About

CLE Records is a fanzine resurrected as a record label. On a mission to raise the profile of musicians in and from Cleveland, we focus on exposing the world to performers whose sounds reverberate throughout the rock-and-roll capital. CLE Records partners with a diverse group of independent artists who bring live performances to the city almost every night. Check out our artists page to learn more about the talent on Lake Erie’s shores.

History

X_X
X_X

John D Morton, right, with Jim Ellis, in a 1978 show by the band X_X.
Photo: Tom Warren

"From the Ashes, a Proto-Punk Revival"
Mike Rubin, New York Times - Nov 28, 2014

Tracing his roots to the punk era of the 1970s, Jim Ellis, CLE Records’ founder, has always had a passion for the cutting edge. He played bass for the proto-punk band X_X while publishing a cult-classic, independent fanzine named CLE.

After stepping away from the music scene for a while, Jim has returned with the opening of CLE Records in early 2026. This groundbreaking label is set to bring attention to the great vibes shaking The Land. “Quality is really important to me,” said Jim, in talking about the new productions. “There’s great music happening somewhere in Cleveland every night of the week. Live performances are where it’s at. And we work with the best to make sure the recordings capture exactly what they should.”