07/10/2026
40 yrs ago the first Self Destruct Record was released, the "Taken for Granted" 7" EP by Solution Unknown. Only 300 pressed. It was 1986. John Peel, of the famous BBC show, the Peel Sessions in England, even played songs off the record!
The label, named after Brett Eugene Ralph's fanzine, Self Destruct, that provided local punk information to a young, growing, evolving Louisville music scene, was also inspired by many DIY independent labels around the US like Dischord, Touch & Go, Affirmation, TeenBeat, and others that would introduce bands from their own cities, towns, and scenes, to others ready to listen, and they did. Independent labels brought a music genre that would invade and influence so many young people. We wanted to document the local underground music that was exploding around us. Luckily there were other local labels that also started to do the same because it was an incredible and exciting time for music.
Louisville, in the big picture, has always forged a musical impact in the music world.
I'm proud of our music city and our music history! It is rich, colorful, and influential!
Thanks for letting us Self Destruct all of these years!!!
