ANTI- Records is an American independent label founded in 1999 as a sublabel of Epitaph Records by Brett Gurewitz in Los Angeles. It focuses on alternative, roots, and singer-songwriter music. ANTI- is home to Tom Waits, Neko Case, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Mavis Staples, Solomon Burke (catalog), and Merle Haggard (catalog). The label operates within the Epitaph ecosystem and is distributed by Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA, part of Warner Music Group).
ANTI- was created to sign artists who did not fit the punk focus of the parent Epitaph label. Its founding signings (Tom Waits, Merle Haggard, Solomon Burke) established ANTI- as a home for established artists seeking an independent home with artistic freedom. The label's roster has since expanded to include Neko Case, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, and Mavis Staples, representing a continued commitment to alternative, roots, and soul music with artistic credibility. ANTI-'s model favors artists with distinct artistic identities and long-term career potential.
How ANTI- Operates
ANTI- runs dedicated A&R within the Epitaph ecosystem from its Los Angeles headquarters. It is distributed by ADA (Warner Music Group), giving it major-distribution reach while operating as an independent label. The label's strength is its roster of artistically credible acts (Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Mavis Staples) and its commitment to artistic freedom. Its A&R favors established artists and distinctive new voices in alternative, roots, and singer-songwriter music.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make alternative, roots, or singer-songwriter music with artistic credibility, ANTI- is one of the most respected independent labels in that space. Its roster of artistically credible acts (Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Mavis Staples) gives it unmatched credibility in alternative and roots music. Its commitment to artistic freedom makes it attractive for artists who want creative control.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Highly selective: ANTI- signs very few artists each year.
- No unsolicited demos: ANTI- does not accept cold submissions.
- Artistic credibility bar: The label's roster of established artists (Tom Waits, Nick Cave) sets a high bar for new signings.
- Epitaph ecosystem: ANTI- operates within the Epitaph ecosystem, which affects deal structures.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Waits | Mule Variations | 1999 | Billboard 200 No. 30, Grammy Award Best Contemporary Folk Album |
| Tom Waits | Bad As Me | 2011 | Billboard 200 No. 6, UK Albums Chart No. 10, 190,000 US copies sold |
| Neko Case | Middle Cyclone | 2009 | Billboard 200 No. 3, No. 1 Billboard Independent Albums |
| Neko Case | The Worse Things Get, the Harder I Fight... | 2013 | Billboard 200 No. 12 |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | Skeleton Tree | 2016 | Billboard 200 No. 27 (highest US chart position at release) |
| Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds | Ghosteen | 2019 | UK Albums Chart No. 4, Billboard 200 No. 108 |
| Mavis Staples | You Are Not Alone | 2010 | Billboard 200 No. 69, Grammy Award Best Americana Album |
| Solomon Burke | Don't Give Up on Me | 2002 | Grammy Award Best Contemporary Blues Album |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
ANTI- operates within the Epitaph Records ecosystem. The label offers traditional recording contracts with master ownership retained by the label during the contract term. Distribution runs through Alternative Distribution Alliance (ADA), part of Warner Music Group. ANTI- does not offer 360 deals. Contracts focus on album cycles rather than single-driven releases. The label provides recording budgets, marketing, and distribution in exchange for master rights and a royalty rate to the artist. Established artists may negotiate licensing deals rather than full recording contracts.
How Artists Get Signed
- A&R scouting: ANTI- A&R staff identify artists through live performances, critical acclaim, and industry reputation.
- Manager or agent submissions: Artists submit through established representation. Cold demos are not accepted.
- Epitaph ecosystem referrals: Artists may be referred from within the Epitaph Records network.
- Artistic profile review: The label evaluates the artist's body of work, live following, and press coverage.
- Creative meeting: Label staff meet with the artist to discuss vision and compatibility.
- Contract negotiation: The label offers a recording contract with terms specific to the artist's career stage.
Similar Labels
- Epitaph Records - ANTI-'s parent label, focused on punk and alternative
- Fat Possum Records - Blues and roots indie label, co-released Solomon Burke
- Merge Records - Independent label with similar singer-songwriter and alternative roster
- Domino Recording Company - UK-based indie label with alternative and experimental artists
- Dead Oceans - Indie label focused on artistically credible alternative music
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What an ANTI- deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The sublabel model
- How to Get a Record Deal in 2026 - Building an alternative profile
- Epitaph Records - ANTI-'s parent label
- ANTI- Records Official Site - Roster and releases
