Riot Records, founded in 1989, emerged as a significant player in the independent music scene, focusing primarily on punk, hardcore, and alternative rock genres. Established by a group of music enthusiasts in California, the label aimed to provide a platform for underground artists. Notable artists associated with Riot include the influential punk band AFI, as well as others like The Distillers and The Bouncing Souls, who contributed to the label's reputation during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Riot Records gained recognition for its commitment to artist development and its role in the rise of the punk revival movement. The label's distinctive branding and dedication to promoting emerging talent helped shape the sound of a generation. Although it faced challenges in the evolving music industry landscape, Riot's legacy endures through its catalog and the continued influence of its artists on contemporary punk and alternative music.