Waterdog Records was co-founded in 1991 by Ralph Covert, lead man for the Bad Examples, and Jay Whitehouse, a musician, music fan and indie music insider for 11 years. Whitehouse Records, a "sister" label to Waterdog, started in 1994. In a seven-year period, the two labels released or reissued over 30 CDs by a wide range of musical talent. A restructuring in 1999 saw the creation of a new entity: Waterdog Music. The combined labels released the early efforts of such now-rising stars as Kat Parsons and Carey Ott of Torben Floor. At present Waterdog Music is solely concentrating on the career of Ralph Covert and his Bad Examples and Ralph's World musical efforts.

Absolute Records was formed in 1986 by Styx's hard rockin' guitarist James "JY" Young to launch his solo career with "City Slicker," and 1993's "Out On A Day Pass." JY released a group effort with The James Young Group, with one full album (and a lot of great live gigs) completed. In 1995, JY teamed up with Whitehouse Records to co-release the JY Group's "Raised By Wolves" as well as re-releasing his first two efforts. Styx bandmate Tommy Shaw's CD's ("Girls With Guns," and "What If") were remixed, remastered, and re-released through Absolute as well but are now out-of-print. JY and Tommy are always on tour with Styx.