A Noncomprehensive History of Fueled by Ramen
Richie Dillard
Founded in 1996, Fueled by Ramen is a record label started in John Janick's University of Florida dorm room. Originally signing mainly ska bands, the mission of FBR has always been to support artists from DIY roots. This label, over the past 28 years, has become one of the most influential independent labels ever. Not only has it been home to household names like Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, it has also been the center of attention in the "pop punk" world and greatly changed how fans interact with bands through their large internet following, starting on LiveJournal. Despite Janick leaving the label in 2012, Fueled by Ramen has remained an iconic figure in the alternative "emo" and "scene" canons. After all, it's more than a record label, it's a lifestyle.