(NEW YORK) - Epitaph Records president Brett Gurewitz and Rancid's Tim Armstrong have announced the formation of Hellcat Records, an Epitaph-distributed label focusing on ska and 1977-era punk styles. The label's artists will be handled by the Epitaph staff, under the direction of Cris "The Wix" Quasliana, formerly with Moon Records. Hellcat's first release, due July 29, will be Give 'Em The Boot, a 20-song compilation containing a new Rancid track, a previously unreleased live cut by the Skatalites, and tracks by the Hellcat roster of acts. Albums by Hellcat signees Slackers, U.S. Bombs, the Pietasters, and Dropkick Murphy are slated for this fall, and albums by Hepcat, the Gadjits, Choking Victim, and F-Minus are due next year.
(photo courtesy of Epitaph Records)