Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told Erin Kelly-Burkett (Fat Wreck Chords), Louis Posen (Hopeless Records), Joey Cape (Lagwagon)
Oct 2, 2025
Join Aaron Burkett, co-founder of Fat Wreck Chords, Louis Posen of Hopeless Records, and Joey Cape from Lagwagon for an insightful discussion on their historic partnership. They reveal how Hopeless is helping wipe artist debts, giving bands a fresh start while preserving Fat's legacy. Aaron shares why he decided to step back after decades, and Louis reflects on his punk roots and connections to Fat. Joey reminisces about how compilation albums skyrocketed Lagwagon's career. The trio also explores future plans and the importance of community engagement.
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Zeroing Balances Gives Bands A Fresh Start
- Aaron explains that wiping artist recoupable balances lets bands earn from their next sales immediately.
- This shifts the acquisition from treating catalogs as pure assets to benefiting artists directly.
Reluctant Founder Chooses The Right Partner
- Aaron recounts resisting selling Fat because he wanted the right partner who would keep the label and bands intact.
- He agreed when Louis offered to preserve Fat's identity and look after the roster.
Shared Scene History Made The Match Logical
- Louis describes his accidental path from film student to label founder through early Fat connections.
- That shared history made Hopeless a natural steward for Fat's catalog.