Punkerton Records, an independent record label based in Columbus, Ohio, is celebrating its 4th anniversary this year. Driven by a mission to support diverse and innovative artists across genres like punk rock, ska, folk-punk, and even alt-country, the label has contributed notably to the development of the indie music scene in Ohio.
Founded by Brandon Alan Lewis—a dedicated husband, father, U.S. Army Infantry Combat veteran, and alumnus of The Ohio State University—Punkerton Records has its roots in Northeast Texas in 2002. Brandon began the label in high school as a platform for local artists and as a host of charitable benefit concerts. After a hiatus, he relaunched Punkerton Records in 2020 with a broader mission and renewed passion.
For the Music. For the Scene!
“This simple motto is at the heart of everything we do at Punkerton Records.” – says Brandon Alan Lewis.
“Since our founding, we’ve focused on supporting indie artists in so many genres. Really, anything I like personally gets a chance. This label is a space for real music that connects, challenges, and endures—a platform for artists to evolve and bring their talent to fans who care as deeply as I do. This is about music that matters, that reflects life as it is, and that can grow along with all of us.”
Over the last four years, Punkerton Records has expanded its artist roster to include names like Rookie of the Year, Tony & Gravel, The Boy Detective, Middle-Out, BAD YEAR, and KNIVES, representing a blend of raw talent and seasoned expertise.
The label’s projects range from supporting fresh singles and full-length albums to organizing shows and national tours.
Founder Brandon manages every aspect of the label, from working closely with artists to planning events and expanding the label’s reach.
“As we come together to celebrate our fourth anniversary (officially December 10th), my heart is filled with gratitude. Every show, every release, and every moment of your support means the world to all of us. Punkerton Records isn’t just a label; it’s a community bound by our belief in independent music, genuine creativity, and a scene that keeps pushing forward. We have so much in store, with new projects, new talent, and music that I can’t wait to share with you. Thank you, truly, for standing with us, for supporting the artists, and for believing in this journey. Here’s to the many years of unforgettable music and community we’ll keep building together.”
Since its first release in December 2020, Punkerton Records has built an impressive catalog of 31 full-length studio albums (14 of which are vinyl releases), 8 EPs, 1 limited 7” vinyl release, 21 music videos, 4 compilations with a 5th upcoming, and countless single releases.
Among the upcoming releases is the highly anticipated album “WTF” by Rookie of the Year, set to be released on CD and vinyl on January 17, 2025 (already available on streaming platforms).
Additionally, the label plans to release the much-talked-about “Rock Against Trump” compilation, a bold statement aligning music and activism. Scheduled to drop on Inauguration Day 2025 as their 45th release (PR-045), this project underscores the label’s commitment to social advocacy and free expression.
The label champions diversity, equality, and creativity while opposing discrimination and oppression. These values are woven into the very fabric of Punkerton Records, evident in their support for artists creating powerful, socially conscious music. By fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment, the label has cultivated a space where voices of all kinds can be heard.
To celebrate its fourth anniversary, this fast-rising Columbus-based punk indie label is hosted a show at Spacebar in Columbus on November 30th. The event was hosted by their good friend Huge Euge, and the lineup was stacked with: yard sign will kick things off with three fun kazoo-and-ukulele songs.
steelboy from Richmond, BAD YEAR from Milwaukee, Danny Attack from Knives, Middle-Out from Detroit, and Columbus’s own Cursed Rosie.
To commemorate this anniversary, we’ve gathered comments from several bands associated with the label about their projects, what’s new with them, their future plans, their new releases, and their thoughts on Punkerton Records.
The Boy Detective
Latest Release: I Renounce Verdukianism!
It’s about time for a real ska/punk singalong Christmas song bearing the reality that comes with somes holidays, anxiety, depression and sometimes loneliness. Keep those who struggle in your thoughts, the gift of isolation can be massive.
Thoughts on Punkerton Records (Benny Lead Detective (The Boy Detective)):
Punkerton Records (Brandon Lewis) not just a label but a cheerleader, hype man, passionate, empathetic human being. The independent music scene is much more than just one community but an ever collaborating army with deep connections with loyalty, honor and the main ideation, Great Punk Rock.
Punkerton has only just begun its campaign, that train has left the station. “It’s Your Time to get on or clear the tracks”. They’re coming for you, Punkerton that is.
Bad Year
Bad Year is working on a release that will take you on a journey through anthemic movements, painting a vivid landscape that transitions from lush, beautiful botanicals to the raw intensity of scorched earth. Each track will have a distinct vibe, blending powerful energy with evocative storytelling.
Thoughts on Punkerton Records:
Brandon and Punkerton Records plays a vital role in supporting the indie music scene by providing emerging and independent artists with a platform to share their music while retaining creative control.
Brandon has a commitment to grassroots movements and understanding the indie ethos makes them a crucial part of amplifying the underrepresented voices and energizing the music scene with fresh, authentic sounds. I mean their tag line is “For the Music, for the People”
Middle-Out
Latest Release: Self-Titled LP – released in May 2024
Our debut LP is best described as an introduction to who we are as a band. That should basically go for any band’s first release. We take a melodic punk rock sound, add in dual vocal duties and incredibly catchy hooks, top it off very relatable lyrical content, some Midwest sensibilities and BOOM you’ve got the sound we’re going for.
Thoughts on Punkerton Records:
Working with Brandon and Punkerton has been a treat. We’ve worked with many labels in the past, in previous bands, and it really takes a special type of person to be able to juggle even a small number of bands. Brandon pulls it off by himself, makes the right calls, the right connections and has chosen some very stellar groups in the line up.
We’re stoked to be able to work with him and with everyone on the label, having made lifelong friends in the short time we’ve been a part. Other independent labels most certainly need to take a page out of his book.
There is a process, there is a way to do things to get even a modest amount of success as a label and we think the initial building block is trust. Lay out the process, explain what needs to happen, make sure we’re all on the same page and just GO – If we all do our parts, we all succeed.
The ‘trust in the process’ has been paramount for Punkerton’s success this past year, certainly has benefited us, and it has had us get to a level we never would have on our own. Another thing it comes down to, especially in a way that Brandon has put it, “Work with people you like” – This will make everything easier.
Panther Revival
Latest release: Animality
Panther Revival is a punk/hardcore band from Greenville, Texas. This album is our Punkerton Records debut. Recorded by producer Matt LeFevers of LeFevers Audio (Phoenix, Arizona), and it takes our heavy social commentary and ramps it up to a new level. This album is essentially an audio horror film detailing the Black American experience.
Thoughts on Punkerton Records:
Punkerton Records was instrumental in getting us in front of many new listeners. We made a small name for ourselves in our scene and Punkertontook a chance on us. Our album was already recorded when we reached out to Brandon. We were proud of our work and thought the album deserved a bigger release than we were capable of doing on our own. He listened to it, vibed with the music and our message, and agreed to put it out. Now, our album is on vinyl and is carried in digital and physical stores worldwide!
Independent labels are instrumental in helping artists like us reach new audiences and live out their fullest potential. We are very proud to be part of the Punkertonfamily and look forward to the amazing things we have in store. Our follow up is written and will be recorded summer 2025 for a future release on Punkerton Records.
Prime Directive
Latest release: The Fallout
Comments Johnny Dredd: “4 years ago we heard of some new kid in town that was pushing his Independent label called Punkerton Records with the mythos of For the Music For the Scene, trying to push local bands to help them get a foothold on the long road up the proverbial hill of success. Our band had self released music and had gone through another local label with varying degrees of success and we figured why not try and help this new project out.”
“I sat and thought to myself if we help support this guy maybe just maybe we can help some other band down the road or inspire someone to write their own music or express themselves like we have and keep this style of underground rock alive that doesn’t have to answer to corporate greed or some asshole 1000 miles away in a board room.”
“Brandon’s vision of an independent label helps breed community and growth by promoting music that otherwise would be overlooked. For the music, for the scene I’m proud that my band and myself helped support a growing star in the local music community and look forward to what the future holds for Brandon and Punkerton Records.”
Modern Angst
Upcoming Release: “Part X“
The band refers to themselves as “Empower Punk”. Their new record “Part X” encapsulates many forms of the genre ranging from straight up punk, skate punk, pop punk, ska punk and hints of hardcore all sprinkled in. No doubt, there’s a little something for any fan of the punk genre/sub-genres.
Thoughts on Punkerton Records:
When we were looking for a label to release “Part X” we did our research for years leading up to it. Punkerton stood out as a label that worked hard and truly cared about their roster. Upon joining the roster in January 2024, we were quickly met with Brandon/Punkerton hitting the ground running fast and hard…just how we like it.
Honestly, it appeared that he cared but we’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by his dedication to constantly move the goal post forward with ALL bands on his roster. To see the growth, and his stellar taste in music/bands, we’re honored to be a small part of Punkerton’s history and are huge fans of the other artists on the Punkerton roster as well. The amazing part is we all feel like we’re just getting started and have yet to touch the pinnacle of possibilities.
steelboy
Latest release: …or whatever
The new EP from the evolutionary band steelboy. Featuring 6 outrageous, head slamming hits like “V for Vendetta”, “Bodies in the Basement”, and “Sticky Bomb”. steelboy and their chilling new EP “…or whatever” that brings punk rock back from the stone age to the rock age!
Thoughts on Brandon and Punkerton:
4 years. Where does the time go? The label didn’t really seem to take off until Brando signed us close to a year ago. Coincidence? It’s possible. But we’d never take full credit for that publicly. We’re grateful to be a part of the Punkerton family. Here’s to another 4 years. Long live independent music!
