Regarded as one of the most influential bands to rise from the SoCal punk scene during the early 1980’s, YOUTH BRIGADE embodied the Do-It-Yourself ethos that fueled the scene. The band was highly involved in the punk community, booking shows under the BYO (Better Youth Organization) moniker, which subsequently became a means to release Youth Brigade records. BYO’s debut release, Someone Got Their Head Kicked In, a compilation that captured the energy coming out of the creative and dynamic minds in that world and included early songs from Bad Religion, Social Distortion, SNFU, Adolescents and Youth Brigade. With over 100 releases to date, the seminal label is now celebrating its 25th year making punk music not only relevant but consistently exciting as well with the release of LET THEM KNOW: THE STORY OF YOUTH BRIGADE AND BYO RECORDS. The comprehensive box set includes a 31-track double LP (on red vinyl), a 90 minute hilarious yet intelligent documentary on the history and importance of the ground-breaking band Youth Brigade and the BYO label, and a full-color, hardcover bound book containing photos and essays from voices within the SoCal punk community. (The set is also available as a CD/DVD package with booklet, and the music available at digital retailers as well).
Youth Brigade recently announced a string of East Coast shows before the band heads to Europe for a month’s worth of dates. Before they take off overseas, Youth Brigade will be exclusively screening the Let Them Know: The Story of Youth Brigade and BYO Records documentary film prior to their show at Mercury Lounge on November 14th.
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“This CD/DVD combo shows just how important Youth Brigade and the label they founded, BYO Records, actually are” – Alternative Press
“…most crucial document of early hardcore” – Revolver
“Since BYO’s 1982 launch, the Stern brothers — in their roles as founders of high-octane punks Youth Brigade and as would-be entrepreneurs — dedicated themselves to help shape, refine and execute the very concept of DIY…. BYO has been both lynchpin and dream-keeper for the spirit of American punk-feckin’-rock.” – eMusic
“Let Them Know pays long-overdue tribute to one of the longest-running independent punk labels” – The Onion
“Let Them Know… Is a must-purchase for fans of contemporary, mid-stream American punk. The music… is obviously integral, but the 100-page, coffee-table book and DVD documentary that round out the package really seal the deal” – Seattle Weekly
“This collection is not only grand in the scope of what it represents, but also is packaged as a collector’s dream.” – Deseret News
“Anyone who views music as more than just background noise and ringtones should definitely check Let Them Know out as soon as possible. It will make you long for the days when music actually meant something. Well done, BYO.” – PunkNews
“It’s a superb set, a testament to both the label’s never-say-die attitude and West Coast punk’s enduring power overall.” – OC Register
