Interview: High End Denim Records
We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate Punk Rock Saturday than an interview with a punk rock record label!
We typically ask a few random background questions to write up an intro, but other than dropping a link to their podcast, High End Denim’s Josh and Ozone took it upon themselves to do all the work for us:
High End Denim Records had its first official release in August of 2018. Before that, it existed as a make-believe label for a while. It was also the name of a band Josh was in for a few months that did not pan out. After he bought a house and set up a home studio, Ozone hopped on the drums and helped him record a bunch of unreleased songs from a band he was in called Fridge or Freezer? and that turned into the first release of the label under the Burning Nickels moniker. After having mild success with their own side projects, they started being approached by other local bands who needed help in the marketing department and before we knew it, we were working with bands all over the world.
By the summer, the indie label will have had their name on 83 releases and counting! As of 2026, High End Denim Records remains a two man operation, even though Ozone now resides on the East Coast of Canada while Josh remains in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
Looking back, what’s one early decision that shaped the identity of High End Denim?
Ozone: One of the biggest decisions early on was focusing on building an actual community instead of just putting out records. We wanted High End Denim Records to feel like a home for awesome people making great songs. From day one, the goal was to have bands support each other, share opportunities, and help expose listeners to rad bands they otherwise may never discover. That sense of community has shaped everything we do.
Josh: We always made sure we would never make promises we can't keep. We'll work our butts off and do everything we can to help the bands we work with but we will never promise them the world because we just don't have the resources at this point. If a band keeps getting bigger and gets a better opportunity with a label that CAN offer them more, we would be stoked as that means we did our part in helping them grow. Also no metal-core bands allowed.
What do you think artists need most from labels right now that they weren’t asking for ten years ago?
Ozone: Honestly, I don’t think the core needs have changed all that much. Bands have always needed support, resources, and unfortunately, money. We’re not always in a position to throw huge budgets around, but what we can offer is a strong network of media outlets, promoters, tour connections, and relationships with other bands. More than anything, we try to give artists a platform to be heard and help them cut through the constant noise online.
Josh: We weren't around ten years ago, but as musicians in the scene, everything has changed pretty dramatically. Even five years ago, people were obsessed with their stream counts but with the rise of AI music and other scams polluting the water, I think bands just want to connect with genuine listeners these days with less emphasis on how their streaming numbers look. It isn't cheap to tour these days so we're happy to help the bands get physical media and help them book cool shows so it's worth their efforts to travel. Bands just want to be relevant and be a part of a community and that's our job to help them achieve it.
When you hear a demo for the first time, what makes you keep listening?
Ozone: Every song needs a moment that grabs you. It sounds simple, but there has to be something memorable, whether it’s a hook, a lyric, a riff, or even just an energy that makes you want to hear the next part. Technical ability is cool, but feeling always wins.
Josh: Someone told me once that every song has to have a "cool part.” Sometimes a catchy chorus can be that or a breakdown that comes out of nowhere and gets stuck in your head. If I hear at least one song that catches my attention, I will probably give the tunes another spin and see if there's something there that I can get behind.
Do you think algorithms are helping independent music or flattening it?
Ozone: Probably a bit of both, but I still think good bands can benefit from it. If you work hard, write great songs, treat people well, and get out there playing shows, the algorithm can absolutely become an asset. At the end of the day though, no algorithm can replace genuine word of mouth or real human connection through music.
Josh: If the algorithm works as intended, it can be useful for sure but with the influx of shitty AI music, I feel like it's definitely muddying the waters. That technology is getting better and it's discouraging because I want to support real humans making real music and not whatever that crap is. On the plus side, as musicians that play in bands that tour and play shows, we meet awesome people writing rad music all the time, so we don't think the industry is doomed for that reason. Go see a show and buy a shirt or a record if you don't want your favourite bands to have to give up.
Are there any “industry rules” you intentionally ignore?
Ozone: We’ve never believed in holding bands back. If another label can offer one of our bands more opportunities or better financial support, we’re never going to stand in the way of that. We’re not in this for the money. We genuinely want every band we work with to succeed, even if that success eventually takes them beyond us.
Josh: I never got my copy of the rulebook so I'm not sure. We just feel honesty is the best policy. We have enough friends in the scene who have lost their shirt investing in bands who immediately broke up after they put out their record so we're always cautious and honest with the bands about what we're comfortable offering. Mainly, we would rather work with cool people who we enjoy interacting with ahead of everything else. If you're talented but insufferable, we will probably pass on your record. Life is too short and we don't want to spend it dealing with muttonheads.
A meteor is headed toward Earth: Which three albums are you rescuing first?
Ozone: I’ll leave our own bands out of this so I’m not playing favourites. First would be Dude Ranch by Blink-182. That record basically shaped my entire taste in punk rock. Then probably Building a Better Me by Dogwood because it still hits just as hard today. Third would be Homecoming by Craig’s Brother. And honestly, I’m sneaking in a fourth somehow: Crimson by Alkaline Trio. I’ll sacrifice literally anything else to make room for it.
Josh: Tough question but off the top of my head, let's say Bad Religion - Against the Grain, Dear Landlord - Dream Homes, and Screeching Weasel - My Brain Hurts.
Connect with High End Denim Records here: All the links
And be sure to check out the podcast!
Catch tracks from Regal Foul, Teethout, Ratsalad, Making Friends, and Death Cassette in our Punk Rock Saturday playlist:
-O.Meaney