Equal Vision Records

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.

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