Wipe Out Music was founded in 1996 by John Esplen, initially as a spin-off to the various record labels he managed including the prestigious punk rock Overground Records, home to punk legends such as Steve Ignorant, 999, The Cravats and Richard Hell.
Whilst the early Wipe Out Music catalogue was rooted with classic punk rock music from the late 70s onwards, John quickly set about evolving the company to better develop new artists at the early stages of their career whose music inspired him.
It’s this ethos coupled with John’s willingness to support the artists he believes in that has seen the likes of Sleaford Mods go from bedroom hobbyists to one of the UK’s most exciting artists.
Now Wipe Out Music boasts one of the best publishing rosters of new and emerging talents like Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs, JOHN, Peaness and Burd Ellen alongside established and acclaimed acts such as The Enemy, Jah Wobble, Stone Foundation, The Subways and Emily Portman.
In 2023, John was diagnosed with terminal cancer and handed over the business to the long serving staff who helped him build Wipe Out up to where it is today. Liam, Matt and Brent are proud to be continuing John’s legacy and helping artists from the North-East of England, UK and all over the world achieve a successful career in music.
Liam Reay
Liam is one of our Directors, works in sync and manages our production music output.
First interned at Wipe Out before he was offered a full-time job.
Is a composer, signed to Big Sync, with music features on a Samsung headphones ad, FOX Sports, ESPN, and Food Network.
Biggest gig was in front of 11,000 people at Metro Radio Christmas Live, playing guitar for Calum Scott.
Thinks of himself as the next Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Matt Baty
Matt is one of our Directors and seeks out sync placements within tv, film and advertising.
Previously worked at Amazing Radio as their Head Of Music before joining Wipe Out Music at the start of 2017.
Runs a record label called Box Records releasing music he loves.
Matt is vocalist of rock band Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs.
Brent Richardson
Brent oversees the submission of our catalogue to commercial music libraries.
He’s a tech wizard and coded our very own DDEX delivery system.
Having previously studied Music Production at Newcastle College, Brent puts his skills to good use while working closely with Liam on our bespoke composition projects and library music catalogue.
Often found in Open Mic Nights with an acoustic guitar around Newcastle.
Dungeon Master in his friends Dungeons and Dragons Campaign.
