In the sun-soaked streets of Southern California, a revolution is brewing, and it goes by the name SVN/BRNT. This proudly proclaimed “traveling cult of creatives, degenerates, and misfits” is the brainchild of Jakob Nowell and longtime DIY show runner Zane Vandevort. Rooted in the spirit of ‘90s punk rock and underground authenticity, SVN/BRNT is a record label that is set to reawaken the scene with its unique blending of music and the disenfranchised.
Drawing inspiration from iconic brands like Skunk Records and SRH Clothing, which defined the skate punk lifestyle synonymous with Southern California, SVN/BRNT is more than just a collective—it’s a movement.
“Starting SVN/BRNT with Jake has been a long time in the making,” says Vandevort (Strange Case, Regime Music Group). “I’ve been putting on DIY shows in SoCal since 2019, and I’ve been blessed to have music business legend Kevin Zinger as my mentor. Hearing what he was able to do in the ’90s inspired me, and we aim to bring back that punk rock authenticity to a new generation of music lovers. I think the Southern California music scene has somewhat lost the plot, and I just really wanna bring back a sense of community and excitement.”
For Nowell (Sublime, Jakob’s Castle), SVN/BRNT is deeply personal. “When you ask people today about the music that they like, they usually say two things: ‘Music used to be so much better,’ and ‘I like every genre of music,’” he explains. “I think those people would be happy to know that music is still great today, and it blends more genres than there are grains of sand on the beach. The problem then is getting to the good stuff. SVN/BRNT Records is something we started to bring authentic music to the people who can really appreciate it.”
At its core, SVN/BRNT is a defiant reminder of music’s role as a cultural connector and disruptor. By tapping into the DIY ethos of the past and amplifying it with today’s limitless creative potential, Nowell and Vandevort are building a platform for those who live and breathe authenticity. Whether it’s through live shows, eclectic clothing drops, or cutting-edge music releases, SVN/BRNT promises to be more than just a brand—it’s a heartbeat for a scene that refuses to fade away.
Keep an eye on SVN/BRNT as they redefine the Southern California music landscape, one boisterous show at a time!
