ATP! Label Profile: Anchor Eighty Four Records
Born out of a passion for punk rock and Skateboarding, Anchor Eighty Four was formed last year by owner Cody Jones and has quickly cemented its position as an up and coming punk label. In recent months the LA-based label has released material by the likes of A Shipwreck A Castaway, What Hands Are For and Newamerica.
Interview with Cody Jones.
Year Founded: 2010
First Release:
Our first release was 'Anchor Eighty Four: Volume 1', which was a digital compilation. The Compilation featured The Story So Far, Second To Last, Bike Tuff, In Bear Country, The Bravest Kids, The Discover Radio (Newamerica.), and Washington Square Park.
Latest Releases:
What Hands Are For - '...Please Believe Me' LP
A Shipwreck A Castaway - 'Life In General' CD
5 Essential Releases:
(in no particular order)
What Hands Are For - ...Please Believe Me
A Shipwreck A Castaway - Life In General
Newamerica. - Newamerica EP
Second To Last - Mark Approved
Anchor Eighty Four: Volume 2
Number Of Releases: 7 with plans of 10 by summer 2011
Current Roster:
A Shipwreck A Castaway
Heart To Heart
Kevin Geyer (The Story So Far)
Second To Last
What Hands Are For
Why did you form Anchor Eighty Four?
I started my passion for music through skateboarding. I loved being able to go to my local independent record store, pick up a new CD, and head over to a friends to skate and listen to punk rock. Eventually, I started playing and touring in bands and when I realized that my friends were not as dedicated to it as I was, I moved to Los Angeles and began working for a record label here. Though I still work for another label, I wanted to contribute to the awesome and hard working bands that were on their way up or needed the extra push to the next level. I thought, what better time to start a label than the present. So I did.
How did you come up with the name Anchor Eighty Four?
I wanted something that was somewhat meaningful to me, but not have it sound too ridiculous or cliche. I had an anchor tattooed on my thumb already, and I was born in 1984...so, I thought why not!? Anchor Eighty Four it is! Plus I had drafted up what are now my logos and thought they looked rad, so the name stuck.
You know what, there are a lot of rad bands on some other really awesome up and coming labels that people should check out, as well as the bands on Anchor Eighty Four. I'm proud to be able to work with the great bands on my label and I think that people should take an interest in A84, because all of the bands we work with are insanely talented, hardworking, and some of the best guys I know. One thing that I take to heart with this label is that I not only have to like the music I'm putting out, but that the people in the bands on our label are good people. Not to sound cliche again, but Anchor Eighty Four tends to become a family first and a label second at times. I've become good friends with our bands and have partaken in college graduations, birthdays, and just general hangouts. If I'm going to help push your band because I believe in the music, I also have to believe in the people behind the music.
What are your future plans for Anchor Eighty Four?
We've just released What Hands Are For's new LP '...Please Believe Me' at the end of March, and we have a new 7" EP from Heart To Heart this summer, along with an Anchor Eighty Four booth for a few days on this summer's Vans Warped Tour, and hopefully a few more vinyl releases. We also have a few new bands we are talking to and can hopefully see the light of day in late 2011/early 2012. Tons of other great things in the works too!
Official Website
Online Store
Anchor Eighty Four on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.
