No Sleep Records
| Company type | Independent record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Founder | Chris Hansen |
| Defunct | July 2024 |
| Headquarters | Huntington Beach, California , United States |
Area served | United States, United Kingdom, European Union |
| Products | Music recordings, vinyl records |
No Sleep Records was an independent American record label headquartered in Huntington Beach, California. Established in 2006 by entrepreneur Chris Hansen, the label issued music from notable acts including Balance and Composure, La Dispute, and The Wonder Years. The label gained recognition for its ties to the vegan movement and the revival of vinyl records before it discontinued operations in July 2024.
Initial Phase (2006–2009)
Chris Hansen entered the music business by working in mailrooms at Smartpunk and Fearless Records to acquire hands-on experience in label management. No Sleep’s debut official release was the fully funded EP Our American Cousin, which Hansen characterized as reminiscent of "90s indie/emo." During the label’s formative period, Hansen also held a position as art director at Trustkill Records but shifted his full attention to No Sleep following his layoff.
Growth and Expansion (2010s)
No Sleep Records achieved a major breakthrough with The Wonder Years’ 2010 album The Upsides, which charted on the US Billboard albums list, markedly elevating the label’s profile. This milestone led to the creation of a dedicated distribution infrastructure targeting the UK and European Union markets.
In 2011, Peta2 honored No Sleep Records with the Libby Award for being the "Most Animal Friendly Record Label," underscoring its advocacy for vegan principles through promotional inserts accompanying releases.
To stimulate growth and broaden its audience, No Sleep introduced innovative marketing initiatives in 2012, such as subscription plans that included all current vinyl records and “Free Album Tuesday” campaigns to showcase emerging talent. The label also issued various complimentary sampler compilations like No Sleep Till Death, which enhanced brand awareness. Furthermore, a collection featuring signed bands participating in Warped Tour 2012 was released, containing B-sides and rare tracks, further consolidating No Sleep’s standing within the industry.
Artists and Releases
No Sleep focuses on signing artists that add variety to its lineup while ensuring each band maintains a distinct identity. For debut albums, print runs typically range between 1,000 and 1,500 copies on CD or vinyl, with some units held back for future sales as their value increases. Vinyl plays a central role in No Sleep’s operations, reflecting founder Chris Hansen’s enthusiasm; most releases come with vinyl editions that include die-cut sleeves, multiple color variants, and etched designs. Hansen emphasizes that vinyl is an expensive niche driven by passion rather than profit margins, with mail order sales providing vital support for the label.
Store
In 2012, No Sleep launched a flagship retail location within their California office space. The store operated weekly and stocked releases from labels including 6131, Animal Style, Topshelf, Run for Cover, Deathwish Inc., Bridge 9, Youth Conspiracy, and Paper + Plastick. It also featured prominent American hardcore punk and punk rock bands. However, due to insufficient sales volume, this retail outlet has since been closed.