Making Vinyl Memphis

The journalist Robert Gordon recently wrote: "Nashville is where you go to make a hit that sounds like everyone else. Memphis is where you make a hit that sounds like no one else. That’s what distinguishes the record labels, recording studios, and recording artists that Memphis is known for: They stayed in Memphis to pursue their independent visions outside the corporate headquarters in Nashville and on the coasts." Our opening panel features a who's who of the city's rich scene.

Just when we thought the vinyl pressing industry was getting used to a post-pandemic "new normal," new uncertainty abounds. Is vinyl demand still growing? If so, why are some small plants going under? Will tariffs impact costs and margins? How will an economic slowdown impact the vinyl market? We'll get answers – and an up-to-date pulse on how the vinyl business is faring – from the heads of five leading U.S. vinyl manufacturers.

Small to medium-sized pressing plants have different challenges than their larger counterparts, especially amid an uncertain economy. One way they can stay ahead of the curve while best serving their customers is introducing innovation in their production processes, infrastructure and products. The panelists will discuss some of the trends emerging in 2025.

In January 2025 several fires completely large swaths of the sprawling Los Angeles metropolitan area. The flames came within blocks of these two boutique pressing plants. Hear what was going through minds. Btw, among those from our industry who lost homes include mastering/cutting legend Bernie Grundman, who Making Vinyl honored in 2019 with a Lifetime Achievement Award, renown mixing engineer Bob Clearmountain, and AIX Records owner Mark Waldrep. . 

Clifton Muhammad just finished his MBA when he inherited a record store from his uncle, who passed away. Clifton's first inclination was to sell the business but then his wife Connie Anderson suggested he reconsider. Their store The Record Track has become an important pillar of their Chicago community, in a similar manner that Goner Records and Shangri-la Records have been in Memphis for years.