Since 1997, Jersey City imprint Mint 400 Records has launched upward of 600 releases by more than 150 artists, but the label’s latest endeavor aims to honor a creative connected to its earliest days

Mint 400 Records was founded nearly three decades ago by Neil Sabatino, initially as a label to house the prolific output of his Northern, New Jersey indie-punk outfit Fairmont.

In 2023, Fairmont lost its drummer, Andy Applegate, to health complications.

“Andy played hundreds of shows with Fairmont all over the United States and although he was dealing with many serious issues related to his kidney the whole time, he never let it slow him down,” Sabatino expressed in a January 3 post via the Mint 400 Records social media platforms.”

According to Sabatino, “Andy loved Guided by Voices, buying records and playing drums more than any person I’ve ever met,” which has inspired Fairmont to release a new single dedicated to Applegate titled “Buy More Records.”

In addition to the release of “Buy More Records,” Fairmont and Mint 400 Records has also launched a new line of merchandise featuring the song’s title, and has pledged all funds from song and apparel sales to be donated to the Asbury Park Music Foundation. Sabatino said the proceeds will be used to “put instruments in the hands of students.”

“Andy Applegate was a very special man that touched the lives of everyone that knew him and we hope in some small way this honors his memory for years to come,” Sabatino added.

Stream and purchase “Buy More Records” below, and help preserve the legacy of Applegate by visiting the merchandise link.

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