EMP Label Group
American record label founded by former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson.
EMP Label Group, also known as Ellefson Music Productions, is an American record label formed in October 2015 by former Megadeth bassist David Ellefson. The label was launched with the release of the debut EP from Phoenix-based all-girl pop-punk group Doll Skin, which Ellefson also produced, in conjunction with Megaforce Records in North America and Cargo Records in Europe. Since its founding, EMP Label Group has grown into a major independent label with distribution through eOne Distribution in North America and SPV Records in Europe, building a roster of rock and metal artists across several imprints.
- founded
- October 2015
- founder
- David Ellefson
- field
- Record label and production company
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Launching Doll Skin's debut EP, signing a large rock and metal roster, and operating imprints including EMP Underground and Combat Records
Quick Facts
- Founded
- October 2015
- Founder
- David Ellefson
- Distributor
- eOne, SPV
- Genre
- Death metal, hard rock, metalcore
- Country
- U.S.
- Url
- emplabelgroup.com
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
EMP Label Group was announced in October 2015 when David Ellefson launched the label and production company. Its first release was In Your Face, the debut EP from Phoenix all-girl pop-punk group Doll Skin, released October 30 in North America and December 18 in Europe. The EP was later re-released as an LP titled In Your Face (Again) in March 2016 via eOne Distribution, and its singles received airplay on prominent stations including Rodney Bingenheimer's show on KROQ. Ellefson tapped former major label A&R scout and executive Thom Hazaert to oversee marketing, A&R, and operations, and several additional releases were announced for 2016.
Reader's Guide
EMP Label Group emerged as a significant independent label in the mid-2010s, leveraging David Ellefson's prominence from Megadeth to launch and promote new artists. The label's early success with Doll Skin demonstrated its ability to gain radio play and international distribution. By securing deals with eOne Distribution and SPV Records, EMP expanded its reach across North America and Europe. The creation of imprints such as EMP Underground, which focused on extreme and underground artists, and the revival of Combat Records—the label that originally released Megadeth's early albums—connected the label to metal history while fostering new talent. The label's roster included a wide range of rock and metal acts, and its operations were closely tied to Ellefson's ongoing media presence, including a recurring segment on Thom Hazaert's Dash Radio show.
Did You Know?
- EMP Label Group's first release was the EP In Your Face by Phoenix all-girl pop-punk group Doll Skin, which Ellefson also produced.
- The label secured distribution from eOne Distribution in North America and SPV Records in Europe.
- EMP Label Group revived Combat Records, the label that originally released Megadeth's albums up to Countdown to Extinction.
- Thom Hazaert, former president of Corporate Punishment Records and THC: Music, was brought in to oversee marketing, A&R, and operations.
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