Yep Roc Records

Yep Roc Records

Company type	Independent record label
Industry	Music
Founded	1997
Founder	Glenn Dicker, Tor Hansen
Headquarters	Hillsborough , United States
Area served	United States
Key people	Glenn Dicker, Tor Hansen
Products	Music recordings
Owner	Tor Hansen, Glenn Dicker
Parent	Redeye Distribution
Website	www.yeproc.com

Yep Roc Records is an independent American record label based in Hillsborough, North Carolina, operating under the ownership of Redeye Distribution. Established in 1997 by entrepreneurs Glenn Dicker and Tor Hansen, the company has built a robust business framework that integrates record production with distribution services via Redeye. The label’s roster features a variety of artists including Fountains of Wayne, Nick Lowe, Paul Weller, Mandolin Orange, and Steep Canyon Rangers, showcasing its broad engagement within the indie and alternative music markets.

History

In 1997, Tor Hansen founded Yep Roc Records after moving to North Carolina to oversee a regional chain of record stores. Collaborating with Glenn Dicker, a former Rounder Records associate, they co-created the label along with its distribution branch, Redeye. This approach established a vertically integrated business model designed to strengthen their position in the marketplace.

The label’s early catalog consisted mainly of local compilation albums before expanding to sign prominent artists such as Bob Mould from Hüsker Dü, Marah, and Dave Alvin. A pivotal moment was the acquisition of Nick Lowe—a move influenced by the success of Los Straitjackets and Dicker’s extensive industry knowledge—which enhanced Yep Roc’s competitive edge. This success attracted other musicians like Scott McCaughey (known for The Minus 5 and The Baseball Project), who has maintained a long-term relationship with the label.

Highlighting its influence in the independent music sector, co-founder Glenn Dicker was appointed to the board of the American Association of Independent Music in 2016.

Philosophy

Yep Roc identifies itself as an artist-centered label that deliberately "resists categorization." Glenn Dicker has noted the complexities involved in promoting a diverse lineup that spans singer-songwriters, blues, garage rock, and indie music, which poses distinct challenges for branding and marketing efforts.

Artists

• Alejandro Escovedo
• Amy Helm
• Aoife O'Donovan
• BeauSoleil
• Bell X1
• Billy Bragg
• Blitzen Trapper
• Bob Mould
• Born Ruffians (US)
• Caitlin Cary
• Chatham County Line
• Chris Stamey
• Chuck Prophet
• Darren Hanlon
• Dave Alvin
• Doyle Bramhall
• Dressy Bessy
• Eleni Mandell
• Eli "Paperboy" Reed
• Fountains of Wayne
• Gang of Four
• Grant-Lee Phillips
• Greg Brown
• Ian Hunter
• Ian McLagan
• Jim Lauderdale
• John Doe
• Josh Ritter
• Josh Rouse
• Ken Stringfellow
• Kim Richey
• Liam Finn (US)
• Los Straitjackets
• Madness (US distribution)
• Mandolin Orange
• Marah
• Mercury Rev
• Nick Lowe (US)
• Paul Weller (US)
• Peter Case
• Reckless Kelly
• Robbie Fulks
• Robyn Hitchcock
• Rodney Crowell
• Ron Sexsmith
• Ruen Brothers
• Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet
• Sloan
• Southern Culture on the Skids
• Steep Canyon Rangers
• Steve Wynn and the Miracle 3
• Thad Cockrell
• The Apples in Stereo
• The Autumn Defense
• The Baseball Project
• The Felice Brothers
• The Fleshtones
• The Go-Betweens
• The Gourds
• The Kingsbury Manx
• The Minus 5
• The Reverend Horton Heat
• The Sadies
• The Soft Boys
• The Stray Birds
• Tift Merritt
• Tony Joe White
• Wesley Stace
• You Am I
• Young Fresh Fellows

Owners

Yep Roc Records is presently owned by Tor Hansen and Glen Dicker. Both individuals hold positions on the board of The Music Business Association, with Dicker serving as a board member and Hansen acting as the association's representative before the US Congress Judiciary Committee on Copyrights in August 2013.

See also

• List of record labels

External links

• Official website