Sellout: The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore (1994-2007)

In the mid-90s, major record labels courted punk bands, leading to a schism between those who accepted cash flow and those who clung to indie cred. Sellout by Dan Ozzi chronicles this era, focusing on eleven prominent bands who made the jump from indie to major. It charts the twists and turns of the last "gold rush" of the music industry, featuring original interviews and personal stories from members of modern punk's most famous bands.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Punk rock found itself at a crossroads in the mid-90s. After indie favorite Nirvana catapulted into the mainstream with its unexpected phenomenon, Nevermind, rebellion was suddenly en vogue. Looking to replicate the bands success, major record labels set their sights on the underground, and began courting punks rising stars. But the DIY punk scene, which had long prided itself on its trademark authenticity and anti-establishment ethos, wasn't quite ready to let their homegrown acts go without a fight. The result was a schism: those who accepted the cash flow of the majors, and those who defiantly clung to their indie cred.

In Sellout, seasoned music writer Dan Ozzi chronicles this embattled era in punk. Focusing on eleven prominent bands who made the jump from indie to major, Sellout charts the twists and turns of the last "gold rush" of the music industry, where some groups "sold out" and rose to surprise super stardom, while others buckled under mounting pressures. Sellout is both a gripping history of the music industry's evolution, and a punk rock lover's guide to the chaotic darlings of the post-grunge era, featuring original interviews and personal stories from members of modern punks most (in)famous bands:

Green Day
Jawbreaker
Jimmy Eat World
Blink-1.

The early 90s and mid-aughts were a time of immense growth and change for the punk, emo, and hardcore scenes. As the commercial boom swept through the music industry, these genres experienced a surge in popularity, attracting the attention of major record labels and mainstream media alike. However, this newfound fame and success came with its own set of challenges and pressures, as bands struggled to navigate the treacherous waters of fame and fortune.

One of the most notable aspects of this period was the rise of "sellout" culture. In the eyes of many hardcore punk fans, selling out meant compromising one's artistic integrity and betraying the values of the DIY punk scene. Bands who accepted the offers of major record labels were often criticized for abandoning their roots and pandering to the mainstream audience. On the other hand, some bands saw mainstream success as a way to reach a wider audience and spread their message more effectively.

Sellout explores the complex dynamics between these two worlds, following eleven bands as they navigate the challenges of selling out and finding mainstream fame. The book offers a raw and honest account of the struggles and triumphs of these bands, providing a glimpse into the inner workings of the music industry and the personal lives of the musicians.

One of the standout features of Sellout is its balanced and comprehensive approach. Author Dan Ozzi takes a deep dive into the history of punk, emo, and hardcore, providing a comprehensive overview of the genres and their evolution. He also delves into the social and cultural context of the early 90s and mid-aughts, exploring the impact of technology, globalization, and the rise of the internet on the music industry.

The book is filled with original interviews and personal stories from members of modern punks most (in)famous bands, including Green Day, Jawbreaker, Jimmy Eat World, and Blink-1. These interviews provide a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of selling out, and offer a glimpse into the creative process and the personal struggles of the musicians.

Sellout is not just a history of punk, emo, and hardcore; it is also a celebration of the DIY punk scene and the passion and dedication of its musicians. The book showcases the strength and resilience of the underground music community, and reminds us of the importance of supporting independent artists and labels.

In conclusion, Sellout is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history, culture, and music of punk, emo, and hardcore. It is a balanced and comprehensive account of the challenges and triumphs of the early 90s and mid-aughts, providing a glimpse into the inner workings of the music industry and the personal lives of the musicians. Whether you are a fan of these genres or simply curious about the evolution of music, Sellout is a valuable and entertaining resource.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 136 x 202 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780063269149