The Rave will be taken over by a record label. Brett Gurewitz's juggernaut Epitaph Records will put on a show featuring some of the label's brightest up and coming bands. The show will be headlined by the emo-punk band Matchbook Romance and will also feature Motion City Soundtrack, From First To Last and Scatter the Ashes.

According to Epitaph publicist Hector Martinez, the Epitaph Tour "was the brain child of label owner Brett Gurewitz who decided it would be a great way to present our newest bands and make an event out of a show, not just another gig. We are giving away free tote bags with buttons, stickers, and a free CD."

The bands on the tour are also pumped to put on a good show. Matchbook Romance drummer Aaron Stern explains, "It's great to be on tour with such great band. It's flattering to have lived up to Brett's expectations."

In fact, Gurewitz seems to have played a pivotal role not only in forming the Epitaph Tour, but also in the development of Matchbook Romance.

"Brett's like a father to us," Stern said. "He's given advice to us. He took us in to record an album. He knows so much and is such an amazing person to help us."

Stern also spoke of how attending shows impacted him before he was in Matchbook Romance. "Going to shows when I was younger and seeing how others played was an influence. Just seeing bands like New Found Glory … small bands in small clubs where I could see how other drummers played."

Stern is also excited to introduce new music to a new audience. "We're sincere and the stuff we write is ours — it's from our heart. People can easily relate with our songs."

At the same time, both the band and Epitaph have had to deal with labels like whiny emo or mainstream.

"If people choose to label us, then that's what they do," Stern said. "We don't pigeonhole ourselves."

Martinez echoed the sentiment. "There's never been a conscious decision to be more mainstream — just a decision to put out CDs by what we think are talented young bands. Whatever happens after that is up to the fans."

As the tour winds down — Milwaukee is one of the last stops — there are already thoughts of the future.

"The first Epitaph Tour was an experiment, which seems to have been very successful. As we see it there's no reason not to continue and do it again next year." Martinez said. "The fans, the bands and the label are all happy."

According to Stern, Matchbook Romance also has their eyes fixed down the road. "Right after this tour we're moving out to California for two months to do some recording. After that we're going on the Warped Tour."

Stern was coy when talking about what's in store for a new album. "It will be much more mature but it will also be Matchbook at the same time … we've evolved as musicians."

The Epitaph Tour hits the Rave at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $15. More information is available by calling 342-7283 or by visiting www.therave.com.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on Mar. 17 2005.