ICYMI: Kepi Ghoulie’s "Inkpot"
It has been just over a month since we dropped Kepi Ghoulie’s brand-new 7-inch single, Inkpot, into the world on February 6th. The dust has barely settled, but if this vibrant release somehow managed to slip past your radar during the late-winter shuffle, consider this your official wake-up call to get it into your daily rotation.
In the fast-paced world of independent music, it is incredibly easy for a great single to get lost in the endless scroll of new Friday releases. However, the true mark of a fantastic record is its staying power. Inkpot possesses a specific kind of kinetic energy that demands to be heard long after the initial release day hype has faded. It is a masterclass in straightforward, driving pop-punk that feels both timeless and entirely urgent.
The A-side, "Inkpot," is a high-octane reimagining of the classic Shocking Blue track. Kepi completely revitalized it for a modern punk audience, enlisting the powerhouse talents of Dog Party and Prima Donna to help bring the vision to life. The guitars are bright, the rhythm section hits with deliberate punch, and Kepi’s unmistakable vocal delivery remains as infectious and joyful as ever. It sounds exactly like a great rock record should: wildly alive and relentlessly positive.
Flipping the record over reveals the B-side, "Latitude 58," which perfectly complements the A-side's energy. It acts as a pure celebration of love, life, and travel. Together, these two tracks form a cohesive, uplifting package that serves as a perfect antidote to any lingering winter blues.
Releasing this project perfectly encapsulates what we are doing here at SwankyTone. For decades, Kepi has been a foundational pillar of the California independent scene. He brings an unrelenting positivity and a fierce DIY work ethic that embodies the absolute best of underground music. Having his music as pin SwankyTone catalog is an absolute honor and perfectly aligns with our vision of preserving and promoting the essential sounds of the West Coast.
When SwankyTone Records was launched, the goal was simple: Build a vibrant catalog of California recordings that fundamentally respect the artists creating them. Because of our fair-trade approach to revenue splits, every single time you spin this record, stream it on your phone, or purchase a piece of physical media, you are putting money directly into the hands of the artist.
While streaming is incredibly convenient, the Inkpot 7-inch single was designed to be a collector's item, pressed on beautiful colored vinyl. If you have not yet picked up a physical copy for your shelf, there are still a few available at Eccentric Pop Records (US) and Stardumb Records (Europe).
Here is how you can directly support this release:
☑️ Listen Loud: Stream the record on your preferred platform today.
🔗 Link to Stream Kepi Ghoulie's "Inkpot"
☑️ Spread the Word: Send the link to that friend who needs a high-energy soundtrack, or post it to your social media profiles.
☑️ Add to Playlists: Drop your favorite tracks into your personal weekend rotation to help feed those streaming algorithms.
☑️ Grab the Vinyl: Grab your physical copy of the 7-inch limited edition color vinyl before they sell out.
🔗 Link to Vinyl @ Stardumb Records (Europe)
🔗 Link to Vinyl @ Eccentric Pop (U.S.)
Thank you to everyone who has already championed this release over the last month. The independent music community continues to prove that when we rally together behind great art, good things happen.
Best,
Scott @ SwankyTone Records