Annie (June 26, 2019). "The Supportive Punk of Get Better Records: An Illustrated Interview". Bandcamp . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  8. Williams, Nick (July 19, 2019). "Listen to Get Better Records' Ally Einbinder & Alex Lichtenauer's Summer of Pride Playlist". Billboard . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  9. Callwood, Brett (July 17, 2019). "Potty Mouth Continue to Get Better". LA Weekly . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  10. "About Us". Get Better Records.
  11. Rapa, Patrick (April 24, 2017). "Here's Your Get Better Playlist". Philadelphia . Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  12. "New Get Better Records Benefit Compilation Available for Streaming & Purchase". The Deli . September 6, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  13. "Wilco, Wolf Eyes, Philly imprint look to raise funds following violence". The Daily Progress . August 15, 2017. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  14. "Labels Donate Bandcamp Profits to Black Lives Matter". Spin . June 5, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  15. "Music festival to raise funds for Morris Home, other LGBT charities". Philadelphia Gay News . May 3, 2018. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  16. Moreland, Quinn (October 18, 2019). " "Control Top Make Urgent Noise Out of Crushing Political Anxiety". Pitchfork . Retrieved September 3, 2020.
  17. Lesuer, Mike (November 8, 2023). "Oakland-based songwriter Kashika Kollaikal shares her first track for Get Better Records". Flood Magazine. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  18. Hermann, Adam (September 29, 2018). "Philly music we're listening to: Ivy Sole, Japanese Breakfast, Empath, and Suburban Living". Philly Voice. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
  19. Vozick-Levinson, Simon (July 26, 2018). "Meet Empath, 2018's Trippiest Punk Band". Rolling Stone . Retrieved September 3, 2020.