[[File:Party_Smasher_Inc_logo.svg|thumb|Party Smasher Inc. logo]]
Party Smasher Inc. is an American independent record label and artist management company, primarily known for its association with the experimental metal band [[The Dillinger Escape Plan]]. Co-founded in 2009 by Ben Weinman, guitarist and principal songwriter for The Dillinger Escape Plan, and Liam Wilson, the band's bassist, the label was established to provide a platform for releasing their own music and to support other artists they admired.
History and Founding
Party Smasher Inc. was officially founded in 2009 by Ben Weinman and Liam Wilson. The initial motivation behind its creation was to gain greater creative control and ownership over The Dillinger Escape Plan's musical output, following years of working with various major and independent labels. The label's inaugural release was The Dillinger Escape Plan's critically acclaimed fourth studio album, ''[[Option Paralysis]]'', in 2010. By releasing their own material, the band aimed to foster a more direct relationship with their fans and maintain artistic integrity without external pressures.Roster and Releases
While Party Smasher Inc. has predominantly served as the primary label for The Dillinger Escape Plan's later albums, it has also expanded its roster to include a diverse array of artists across various genres, often within the broader sphere of experimental, heavy, and alternative music. The label is known for supporting artists who push boundaries and defy conventional categorization.Notable releases and artists associated with Party Smasher Inc. include:
- The Dillinger Escape Plan: ''Option Paralysis'' (2010), ''One of Us Is the Killer'' (2013), ''Dissociation'' (2016)
- Giraffe Tongue Orchestra: A supergroup featuring Ben Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan), Brent Hinds (Mastodon), William DuVall (Alice in Chains), Pete Griffin (Dethklok), and Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta). Their debut album, ''Broken Lines'', was released in 2016.
- Primitive Weapons: An alternative metal band, releasing their album ''The Future of Death'' through the label.
- Fawn Limbs: An experimental/mathcore band known for their intricate and chaotic sound.
- Wreck and Reference: An experimental electronic/doom duo.
Philosophy and Impact
Party Smasher Inc. embodies an artist-centric philosophy, prioritizing creative freedom and direct engagement with the audience. Its existence allowed The Dillinger Escape Plan to manage their brand and releases with a high degree of independence, especially in the later stages of their career. The label represents a model where established artists leverage their platform to cultivate and promote new and challenging music, fostering a community of like-minded creators and listeners.See Also
- [[The Dillinger Escape Plan]]
- [[Independent record label]]
- [[Ben Weinman]]
[[Category:American record labels]] [[Category:Independent record labels]] [[Category:Record labels established in 2009]] [[Category:Record labels based in New Jersey]]