Equal Vision Records is an American independent punk, emo, and post-hardcore label founded in 1995 in Albany, New York. It built its reputation on the 1990s and 2000s emo and post-hardcore scene. Its signings of Coheed and Cambria (whose conceptual prog-rock albums became defining documents of 2000s alternative rock), Circa Survive (whose Anthony Green-fronted post-hardcore influenced a generation), and Saves the Day established the label as a major force in emo and post-hardcore. The label continues to sign artists across emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock.
Equal Vision's catalog includes foundational releases from Converge (whose Jane Doe is considered a landmark of metallic hardcore), Glassjaw, and The Dear Hunter. The label's model favors artists with strong conceptual and artistic identities, exemplified by Coheed and Cambria's sci-fi conceptual albums and Circa Survive's atmospheric post-hardcore. The label has been a talent source for Fearless Records, with several artists moving between the two labels.
How Equal Vision Operates
Equal Vision runs dedicated A&R from its Albany headquarters. It operates an independent distribution network. The label's strength is its deep ties to the emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock underground. Its A&R favors artists with strong conceptual and artistic identities. The label has a history of signing artists who define the emo and post-hardcore underground.
Why It Matters for Independent Artists
If you make emo, post-hardcore, or alternative rock with a strong conceptual identity, Equal Vision is a respected independent label with a track record of signing artists who define those genres. Its signings of Coheed and Cambria and Circa Survive show it can develop artists with long-term career potential.
Drawbacks and Things to Consider
- Genre focus: Equal Vision signs emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock. Artists outside those genres should look elsewhere.
- No unsolicited demos: Equal Vision does not accept cold submissions.
- Touring expectations: Equal Vision's model favors bands with strong touring followings.
- Indie deal terms: Equal Vision typically takes master ownership for the deal term.
Notable Artists and Releases
| Artist | Release | Year | Chart Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coheed and Cambria | In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (album) | 2003 | Billboard 200 No. 52, Independent Albums No. 5, RIAA Gold |
| Coheed and Cambria | "A Favor House Atlantic" (single) | 2004 | Alternative Songs No. 13, UK Singles Chart No. 77 |
| Coheed and Cambria | "Blood Red Summer" (single) | 2004 | Alternative Songs No. 29 |
| Circa Survive | On Letting Go (album) | 2007 | Billboard 200 No. 24, Rock Albums No. 7 |
| Circa Survive | Juturna (album) | 2005 | Billboard 200 No. 183 |
| Saves the Day | Through Being Cool (album) | 1999 | 50,000 copies sold, Alternative Press 10 most influential albums of 1999 |
| Converge | Jane Doe (album) | 2001 | Widely acclaimed landmark of metallic hardcore, reissued by Equal Vision |
Video Highlights
Deal Structures
Equal Vision Records operates traditional recording deals for emo, post-hardcore, and alternative rock artists. The label funds recording, marketing, and distribution. In exchange, Equal Vision takes master ownership for the deal term. The label operates an independent distribution network. Equal Vision's model favors artists with strong conceptual and artistic identities. Several artists have graduated to major labels (Coheed and Cambria to Columbia, Circa Survive to Atlantic). The label does not publicly offer 360 deals or distribution-only agreements. Deal terms are negotiated individually based on the artist's touring profile and streaming traction.
How Artists Get Signed
- Build a strong touring following in the emo, post-hardcore, or alternative rock underground. Equal Vision favors bands with active touring careers and measurable fan engagement.
- Develop a distinct conceptual or artistic identity. The label's history with Coheed and Cambria's sci-fi concept albums and Circa Survive's atmospheric post-hardcore shows it values artistic vision.
- Get noticed through A&R scouting and industry referrals. Equal Vision runs its own A&R from its Albany headquarters. The label does not accept unsolicited demos.
- Secure management or attorney representation. Submissions come through managers, attorneys, or existing label relationships.
- Build buzz through the emo and post-hardcore community. Equal Vision has a history of signing artists who define those genres through underground credibility.
Similar Labels
- Run for Cover Records - Emo and indie label with similar artist profile
- Fearless Records - Punk and alternative label that has signed Equal Vision alumni
- Rise Records - Post-hardcore and metalcore label
- Hopeless Records - Punk and emo label with similar roster
- Epitaph Records - Punk and alternative label founded by Brett Gurewitz
Related Resources
- Record Label Contracts Explained - What an Equal Vision deal contains
- Independent Labels vs Major Labels - The emo indie model
- Tour Revenue Calculator - Touring income for emo and post-hardcore bands
- Run for Cover Records - A related emo and indie label
- Equal Vision Records Official Site - Roster and releases
