HOPELESS RECORDS PROMOTES IAN HARRISON TO GM AND ERIC TOBIN TO EVP OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND A&R; HOPELESS RECORDS CELEBRATES BANNER YEAR; REMAINS 100% INDEPENDENT AND PREPARES FOR EVEN BIGGER 2017

LOS ANGELES, CA – Hopeless Records – the home to bands such as All Time Low, Sum 41, Taking Back Sunday, The Used, Neck Deep and many more – is leading Pop Punk and Emo’s mainstream resurgence and celebrating a majorly successful year. Founded in 1993, Hopeless Records has been transformed from its small beginnings as the punk-centric hobby of founder Louis Posen into one of the largest independent record labels in the world according to market share.

The record label released nearly 20 albums in 2016 from iconic artists such as Sum 41 (debuting #4 in Canada, Top 10 in USA & Germany and Top 20 in Australia, UK, Japan, and Italy), Yellowcard (the band’s 10^th and final record), Taking Back Sunday and Bayside, as well as breakout releases by Moose Blood (debuting at #10 in the UK), Emarosa, With Confidence, Trophy Eyes (debuting #8 in Australia) and Sylar.

“Remarkably, we were able to match our 2015 results, which was our largest ever and included a #1 album by All Time Low (in the USA and UK) and Top 10 albums by Neck Deep and The Wonder Years,” reflects founder and President Louis Posen.  “It’s incredible to think that while the music industry has remained basically flat from 2013 to 2016, we have grown 100% over the same period. This growth is clearly the result of our awesome roster and great partners, but is equally effected by our amazing 30 person team around the world.”

In recognition of the label’s recent success, Posen announced the promotion of two of his senior team members. Ian Harrison, formerly VP of Marketing and Creative, is elevated to General Manager and Eric Tobin is named Executive Vice President of Business Development and A&R.

“One of the biggest rewards in running this company has been mentoring talent behind the scenes. That is why it is such a privilege and honor to elevate Ian Harrison to General Manager and Eric Tobin to EVP of Business Development and A&R just over a decade after they both started their first music industry jobs at Hopeless. Ian and Eric now join 18-year veteran CFO Al Person in leading our team and roster into the next volume of Hopeless history.”

GM, Harrison looks into 2017 saying “Our team has worked incredibly hard to build Hopeless Records into a cornerstone of the alternative rock community. I am grateful for Louis’ mentorship and to have trust of him and our whole team in taking on this new broader role leading the incredible growth we have planned for our artists and label. 2017 will be our biggest years ever with major releases from New Found Glory, Neck Deep and several big surprises!”

EVP of Business Development and A&R, Tobin adds “I am excited to take the next step in my journey with Hopeless Records. A&R and artist development is at the core of our company and I feel privileged to get to lead this effort for our team. We have several artists poised to breakthrough in 2017 including Moose Blood, With Confidence, and Sylar and a few new signings to announce soon that we are very excited about!”

Additional milestones achieved in 2016 include All Time Low‘s ‘So Wrong, It’s Right’, ‘Nothing Personal’, “A Love Like War (featuring Vic Fuentes)” (single) and ‘Straight To DVD’ all being certified Gold in the USA and ‘Don’t Panic’ and ‘Future Hearts’ receiving Silver certification in the UK. The label also earned its first VMA nomination for All Time Low‘s “Missing You” (Best Rock Video). Sum 41‘s comeback album 13 Voices charted worldwide and saw the band’s first performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, along with noteworthy features in publications such as People Magazine, Rolling Stone, Billboard and more.

Hopeless Records is one of the largest independent labels in the world and a leader in alternative rock artist development. Headquartered in Los Angeles, but globally focuses Hopeless Records has a team of over 30 people worldwide focused on breaking artists and building the alternative community. Founded in 1993 and rooted in punk rock, Hopeless first saw success with classic Punk & Ska artists 88 Fingers Louie, Dillinger Four, Atom and His Package, Mustard Plug, The Weakerthans, Samiam. In the mid 2000’s Hopeless grew to global prominence with the discovery & development of multi-platinum artist Avenged Sevenfold and the release of their first two albums along with the discovery and development of post hardcore leaders Thrice. Currently Hopeless’ roster defines the current state of the punk/emo/metal-core community with chart topping legendary and developing artists including – All Time Low, Sum 41, The Used, Taking Back Sunday, New Found Glory, The Wonder Years, Neck Deep, Bayside, Moose Blood, With Confidence, Emarosa, Trophy Eyes, Sylar and many more.

The label’s 501(c)(3) charity arm Sub City was established in 1999. It has raised over 2.2 million dollars for over 60 non-profit organizations by connecting bands and fans to causes they are passionate about. Sub City has been recognized for its efforts by the 110th U.S. Congress, the California Senate, the Los Angeles City Council, the National Association of Retail Merchandisers (NARM), Billboard Magazine, Alternative Press Magazine, the Los Angeles Times and many other publications.

Roam – Backbone

Milk Teeth – Vile Child

Somos – First Day Back

Young and Heartless – Stay Away

The Used – Live & Acoustic at the Palace

The Ready Set – I Will Be Nothing Without Your Love

With Confidence – Better Weather

Trash Boat – Nothing I Write You Will Change What You’ve Been Through

Emarosa – 131

Moose Blood – Blush

Bayside – Vacancy

Sylar – HELP!

Cruel Hand – Your World Won’t Listen

All Time Low – Straight To DVD II (DVD/CD)

Taking Back Sunday – Tidal Wave

Yellowcard – Yellowcard

Sum 41 – 13 Voices

Trophy Eyes – Chemical Miracle