bob becker thriller records
[Photo by Steve Thrasher]

Bob Becker, Fearless Records founder, launches Thriller Records & signee

Bob Becker, the Fearless Records founder, has launched an all-new record label called Thriller Records. “After starting and running Fearless Records for 25 years, I feel like there is still plenty of opportunity out there and gas in the tank,” Becker exclusively told Alternative Press. “The new label, Thriller Records, will give me and our new team the freedom to make our own decisions on which artists to work with and how to market them. We will also have the ability to be able to pivot fast toward opportunities and give our artists and the label the best chance at success.”

In addition to Becker leading the charge of Thriller Records, his former Fearless Records partner John Perenchio will join him as well as Nick Moore, the founder of InVogue Records, and former Fearless Records President and Chief Marketing Officer Jenny Reader.

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To celebrate the launch of Thriller, they have also announced their first label signees, five-piece Seattle natives AVOID. The band previously released their debut album, Alone, with Revival Recordings.

Now, AVOID have dropped a new music video for “HostAge At A BeAch House PArty.” The single comes off their recent EP, The Burner. The visual matches the anxious themes of the track. Images show the band members shaving their heads and jumping out of planes alongside frenetic guitar riffs and flurried drums. You can watch the video for AVOID’s “HostAge At A BeAch House PArty” below.

“In the past year working with AVOID, I’ve been floored at how much drive and passion they have, plus a unique sense of self that they embrace and encourage in their fans like one big nutty family,” Reader exclusively told Alternative Press. “Having adored the musical legacy of the Pacific Northwest and to have another band with that spirit but with such a fresh take on the music they are creating is very exciting. And now with the force that is my familiar Fearless partner in crime Bob and Nick Moore at the helm at Thriller, just watch this band fly.”

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Thriller Records is set to house a variety of alternative and rock acts while creating a diverse space in the music community. Thriller will utilize the team’s industry knowledge and expertise as well as years of experience. It’s clear their mission is to share new talent and become a source of discovery.

“I’ve always believed the artists and the fans need to be at the center of anything we do,” Becker adds. “We need to advocate for them and for the creators, empowering them to be able to create on their terms, taking our years of experience and combining it with a fresh approach to what an independent label should look like in 2021 and beyond—an entity embracing the way music is now discovered and consumed and running with it.”

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Before launching Thriller Records, Becker founded Fearless Records in 1992. Through his influence, Fearless showcased various aspects and subgenres of alternative music, including pop punk, emo, post-hardcore, metalcore and more. Fearless signed bands such as Mayday Parade, the Maine, the Starting Line and more. After Concord Music Group acquired Fearless Records in 2015, Becker became Chairman Emeritus in 2018.

AVOID announced their new music video and the signing on their Twitter, writing, “We are so excited to announce we’ve signed to @thrillerrecords! Check out the new video for ‘HostAge At A BeAch House PArty’ now!

They also announced that they’ll be hanging out online all day, live through Instagram and Twitch

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While the group hasn’t announced tour dates yet, they will appear at the four day event Louder Than Life alongside artists such as Metallica, Judas Priest, Badflower and more. The band will also appear at Welcome To Rockville alongside artists such as Nine Inch Nails, Deftones, Architects and more.

AVOID Performance Dates 

09/26 – Louisville, KY @ KY Expo Center

11/11 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Daytona International Speedway