Distort Entertainment
Canadian independent label specializing in heavy music.
Distort Entertainment is an independent Canadian record label based in Toronto, Ontario. It focuses on hardcore punk-influenced bands like Alexisonfire, Cancer Bats, and Johnny Truant. A separate branch, Distort Light, releases less aggressive rock acts, such as Bend Sinister.
The label was founded in early 2002 by Greg Below, a concert promoter and owner of Distort Productions, and Mitch Joel, a music journalist and publicist. Its first release was the third album by New Jersey's Step Kings, titled *3 The Hard Way*. The slogan "Listen Harder" soon emerged, reflecting the label's emphasis on heavy music. Later that year, Below’s job as a studio manager with EMI Publishing Canada helped Distort secure a distribution deal with EMI Music Canada. Though the label values its independence, it sought the respected reputation of EMI. Distort Entertainment has since become a well-known Canadian label, supporting many respected bands in heavy music.
- field
- Record label
- nationality
- Canadian
- known_for
- Specializing in hardcore punk-derived music
- founded
- 2002
- founders
- Greg Below and Mitch Joel
- headquarters
- Toronto, Ontario
Lore & Background
Formed by Greg Below, a concert promoter and owner of Distort Productions, and Mitch Joel, a music journalist and publicist, in early 2002, Distort began by producing New Jersey's Step Kings' third release, 3 The Hard Way. The label's slogan 'Listen Harder' was soon formed and showed Distort's specialization in heavy music. In 2002, Below's full-time employment as a studio manager with EMI publishing Canada later helped to jump start Distort by opening the door to a distribution partnership with EMI Music Canada. Although Distort is admired for its independence in the industry, it wanted to be associated with the well respected quality for which EMI had become known. Now quite established, Distort Entertainment is a well-known Canadian label, and backs some of the most respected bands in the heavy music industry.
Reader's Guide
Distort Entertainment holds significance as a Canadian independent label that carved a niche in hardcore punk-derived music. Its formation by industry insiders Greg Below and Mitch Joel in early 2002 leveraged Below's connection to EMI Music Canada for distribution, allowing the label to maintain independence while benefiting from EMI's reputation. The label's roster includes notable acts such as Alexisonfire, Cancer Bats, and Johnny Truant, and its sister division Distort Light expanded into less aggressive rock. Distort's legacy lies in its role in promoting heavy music in Canada and its enduring presence as a respected independent label.
Did You Know?
- Distort Entertainment was formed by Greg Below and Mitch Joel in early 2002.
- The label's first release was Step Kings' third album, 3 The Hard Way.
- Distort's slogan is 'Listen Harder'.
- The label's sister division is called Distort Light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Distort Entertainment?
Distort Entertainment is an independent Canadian record label based in Toronto, Ontario. It specializes in hardcore punk-influenced and heavy music acts.
Who founded Distort Entertainment?
The label was launched in early 2002 by Greg Below, a concert promoter who ran Distort Productions, and Mitch Joel, a music journalist and publicist.
What bands are on the Distort Entertainment roster?
The label is well known for working with hardcore punk-influenced groups such as Alexisonfire, Cancer Bats, and Johnny Truant.
What is Distort Light?
Distort Light is a separate branch of the label dedicated to releasing less aggressive rock acts. One example of an artist on that imprint is Bend Sinister.
What was Distort Entertainment's first release?
The label's debut release was the third album by the New Jersey band Step Kings, titled 3 The Hard Way.
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