Stick to the Core

Stick to the Core is a Belgian independent record label focused on hardcore punk and related heavy music. Operating primarily through an online store hosted on Big Cartel, the label issues limited-run vinyl records, cassettes, and exclusive merchandise. Its catalog includes releases by both contemporary and legacy hardcore acts, such as Shai Hulud, Xibalba, Culture, Kindred, 108, Course of Action, Once Never Again, Skycamefalling, Satanic Witch, and Bridgeburne R. The label assigns sequential catalog numbers (e.g., STTC 040, STTC 057) to its releases, a common practice among independent music imprints. Stick to the Core positions itself within the global hardcore scene, often handling exclusive pressings and reissues. For example, it released a vinyl edition of Bridgeburne R's "What Do You Know About Bridgeburne R?"—a project originally recorded in 1999 and first issued on CD by Genet Records in 2000—marking its first appearance on vinyl 25 years later. The label also offers merchandise, such as an exclusive Shai Hulud "Florida Hardcore" item. While its physical base is in Belgium, its reach extends internationally through online sales, catering to collectors and fans of hardcore punk. The label's output reflects a curatorial focus on hardcore's diverse strains, from metallic hardcore to youth crew and emo-adjacent sounds. By championing both new recordings and archival material, Stick to the Core contributes to the preservation and circulation of hardcore punk culture. Its Big Cartel storefront serves as the primary distribution channel, with product listings indicating availability, pricing in euros, and limited stock. As a private, independent entity, it operates outside major label structures, typical of niche genre labels.

Stick to the Core is a Belgian record label that emerged within the independent hardcore punk scene. While its exact founding date is not documented in the available evidence, its catalog numbering—spanning at least from STTC 040 to STTC 057—suggests a sustained release schedule over multiple years. The label operates primarily as an online mail-order business through a Big Cartel storefront, a common model for niche independent labels. The label's catalog includes a mix of new releases and archival projects. Notable among its offerings is the first vinyl pressing of Bridgeburne R's "What Do You Know About Bridgeburne R?"—a recording originally made in September 1999 by a short-lived hardcore punk band featuring Damien Moyal (of As Friends Rust, Shai Hulud, and Culture fame), Kaleb Stewart, Bill Clower, and Eryc Simmerer. That album was initially released on CD by Belgian label Genet Records in 2000, and Stick to the Core issued it on 180-gram heavyweight vinyl 25 years later, remastered for the format. This release exemplifies the label's role in reintroducing overlooked hardcore material to new audiences. Stick to the Core also handles exclusive pressings and merchandise for established acts. Its store lists a Shai Hulud "Florida Hardcore" merch item and a Shai Hulud 12-inch titled "Demonstration (6 Songs with Damien Singing: 1995)," indicating a connection to the band's early demo recordings. Other releases include titles by Xibalba, Culture, Kindred, 108, Course of Action, Once Never Again, Skycamefalling, and Satanic Witch. The label's output spans various hardcore subgenres, from metallic hardcore to melodic and emo-adjacent styles. As a private, independent entity, Stick to the Core does not appear to be affiliated with major label groups. Its operations are centered on direct-to-consumer sales, with prices listed in euros and shipping likely available across Europe and beyond. The label's continued activity is evidenced by product listings marked "Coming soon" and "On sale," suggesting an ongoing release pipeline. While specific details about its ownership, founding year, and headquarters city are not available in the provided sources, its Belgian origin is confirmed by Wikidata and the release history of associated acts.

• Release of Bridgeburne R – What Do You Know About Bridgeburne R? 12-inch (STTC 051), first time on vinyl, remastered, 25 years after original recording.

• Release of Shai Hulud – Demonstration (6 Songs with Damien Singing: 1995) 12-inch (STTC 050).

• Release of Xibalba – Place of Fear 12-inch (STTC 045).

• Release of Culture – Oath tape (STTC 048).

• Release of Kindred / Culture – Culture / Kindred tape (STTC 049).

• Release of 108 – Curse of Instinct tape (STTC 043).

• Release of Course of Action – No Redeeming the Sunlit Path of Bliss 12-inch (STTC 041).

• Release of Once Never Again – Others Came Along and Killed My Dreams 12-inch (STTC 040).

• Release of Skycamefalling – 10.21 tape (STTC 052).

• Release of Satanic Witch – Satanic Witch 12-inch vinyl (STTC 057).

Independent hardcore punk label specializing in limited vinyl, tapes, and exclusive merch for collectors and genre fans.

• Skycamefalling – To Forever Embrace the Sun – 12-inch (STTC Exclusive)

• Skycamefalling – 10.21 – Tape (STTC 052)

• Satanic Witch – Satanic Witch – 12-inch Vinyl (STTC 057)

• Culture – Oath – Tape (STTC 048)

• Kindred / Culture – Culture / Kindred – Tape (STTC 049)

• 108 – Curse of Instinct – Tape (STTC 043)

• Bridgeburne R – What Do You Know About Bridgeburne R? – 12-inch (STTC 051)

• Shai Hulud – Demonstration (6 Songs with Damien Singing: 1995) – 12-inch (STTC 050)

• Shai Hulud – Florida Hardcore – Merch (Exclusive)

• Xibalba – Place of Fear – 12-inch (STTC 045)

• Course of Action – No Redeeming the Sunlit Path of Bliss – 12-inch (STTC 041)

• Once Never Again – Others Came Along and Killed My Dreams – 12-inch (STTC 040)

1. 1Home | STICK TO THE COREsticktothecore.bigcartel.com
2. 2Products | STICK TO THE COREsticktothecore.bigcartel.com
3. 3BRIDGEBURNE R - WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT BRIDGEBURNE R? - 12 INCH (STTC 051) | STICK TO THE COREsticktothecore.bigcartel.com
4. 4Stick to the Core - Wikidatawikidata.org