About Louis Posen

Over the last three decades, Hopeless Records founder Louis Posen has turned a bedroom label into one of the most successful companies in independent music. Although the Van Nuys, California-based label has been home to an incredibly diverse roster of artists like Avenged Sevenfold, All Time Low, Sum 41, and the Wonder Years, Posen always seeks the same quality in new music. “It should speak to you, it should make the hair on the back of your neck stand up,” he says. “It’s about going to a show and feeling something special and wanting to be part of that. It’s about the community.” As these music communities evolved, Posen welcomed change with open arms. Most recently, with the rise of TikTok, Hopeless has emerged as a proud proponent of young Gen-Z musical voices like Waterparks, Scene Queen, NOAHFINNCE, LØLØ, and DE'WAYNE.

Posen has been tirelessly working to give back to that community, not just through ethical business practices but by his commitment to community service and charity work. Sub City, Hopeless’ 501(c)(3) non-profit offshoot, has raised over $3 million for more than 50 causes since its inception in 1999. The label’s Songs That Saved My Life series is an emblem of Hopeless' dedication to releasing music with a positive impact. Additionally, the label has raised money to open two recording studios in Los Angeles to serve and educate burgeoning musicians who lack the resources to practice and record their music.

Hopeless was founded in 1993 when Posen, a 22-year-old aspiring music video director, used $1,000 to release a seven-inch by the band Guttermouth. The label is now an indie institution that touts well over 400 releases, with several Billboard top ten albums and Gold and Platinum records under its belt. Posen currently serves on the board of several prominent industry organizations, including Merlin and A2IM, and has previously been a board member for the Music Business Association and the Worldwide Independent Network. Posen