Steve Byram has designed and illustrated the artwork for many of the label's albums.
[2] After attending college in Oregon, Berne moved to New York City in the 1970s to meet saxophonist Julius Hemphill, whose music had inspired him to become a jazz musician.
Hemphill became his mentor, giving him saxophone lessons and helping him find his way in the music business.
Berne founded Empire Records in the late 1970s to issue own albums.
Screwgun albums were initially distinguished by their brown, cardboard covers decorated with the line drawings of Steve Byram.