Seeking major label deal

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The band spent much of 1994 seeking out a major label deal. Alexakis became very involved in the business aspect of the band which proved to be a double-edged sword; while he could outline realistic proposals on the financials he would need for recording music and touring, he also refused to budge on retaining complete creative control of the band’s music, which scared away many potential record labels. After a modest bidding war, they were signed to Capitol Records by Gary Gersh, who was responsible for signing Nirvana , Sonic Youth , and Counting Crows to DGC Records . Just before their signing, Everclear parted ways with drummer Cuthbert, citing personality conflicts, and brought in former Jollymon drummer Greg Eklund. In May 1995, the band released their first album for the label, Sparkle and Fade .