These Orange County independent labels prove that a successful label does not have to be based in Los Angeles. The Militia Group, Fearless Records and Revelation Records have remained on the forefront of the independent music scene as shown by some of these stand out bands.

The Militia Group:

The Militia Group is home to a wide range of artists with releases ranging from catchy powerpop(Everybody Else, Cartel) to acoustic artists(Dension Witmer). Lovedrug’s 2004 release, “Pretend You’re Alive” was the label’s fastest selling release. With its poetic lyrics and haunting vocals on the new release “Everything Starts Where It Ends,” Lovedrug has received comparisons to early Radiohead. Indie band Copeland features an emotional, melodic and complex sound behind singer Aaron Marsh’s gentle and angelic vocals.

Fearless Records:

At the Drive-In, Plain White T’s, Mayday Parade and Rock Kills Kid have all called Fearless Records their home at some point in their careers. Portugal the Man’s “Waiter: You Vultures!” has an eclectic, prog-rock sound much like label-mates At the Drive-In. The debut album from Alesana, “On Frail Wings of Vanity and Wax,” mixes hardcore, “screamo” and pop-punk with complex lyrics.

Revelation Records:

The Huntington Beach label’s sound has incorporated indie rock from bands such as Texas Is The Reason and Elliott with its primarily hardcore sound from Sinking Ships and In My Eyes. New York indie band Gracer features ethereal vocals, and mellow, spacey guitars. The melodic hardcore band Shook Ones is a throwback to an aggressive and energetic punk sound and the East Coast hardcore sound of the mid-90s.