When I first got into punk music in the ’90s, I didn’t have social media or content creators to help me discover new bands. Instead, I had to do my homework. That meant arriving early at shows to watch the openers and buying as many compilations as possible. But my primary source was liner notes. Several bands regularly thanked other bands, usually those they’d toured with or had listened to when making an album. Odds were very good that I would like nearly all of the bands mentioned. As time went on, I noticed that many bands I liked were on specific record labels. So, if a new band was on one of those trusted label, it was an instant buy for teenage me.
As I got older and the music industry changed, it became harder to have that same level of blind faith.
The sense of community and trust I’d felt in the past started to dissolve. Thankfully, sometime around the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, I found like-minded communities again. It started with Bad Time Records, then Ska Punk International, and now Punkerton Records. While I’m firmly in my mid-40s now, I’ve rediscovered the passion for music I had in my youth.
Brandon Alan Lewis, owner of Punkerton Records, answered a few questions for us about the label, the scene, and the Rock Against Trump compilation that was recently released. He also shared some sneak peeks of what to expect from the label in 2025 and beyond.
What was your initial inspiration behind starting Punkerton Records? If you have a mission statement, what would it be?
It was a deeply personal endeavor for me. My father committed suicide just two weeks before the pandemic shut the world down, so launching the label became a way to channel my grief into something meaningful. I started Punkerton Records in December of 2020 as a way to provide a platform for independent artists, particularly those who may not have the resources or industry connections to navigate the music world on their own.
Our mission is simple: To support and amplify independent voices in music, offering a home for artists who value artistic integrity, community, and passion over mainstream trends. I’ve always embraced a DIY, artist-first mentality, which has shaped how we operate. Our motto is “For the Music. For the Scene!”
Looking back, did you expect the label to be where it is today in 2025? How have things changed for you since the beginning?
I honestly had no idea where Punkerton would be in the first four years. None of this was planned. It started as a passion project to just get my close friends’ music on streaming and CD, but it certainly has grown into something much larger than I ever expected. The biggest shift has been the level of responsibility. I am still the sole person running the label, which can be overwhelming at times, especially with distribution, social media, and artist relations all falling on my plate. The past year, in particular, has been a challenge with the somewhat messy rollout of our catalog distribution. But despite the hurdles, we’ve continued to grow and put out music I truly believe in.
What are some of the challenges behind running an indie label? Are there any misconceptions about having a label that you’d like to clear up?
The biggest challenge is wearing so many hats; A&R, marketing, booking, distribution, finances. It’s all on me. Another challenge is getting our artists the exposure they deserve without the big budgets that major labels throw at marketing and PR.
As for misconceptions, some people think having a label means you’re automatically making a lot of money. The reality is that most indie labels, especially DIY ones, are fueled by passion rather than profits. Punkerton Records is no different. Another misconception is that bands sign to an indie label and suddenly have everything taken care of. We provide resources, guidance, and opportunities, but success still requires effort from the artists themselves.
Your label has been in the news a bit recently because of your recent Rock Against Trump compilation. Why did you feel like you had to put that out?
Music, especially punk rock, has always been a powerful tool for resistance. Given the political climate, it felt necessary to release something that captured the frustration and urgency of the moment. Rock Against Trump isn’t just about politics either. It was about standing up for marginalized voices, human rights, and the punk ethos of challenging authority, especially one so embedded in fascism and racism.
One content creator in particular said that while he liked the idea behind the comp, he didn’t think it packed the same punch as the old Rock Against Reagan and Rock Against Bush comps. What did you think when you saw that?
::Laughs:: First I want to preface this by saying I actually spoke with who you’re talking about. He got a lot of grief online for his statement. But he didn’t mean any disrespect whatsoever and apologized for it coming across that way. We are completely good. I get that those other compilations were released in a different era when physical media was dominant. They had a massive impact at the time. But I think the way people consume music and activism has changed.
Today, the punk scene is more fragmented, and attention spans are shorter. That being said, I stand by the comp. If it inspires even a handful of people to get involved, question authority, or stand up for their beliefs, then it served its purpose.
@realmattbunting Where is this generation’s Rock Against Bush? #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Matt Bunting
The comp features a lot of bands. When looking at the roster you put together, were there any bands you discovered for the first time that you really got into and dug into their back catalog more?
Yeah, there were definitely a few that surprised me. I won’t name-drop just yet, but some younger bands brought a fresh energy that reminded me why I got into punk in the first place. I’ve approached a couple about possibly hopping on the label. It’s always exciting to work with new artists and dig into their older material to see how they have evolved.
One of the bands on your label is The Boy Detective, and they ended up being number one on my Top Albums of 2024 list. What was it about them that made you want to work with them?
Benny Capaul. He is singularly the reason. He had the best and most unique approach to getting their music in front of me. It was clever, funny, and witty. Humor in my own style. The Boy Detective has a unique energy that blends punk, emo, and ska in a way that feels fresh while still rooted in classic influences. Their songwriting is sharp, their live shows are electric, and they have a genuine passion for what they do. Plus, their ability to bring ska elements into their music without feeling gimmicky really stood out to me. They’re one of those bands that remind you why new independent music is so important.
Do you see more ska and ska punk infiltrating Punkerton in the future?
I wouldn’t say it’s a major focus, but I’m always open to good ska and ska-punk bands. We even made a joke T-shirt that says, “I like SKA but I LOVE The Boy Detective.” Punkerton has always been eclectic, so if the right ska band comes along and fits the label’s ethos and vibe, I would absolutely be interested. Plus, I definitely want to add that the ska scene has been so incredibly welcoming to Punkerton Records.
What does 2025 look like for the label? Any cool hints or exclusives you want to drop for this?
Well, we kicked off the year strong with Rookie of the Year’s new album WTF on vinyl. And of course Rock Against Trump is absolutely killing it. We are working with The Dreadnoughts now, starting that relationship off by putting out their last record on physical. We have just signed several new bands from all over, including secondSELF from Nashville and Skeetch from Germany. Those are just who I can talk about so far. There’s definitely more. We have several full-length releases in the pipeline for the year.
As far as something exclusive, it’s no secret that Long Island’s Half Dizzy is currently in Asbury Park, NJ recording a new record with “The Pete” (Pete Steinkoph of The Bouncing Souls), but here’s a real exclusive for you. The title is called Yard Sale, and it will drop at the end of Summer 2025. I will say, I’ve sat through the recording process, and this thing is going to be a monster of a record.
Beyond that, I’m hoping to refine our operations, maybe expand the team a little, and bring in new artists that align with what we’re building.
Is there a dream band out there that you’d love to work with?
No Comment.
If someone wants to reach out and submit their music for consideration, what’s the best way to do it?
The best way is to send an email to submissions@punkertonrecords.com. Folks should provide links to music, a short bio, and what they’re looking for in a label. I do not need a novella, just something concise that gives me a sense of who they are and what they are about. I try to listen to everything I receive, but I am also brutally honest about whether I feel a band is the right fit for Punkerton.
What is the best way for fans to support your label and the bands on it?
Buying music and merch directly from our webstore or from the bands at shows is the best way. Streaming is nice, but purchases of physical media help artists the most. Attending shows, sharing music with friends, and engaging with social media posts also go a long way in keeping independent music alive.
Any last words?
Punkerton Records has always been about building a community of artists and fans who care about music in its rawest, most honest form. Somehow we’re still here, still growing, and I appreciate everyone who has been a part of this journey. If you love independent music, keep supporting the bands you believe in, because they are the ones keeping the scene alive.
Punkerton Records is already hard at work on the second volume of Rock Against Trump. With a planned release date of Memorial Day 2025, music submissions are open now and being accepted through April 4th.
