About Worn Records

1997-1999

Worn Records was an idea more than a decade ago inspired by founder John Simmonds, drummer of the band Willis at the time. The first use of the label was in 1997 under the name “Burning Bum Records” on a demo tape called “Steamroller” by the band Willis. This 6 song cassette was a great success while the band played countless rigorous shows in and around the Vancouver music scene. The next release was under the name “Watchoo Talkin’ Bout Music” in 1998, obviously a spin off from the band “Willis” and the inspiration of their name, the hit 80’s t.v. show Different Strokes. This release was another demo tape entitled “Fired Up” and it included 8 songs. The final release from the label before becoming Worn Records was also the last from the band Willis, and their first full length CD. “Willis – Anthology” was released in 1998 under the label “JDS Productions” and was a collection of many of their earlier demo’s, as well as several new songs, and many live recordings. All of these releases are now available re-mastered through Worn Records for free download.

2000-2004

Willis broke up that same year, but it became the starting point of Worn Records as we know it now. After working with Willis pretty much exclusively, Simmonds began producing and recording other local artists including, Mr. Underhill, Thought Crime, Super Child and Victory Gin. Victory Gin brought a unique style to the table unlike many of the other bands. Their first release, an E.P. entitled “Tired E.P.” featured 4 songs recorded in the Worn Records studio. In January 2001 the band changed their name to Selvatone and Simmonds joined the group as their studio drummer to record what became the first release under the name Worn Records. “Across the Bridge” was released in October of 2001 and is available for free download.

The Misconducts became the next project for Worn Records. John Simmonds again acting as “studio drummer” as well as engineer and co-producer began working on the long awaited release from this hard edged, bluesy rock quintet. Production began on “Daisy Cutter” in the summer of 2000 however due to countless delays, and endless interruptions in production the album wasn’t released until 2007. Spanning several recording sessions and a number of different venues, this album became it’s own entity that nobody could fully control. The production is unique to say the least. A small independent record label and it’s studio began this recording with an 8-track hard disk recorder, before upgrading to ADATS and Cubase, and finally finishing with Pro-Tools and Sound Forge. Creating an album over a 7 year span while the recording studio is in a constant state of upgrade is both a challenge and a blessing. “Daisy Cutter” is a great representation of the history of Worn Records and is available for free download.

Earlstown Winter came together in the spring of 2003 when former Selvatone members, Jonathan Truefit and John Simmonds began recording in a secluded beach house. “Easy Roads, Easy Skies” was released in December of 2006 and has become the most successful Worn Records release to date. Earlstown Winter and Worn Records have also released a single entitled “Porch Lights” in 2007. More from Earlstown Winter is expected in the near future.

In 2004 a new project arose from the ashes of all previous. The Assassination, an on again/off again pet project of John Simmonds finally hit the studio. A collection of songs written over the past decade, fueled by angst, and a love for music came together to create “Find Your Way Out”. Released in March of 2006, this band featured another collaboration between Worn records artists. Johnny Walker of The Misconducts came on board to work with John Simmonds to form a solid live line-up. The Assassination have been on hiatus for some time now, however with a number of demos and live material left over another release is very likely in the future.

308 is the alter ego of The Assassination. Strictly a cover band, 308 pays tribute to it’s musical heros. Nothing has officially been released from this group to date, however plans are to make available new singles for free download periodically.

2005-Present

In 2005 Worn Records launched it’s first Web Site. This site began as a simple way to inform the world about it’s artists and featured mp3’s, images, and video’s. Also launched was the labels music blog, “The Steamroller”. Bands from around the globe were featured and reviewed by the Steamroller team as well as participated in the very popular “Indie Band Showdown”, a weekly poll aimed at exposing new artists. In 2009 a new look Steamroller Music Blog was launched with the focus shifting away from the independent artists and more towards new and interesting music news, events, gadgets, music, and anything in between.

Worn Records and Steamroller Music are constantly growing and exploring the world of music. As the times change, so does Worn Records.