Hopeless Records and Fat Wreck Chords have found a tight-knit relationship despite their quest to dominate the indie punk scene. Well, thanks to a newly inked deal, the companies’ camaraderie is now legally binding.
In a massive move, Hopeless has acquired Fat Wreck Chords’ catalog. But the rock star partnership will not end there. A representative for Hopeless shared details of the deal.
“All unrecouped balances for currently signed FAT artists will be zeroed out,” revealed the rep. “No strings, no fine print, just a clean slate for every signed band that’s helped shape the label.”
The move was guided by Fat Wreck Chords’ co-founders Michael “Fat Mike” Burkett and Erin Kelly-Burkett’s “long-held artist-first philosophy.”
Moving forward, and at FAT’s request, Hopeless will adopt a “no-new-signings policy for Fat Wreck Chords.”
The goal of this clause, according to Erin and Fat Mike, is to “ensure all focus and resources stay on its existing roster.”
While Hopeless will retain Fat Wreck Chords’ catalog, Fat Mike and Erin will retain the name, Fat Wreck Chords logo, and trademark, continuing to represent the label through festivals and pop-up shops.
Following the deal, Hopeless’ founder, Louis Posen, Erin, and Fat Mike released a statement expressing optimism about Fat Wreck Chords’ future.
“The opportunity to lead the history, catalog, and roster of Fat Wreck Chords into the future, alongside Mike and Erin, is the honor and privilege of my 30-year career,” said Posen. “We are incredibly grateful that Mike and Erin have entrusted the Hopeless team to care for their 35 years of passion and hard work.”
“I vividly recall purchasing NOFX’s The Longest Line vinyl from Aron’s Records, Hollywood, in 1992,” chimed Posen. “Just a year later, I found myself directing a music video for NOFX, and then directing a video for Lagwagon. I remember sitting at West Beach Studios with Mike, listening to Propagandhi record ‘How to Clean Everything.’ Now, 30 years later, I am humbled to carry forward that incredible legacy. I don’t know when it will fully sink in, but we are deeply committed to honoring and continuing the remarkable history of Fat Wreck Chords.”
Erin and Fat Mike echoed Posen’s sentiments.
“After talking to so many different labels to partner with over the past 3 years, Erin and I realized that Hopeless was the only choice,” said Fat Mike. “We’ve been friends with Louis for over 30 years, and he is someone who always seems to doing things for the greater good. I completely trust his ethics and acumen with the legacy of Fat Wreck Chords.”
Erin added: “While this is one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made, it is also one of the most exciting. FAT has been my baby for 35 years. To me, it’s more than a label; it’s a community, a home, and a legacy built from the ground up.”
She continued: “Louis understands that, and I can’t think of anyone better than Hopeless to carry FAT forward. As a true fan, Louis knows firsthand what FAT is all about, and will build on the foundation Mike and I laid with care and respect. These bands are my family, and I know they’re in good hands with the Hopeless family.”
Bad Cop Bad Cop’s forthcoming album Lighten Up will mark the first full-length release post-partnership. Other scheduled drops include NOFX’s A to H, the first in a three-part archival series and the 20th anniversary edition of Strung Out’s Exile In Oblivion.
Bad Cop Bad Cop’s album Lighten Up is due out on . Click here to pre-save or pre-order.