Idol Records is a Dallas, Texas-based record label and publishing company founded in 1993 by Erv Karwelis who serves as President. Its roster consists of bands such as The O's, Dead Flowers, Calhoun, Old 97's, Centro-matic, Here Holy Spain, Sponge, Black Tie Dynasty, Watershed and Flickerstick. In January 2009 Idol launched an Art-Pop sub label Exploding Plastic Records, the first bands signed to the label were Little Black Dress and These Machines Are Winning. Idol Records is a member of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), Merlin, and The Recording Academy.