STOMP to celebrate 10th anniversary in 2005

In February 2005, STOMP Records will be celebrating their 10th anniversary. Here's what the label had to say about their history

From what started in local music journalist's Rupert Bottenberg's apartment has grown into a full office in Montreal's Plateau area with 3 full time employees, a 2-Tone bar and an espresso machine! Imagine that! Espresso! Matt Collyer of the Planet Smashers and Jordan Swift (formerly of the Kingpins), started the label in an attempt to unify the Canadian ska scene with their first release, The All Skanadian compilation. The All Skanadian Comp was followed by the first Planet Smashers release, Self-Titled and 73 releases later, here we are.

Of course, the label has gone through many changes through the years, surviving the demise of their US distribution via MOON Ska in NYC and of course the "Ska is no longer cool" phase. STOMP also merged with local punk label, 2112 Records to form the Union Label Group in 2000 and added Mayday! Records, a street punk/oi! label in 2002. The label has come a long way since the days of only having Canadian ska bands on its roster. These days, you can find anything from Swedish hardcore (Misconduct) to legendary DC punk rockers Down By Law on the steadily growing and international roster.

To celebrate this occasion, STOMP will be holding its regular STOMP Ska Thursdays series in January at Petit Campus in Montreal. This year will feature shows from Bedouin Soundclash, General Rudie, guests Trip The Off and Chris Murray (of King Apparatus) with "a very special" backing band. Following that there will be a "giant party" in February, the details on which will be announced soon. Click below for the details of the STOMP Ska Thursday shows.