REFUSE RECORDS (Anchor LP pre-order starts now!)

Refuse started as a project related with hardcore / straight edge / punk scene in Warsaw, Poland in february of 1993. Main goals were supporting DIY / hc/punk / political activity in the scene that slowly started fade away in this time, after very active years 89-92. There was almost no shows anymore, any new bands or activities.One of the reasons has been promoting straight edge in the hc/punk scene, as it was almost non-existent in the local scene in this period, but still supporting all kinds of positive hardcore and punk culture and being far from any elitists, isalotionist and negative tendencies.Started as a local project/activities it gets more international in the next years. Influenced by growing first wave of DIY hardcore and punk in Poland from late 80's and early 90's, as well as international hardcore and punk scene from the 80's (from old school / straight edge / fast / thrash hardcore to early 80's anarcho-peace-punk). One of the main influences was growing in the early 90's straight edge hardcore scene around Europe, mixing fast positive hardcore with strong political message with bands like Manliftingbanner, Nations On Fire, Feeding The Fire, Shortsight, Spirit Of Youth, Spawn, X-Acto or Cymeon X. European Straight Edge become a fact and bands / zines / individuals were far more from any conservative / right-wing / intolerant views. In opposite, it was all about taking strong positions on issues like politics, fascism (that incredibly grow around Europe in the early90's), racism, sexism, homophobia and animal rights (promoting vegetarianism and veganism)."Positive Political Powerful", "PoliticalxEdge" or simply "Go Vegan!" were (and still are!) one of those key-words that were integral part of the meaning behind activities. Regardless of views and ethics we worked with non-major label bands of all genres, zines or individuals, more or less political, straight edge or not.Refuse Records, as a label, started in 1996, three years later. Until now, it has released 44 titles, including hardcore bands from Holland, USA, Germany, Sweden, Brazil, Belarus, Macedonia, Portugal, Poland, Holland and Belgium and some worldwide compilations. More releases on the way!Other main activities are: Distribution and Mailorder, Booking shows/ tours, festivals such as "Straight Edge Fest" (1995-1997), "Noc Walpurgii" and "Open HC Fest".Robertxxx / Refuse Records