Knw-Yr-own is a label founded by Bret Lunsford (Beat Happening, D+) in 1987, as an outlet for Anacortes, Wash., area music.

Bret grew up in Anacortes and lives there currently with his family. He operates a book and record store called the Business, which hosts frequent events at the in-house eatery, Cafe Adrift, and is home to a small studio where some of the Knw-Yr-Own recordings are produced. Started initially as a cassette-only label, the first releases on Knw-Yr-own were the series of local compilations Sore Optimists, To Go Nowhere and Too Sore to Move. In its current status, Knw-Yr-Own operates as a loose collective releasing CDs by Little Wings, Nate Ashley, Karl Blau, Dennis Driscoll, Khaela Marricich (pre-Get the Hell Out of the Way of the Volcano). The exemplary compilation Remote Wing was released this past Autumn featuring Microphones, D+, Mirah, Little Wings, Nate Ashley, Karl Blau, Get the Hell Out of the Way of the Volcano, Laura Viers and much more.

Located on Fidalgo Island, on the San Juans, Anacortes has a long history of cultural exchange with Olympia. Besides Bret’s involvement with Beat Happening and the downtown Olympia scene, the Anacortes artists Public Service, the Few, Pounding Serfs, Gravel, the Crabs, the Microphones, D+ and Karl Blau have all released material on K, and Olympia bands have always received a warm welcome when playing in Anacortes.

For further info on Knw-Yr-Own visit: www.knw-yr-own.com