Biography
Since 1994, Bloodshot Records has championed the music that lurks
between genres. We've always been drawn to the good stuff nestled in
the dark, nebulous cracks where punk, country, soul, pop, bluegrass,
blues and rock mix and mingle and mutate. We like artists who work over
American roots forms with chains and velvet gloves with little regard
for formality or protocol, who aren't afraid to molest and caress these
forms and take music into uncharted and exciting waters. They don't
listen to the taste-makers or trend-watchers---hell, most of the time
they don't even listen to us.What we all share is a punk/DIY
ethic of expression; we all appreciate that music is only innovative
and interesting when you're willing to take chances with it, to follow
your instincts. By not bothering with stylistic straitjackets, we
haven't made it too easy for anyone to get a solid grasp on what we do
or what to call it---sometimes we don't even know, but that's what
makes running this asylum so much fun. What do we call it? We call it music, buddy boy.If
you want unaffected rock and roll, we got it. You want some old school
honky tonk untarnished by the shit Nashville has chosen to promote for
the last generation? We got it. Psychedelic-inflected roots or catchy
pop gems? Look no further. Deep, DEEP soul filtered through the prism
of garage or surf? Yeah, baby. You want blistering fast psychobilly or
thrash-grass? Yup, we got that, too. We’ve also got hundreds of sonic
variations in between. Yes, a lot of it defies easy pigeonholing, but
we think that's a strength, not a damnable quality or a marketing
liability. The organic re-invention of music is what keeps music alive
and we seek out like minded artists.Help us support this great
music, won't you? The Wal-Martization of America continues unabated.
Small labels, independent retail and innovative radio are becoming
rarer than humility on a Fox TV reality show. The end result is less
choice for the discerning music fan.We invite you to grab a
frosty beverage, roam around the site, check out some new sounds and
keep an open mind. Help us fight the good fight. If you like what you
hear, help spread the gospel. Support independent retailers, pester
chains to carry our stuff, call radio stations, annoy bloggers, bring
friends to shows and help keep these struggling artists on the road.
They aren’t looking to make millions, they just want to make enough to
bring their art to you.From our shabby office "complex" on a
bleak stretch of Irving Park Road on the Northwest Side of Chicago, we
will, with your support, continue to forge ahead in an environment
hostile to the little guy and keep making music that matters. Help us
keep our steel-toed boots on the throats of the forces responsible for
the free fall decline of the contemporary music scene. As Joe Strummer
taught us, search out the good stuff, go underground and don't buy
what's shoved in front of you.With love and a long simmering rage,Your pals at Bloodshot Records
between genres. We've always been drawn to the good stuff nestled in
the dark, nebulous cracks where punk, country, soul, pop, bluegrass,
blues and rock mix and mingle and mutate. We like artists who work over
American roots forms with chains and velvet gloves with little regard
for formality or protocol, who aren't afraid to molest and caress these
forms and take music into uncharted and exciting waters. They don't
listen to the taste-makers or trend-watchers---hell, most of the time
they don't even listen to us.What we all share is a punk/DIY
ethic of expression; we all appreciate that music is only innovative
and interesting when you're willing to take chances with it, to follow
your instincts. By not bothering with stylistic straitjackets, we
haven't made it too easy for anyone to get a solid grasp on what we do
or what to call it---sometimes we don't even know, but that's what
makes running this asylum so much fun. What do we call it? We call it music, buddy boy.If
you want unaffected rock and roll, we got it. You want some old school
honky tonk untarnished by the shit Nashville has chosen to promote for
the last generation? We got it. Psychedelic-inflected roots or catchy
pop gems? Look no further. Deep, DEEP soul filtered through the prism
of garage or surf? Yeah, baby. You want blistering fast psychobilly or
thrash-grass? Yup, we got that, too. We’ve also got hundreds of sonic
variations in between. Yes, a lot of it defies easy pigeonholing, but
we think that's a strength, not a damnable quality or a marketing
liability. The organic re-invention of music is what keeps music alive
and we seek out like minded artists.Help us support this great
music, won't you? The Wal-Martization of America continues unabated.
Small labels, independent retail and innovative radio are becoming
rarer than humility on a Fox TV reality show. The end result is less
choice for the discerning music fan.We invite you to grab a
frosty beverage, roam around the site, check out some new sounds and
keep an open mind. Help us fight the good fight. If you like what you
hear, help spread the gospel. Support independent retailers, pester
chains to carry our stuff, call radio stations, annoy bloggers, bring
friends to shows and help keep these struggling artists on the road.
They aren’t looking to make millions, they just want to make enough to
bring their art to you.From our shabby office "complex" on a
bleak stretch of Irving Park Road on the Northwest Side of Chicago, we
will, with your support, continue to forge ahead in an environment
hostile to the little guy and keep making music that matters. Help us
keep our steel-toed boots on the throats of the forces responsible for
the free fall decline of the contemporary music scene. As Joe Strummer
taught us, search out the good stuff, go underground and don't buy
what's shoved in front of you.With love and a long simmering rage,Your pals at Bloodshot Records