Ripchord Records is an independent record label started in 1993. Knoxville radio personality, Trevor Ripchord, created the record label initially as a vehicle to promote Freefourmula's first album. Not only was the label's debut release a commercial success, it received substantial air play as well as charting in the College Music Journal (CMJ). It became obvious at that point that Freefourmula didn't have to be the only project for the company. With so many good bands out there and so few opportunities, Trevor Ripchord decided to make it the label's mission to find bands from the southeast making great music and promote them nationally. Along the way, Ripchord Records produced albums for more than 100 bands to market on their own, and released nine titles bearing the Ripchord label. The office and studios moved from Trevor's apartment on the University of Tennessee campus to a house in northwest Knoxville. Then, as more space was needed, Ripchord Records was moved to a 100-year-old historic building in downtown Knoxville. Today Ripchord Records is located in Salem, Virginia. From the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Ripchord Records has added another musical visionary to the team. Rick Mullen, working in conjunction with Trevor Ripchord's efforts to promote the music of the southeast, is adding the northeast to the label's focus.

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Artist Catalog

	Freeformula Fourmula One was released on CD and Cassette. The tracks were recorded January, 1994 in an abandoned warehouse in the "Old City" district of Knoxville, TN. No heat, no running water, and few unbroken windows made the week a memorable one. Everyone involved would agree in the end it was worth it. The music is extraordinary. Mix Jazz, Art Rock, Psychedelia and the unknown, and that can only begin to describe what these guys do. It is all instrumental and recorded in complete takes without overdubbing. This is a purist's dream. And by the way, it downright jams. -TR -TR 007-0042-A $25 CD $15 Cassette 71 minutes
	Volume 94 Volume 94 was released in 1994 on CD only. It is a compilation of East Tennesse artists, most from the Knoxville area. It contains a vast array of musical styles. This album has the first-ever recorded release from SUPERDRAG, who eventually was signed by a major label and found their way to MTV. The song "Bloody Hell" was re-recorded and released on their first album. Perhaps more notable is the acoustic song "End it Right Here" by Kirk Heinson. Early one morning, Kirk saw an ad asking for bands who would like to be on the compilation and called me at 7:30 a.m. after a full night of recording sessions. I told him, "Great, send me a tape, and we would be happy to listen to it." Kirk's answer was was, "I don't have a tape. Could I just come over and play a song for you?" I answered,"Sure, give me a call around 12 and well set something up." Thankfully, Kirk was very persistent. "I'm just down the street right now, could I come on over?" he asked. My head fuzzy with lack of sleep, I said,"Sure, that would be fine." Kirk came. He played. It was beautiful. He is a novel on his own. That song was recorded for the album the next day. Kirk couldn't afford the studio time. I set it up so he could pay with moonshine cherries or "cherry bombs" . In addition to Kirk, you will find Immortal Chorus, Freefourmula, Revolution Block, Pegclimber, I Swear My Name is Smith, Hypertribe, The Cheeksters, Jazz Liberation Quartet, War Dance, Wet Jonah, Sandbox, Dim Kitchen, and Wicked Cow People. -TR 008-042-A $5 CD 70 minutes
	The Clinically Tested Wicked Wicked Cow People With a name like that what kind of description could you give? The band KISS was once described as Disney World on acid. So how about this: Take Faith No More to a three ring circus and have them watch the circus standing on their heads in the third ring. They are balancing themselves with one hand and eating cotton candy with the other. Oh, and they are surrounded by lions and being eyeballed by a nearby car full of clowns. That tells you nothing really, but it says it all. And that is just one song. There is "Avon Ladies From Hell," "Purple Man," "Surface Scissor Men," and "Fish Full of Love" too. Your Album Title Here is available on CD and Cassette. This album is wild. You just have to listen to it. Trevor Ripchord sold his motorcycle to finance releasing this one. -TR 009-042-A $5 CD $10 Cassette 60 minutes
	Immortal Chorus Just a Dirge is the fourth release from Immortal Chorus. The album title came from a comment in an alternative press review of their previous album. That is the kind of review you get when your manager badgers a journalist to write about you too much. The review was off base and negative. Music is, after all, a matter of taste. I think their song about it is the definitive answer to that. Just a Dirge is available on CD and Cassette. It contains new material, a couple of remakes from the Chorus' first release, and some all-acoustic versions of the most popular songs from other albums. Steve's vocals are amazing. Brian's guitar work is tasteful and flawless. The lyrics are artwork all by themselves. I still cry sometimes when I listen to "Shovel and Faith". It might be Rock. It might be Goth. It might be Alternative. It might be Trevor Ripchord playing the acoustic guitar on "Nothing is Clear." It might become one of your favorites after hearing it just once. -TR 010-042-A $10 CD $10 Cassette 70 minutes
	All Ages No Cover A follow up compilation of East Tennessee artists. By this time, Ripchord Records had come of age. The budget was there to have whatever we wanted in producing this album. The cover art features the notorious Col. Bacchus all around town with many other downtown Knoxville figures like the "Tree Pusher". Featured on this album are Immortal Chorus, Saleth's Dream, Wicked Cow People, Revolution Block, The Guff, Malice in Wonderland, Sandbox, The Tuffskins, Rude Street Peters, Church of Logic, I Swear My Name is Smith, Hypertribe, Fat Bastard, Torture Kitty, and Flat Planet. There is a giant bonus track featuring Col. Bacchus bits and Trevor Ripchord vs Bacchus in a space war and a bonus song from Commander Dave Ball. When Knoxville's little alternative newspaper made fun of this record they said it should have been called "21 and older, 10 bucks." -TR 008-042-A $5 CD $10 Cassette 72minutes
	Revolution Block This is the debut release from Revolution Block. Role Model is a most fitting title. The songs are serious and are designed to speak to you boldly about many socio-political subjects. Racism, religion, social cliques, politics, and war are touched on in a hard-hitting fashion. The music is Heavy, Heavy Alternative. Whatever you want to call it, it kicks. If you like Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Fishbone, Helmet, or Primus (just to name a few) you'll like this. The CD version comes complete with a track at the end where 6 of the songs on it are repeated together as one track. (to get 6 plays for 1 on a CD jukebox) -TR 011-042-A $5 CD $10 Cassette
	The Tuffskins Catchy Songs and alternative rocked-out surfer guitar sound. The Tuffskins is a cassette-only release. Glen creates haunting melodies on guitar, and conjures up images of lost loves in his lyrics. With Brad's flawless and tasteful drums and Joel's solid rock and roll bass, you will find your feet tapping and head bopping. Listen close, because you may hear Trevor Ripchord playing bass on the next-to-last song. -TR 012-042-A $10 Cassette
	Tempered Steele Ripchord Records began reaching beyond east Tennessee for talent and found these guys. They rock, and that's the final word. Heavy Metal? No. Rock and Roll? No. What can you say, but listen? Find the Light is is smooth at times but abrupt when needed. Rock in the 90's for those that miss the 70's and 80's. -TR 014-042-A $10 CD
	Speed Freeks Whistle Blowers unite! The Industrial Dance beats of The Himilayan will shake your body for days. Put this one on and it is an instant rave. This one is available on CD only. -TR 701-042-A $5 CD

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