FOCUS // On Some Serious Swerp: Remembering the Music of Swerp Records
>Nestled within the rich annals of the Chicago alternative music scene, Swerp Records existed for only two years, from 2012 to 2014. Founded by J. Matthew Nix and Jonathan Mondragon, the label boasted an eclectic roster of bands from south-suburban Chicago and beyond that together present an important snapshot of a regional scene. Swerp was a modest DIY operation. Its hyper-local focus celebrated an esteemed musical pedigree while fostering a new generation of groundbreaking musicians. What started in a “punk loft” aptly named The Swerp Mansion didn’t end up evolving into much more. But the label and the bands on it made their presence felt, and their influence continues to resonate today.
