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Punk rocker Jay Reason launches indie label Static Era Records (Includes interview)

Static Era Records aims to give fans of all genres the music they want to hear, both digitally (through online retail and streaming services) and physically (as vinyl, CDs and even books) while simultaneously providing musicians the opportunity to monetize their songs to their fullest potential, enabling them to keep on rocking.

The label is the brainchild of music lover and industry veteran Jay Reason, whose prolific career has included lengthy stints at both underground and major record labels, and performing as a frontman in his own bands. His first band, Voice of Reason, released music in the late ’90s and early 2000’s on indie labels, Victory Records and Triple Crown Records.

His second band, The Distance, released music on the seminal hardcore label, Bridge 9 Records as well as an album, produced by Shep Goodman (American Authors, Hall & Oates) on Century Media subsidiary, Abacus Records. Reason’s experiences include recording with legendary New York hardcore producer, Don Fury and recording a live album from the legendary CBGB’s, as well as touring internationally with hardcore giants like Madball, Terror, and Walls of Jericho.

Behind the scenes, he has worked as an A&R Manager for Jamey Jasta’s (Hatebreed vocalist) Stillborn Records, developing artists and facilitating the expansion of the hardcore/metal label. It eventually led to his joining Sony Music where he worked on the marketing campaigns for Michael Jackson, Miles Davis and Billy Joel, among others.

After his time at Sony, Reason launched Wargod Collective, a label specializing in classic reissues, soundtracks, and limited-edition vinyl. The label re-issued titles from Eve 6, Stabbing Westward, Fuel, and Kenny Wayne Sheppard; as well as film and TV scores including The Sopranos and True Romance.

“I’ve been blessed to have had the chance to work with some of the best artists, producers, and labels in music,” Jay Reason said. “Static Era Records is my chance to apply the finest parts of all the lessons I have learned with new artists and projects. In addition, one of Static’s top goals for 2020 is making out of print punk, hardcore, and metal albums available on streaming.”

The first release from Static Era Records will be the long-awaited sophomore album from Canadian rockers Sights & Sounds (featuring Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid). Titled No Virtue, the album marks Sights & Sounds’ first new music since their 2013 EP Silver Door, and their first full length since 2009’s Monolith. It is available now on Apple Music and all major music retailers as well as for streaming through Pandora and Spotify.

“I’ve been friends with Andrew (Neufeld) since the early 2000’s when our bands would tour together,” Reason said. “I’m a huge fan of his work and so when, earlier in the year, he mentioned that there was new music coming from the band, I knew it would be the perfect fit and start for Static Era Records.”

After Sights & Sounds, Static Era will release another gem that the hardcore/metal music community has been waiting for: the fifth studio album from Maine’s Cruel Hand. “Like Andrew, I met Chris Linkovich (Cruel Hand vocalist) while touring and I knew from the start of Static Era that Cruel Hand was one of the first bands I would want to showcase,” he said.

The label is also working on a project from Brooklyn based post-hardcore band, Husbandry. Beyond that, Reason is not ready to reveal more. “We have surprises but until the ink is dry on the contracts, I’m staying tight-lipped. One of the most important lessons I have learned from my career in this industry is to never promise anything you can’t deliver.”

Static Era’s name pays homage to one of Reason’s favorite punk bands, The Misfits and their album Static Age. He’s excited for music fans to be a part of the label’s journey with him. “My biggest hope is that the fans’ love of rock music will grow with Static Era and that they will allow us to help them find new music and artists for their playlists.

“America has such a long history with rock music. We’re thrilled to be able to keep the guitars blasting into the future,” he concluded.

Physical CDs and vinyl are available at the Static Era Records official homepage. To learn more about Static Era Records, check out their website and their Instagram page. To learn more about Jay Reason, follow him on Instagram.

Markos Papadatos
Written By

Markos Papadatos is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for Music News. Papadatos is a Greek-American journalist and educator that has authored over 20,000 original articles over the past 18 years. He has interviewed some of the biggest names in music, entertainment, lifestyle, magic, and sports. He is a 16-time "Best of Long Island" winner, where for three consecutive years (2020, 2021, and 2022), he was honored as the "Best Long Island Personality" in Arts & Entertainment, an honor that has gone to Billy Joel six times.

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