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We’ve asked Polyvinyl some questions about their label & their experience running a business during the Covid pandemic. Read what they had to say below and check out their website here.

1. Who are you? Tell us a bit about Polyvinyl.

Darcie and I (Matt) started Polyvinyl in 1996 as a labor of love supporting the DIY scene we grew up in in the US Midwest. Polyvinyl has grown from those early beginnings into an established indie label with a large catalog of releases from well over 100 artists, a staff of 25 and offices in Illinois, California, New York and Texas. We are still 100% independently owned and operated.

2. Can you suggest 5 of your favourite artists from your label for someone who may not have heard of you before, to listen to?

Sure. As a 25 year old label, we have a huge catalog of over 400 releases. I love them all and choosing favorites feels like playing favorites with your children. But here are a few which kind of represent some “eras” of our catalog:

Braid “Frame and Canvas”

American Football “LP1”

of Montreal “Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?”

STRFKR “Miracle Mile”

Japandroids “Celebration Rock”

Alvvays “Antisocialites”

Jeff Rosenstock “No Dream”

3. Is there a specific style of music that your label represents, or are there many? If so, can you name the main genres?

Generally Polyvinyl could be described as an indie/punk label. But to us, our label represents a punk ethos and spirit more than any one specific sound or genre or style.

4. What do you enjoy about working in music?

From the very beginning and still today, the opportunity to help passionate artists achieve their creative potential.

5. How have you coped running the label during the Covid pandemic?

It has been tricky for sure. Polyvinyl’s roster has always been comprised of artists who tour… a lot. Adjusting to essentially zero shows/tours for over a year has been a big change. We got creative though. We were able to put energy into helping artists promote live streams and record new material. We did an amazing project called Exquisite Corpse with over 40 Polyvinyl artists teaming up to create a full length collaborative album. We did a Laura Jane Grace album written and recorded and released during the pandemic. We released a Jeff Rosenstock album, followed by a Jeff Rosenstock ska album. So…we’ve been staying busy!

6. What are you most looking forward to in the future & when things go back to normal (e.g. any specific artists / releases / tours you’re looking forward to?

Basically all of the albums which came out during the pandemic (or right before) finally getting proper tours!

7. ANYTHING ELSE you’d like our followers to know ?

Thanks for listening!