April 3, 2000 14:39

TRICKY SIGNS OWN EPITAPH

The triphopper gets signed by the Californian punk label [b]Epitaph[/b]...

Tricky has signed a new record deal with the European branch of the Californian punk label EPITAPH RECORDS, nme.com can reveal.

The rapper, who produced four albums with Island Records before leaving the label in October last year, is currently recording new material with a view to releasing a new EP in July, followed by a full studio album in the autumn.

A spokesperson for Tricky told nme.com: "Epitaph wanted to expand and not confine themselves to punk. They've always been fans of Tricky's work, and he is very happy to be working on an independent label."

The spokesperson added that it was to early in the recording process to tell what direction the rapper's new material will take. His last album, 'Juxtapose', showed a return to the more radio friendly material of his debut album 'Maxinquaye'.

Epitaph Records were formed in the US by Brett Gurewitz, who also founded the punk band Bad Religion. Bands who have released records through the label include The Offspring, who recorded their first four albums, Rancid, NOFX and Pennywise.

Epitaph have recently expanded the diversity of their label by signing Tom Waits, who had one of the most successful albums of his career with 'Mule Variations', which was released through the label last year.