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Vinyl Emergency

Musicians, record label owners, visual artists and beyond describe how the influential medium of vinyl has shaped their lives and careers.
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Vinyl Emergency
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All Episodes
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Now displaying: 2017
Episode 52: Levi Seitz of Black Belt Mastering RETURNS 0
Apr 7, 2017
Previous guest Levi Seitz of Seattle's Black Belt Mastering has an impressive résumé, including work with Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, Macklemore collaborator Wanz and doing vinyl cutting for last year's Pearl Jam Vault Series release and Mother Love Bone reissues. This past December, another previous guest Rocky Votolato recorded three nights of performances at Levi's home, which has now been spun into "Live At Black Belt," Rocky's first live album, cut to vinyl by Levi and limited to 500 vinyl copies on pink/white swirl. This week, Levi returns to discuss how this new project came to be and how it was recorded, the distinct difference between "vinyl mastering" and "mastering for vinyl," working recently with Halo composer Marty O'Donnell, true sound differences between 1LP or 2LP releases cut at 33RPM vs. 45, how you can tell if records in your own collection have had to be re-cut, the importance of matrix numbers within the deadwax, the myth of the "hot stamper" and a fun Paul McCartney story.
 
Episode 51: Free Vinyl Friday! -- Ross Hammond, Lincoln Barr and La Historia 0
Mar 31, 2017
Last week, we hit our 50th episode of the show, and as a thank you for your support, it's time for an episode devoted entirely to vinyl giveaways! Tune in this week to hear some great new tunes and learn how to win free, limited-pressing LP's from instrumental jazz/folk guitarist Ross Hammond (Sacramento, CA), traditional pop vocalist/songwriter Lincoln Barr (Seattle, WA) and indie-rockers La Historia (Rockford, IL). And if you're an artist or record label that would like your music showcased or your vinyl given away via our podcast, don't hesitate to get in touch over email: vinylemergency@gmail.com!
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records at 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Flipbin: the handy as hell, flip-thru, now-playing, keep 'em close, flip/play/display storage for your favorite vinyl records. Use promo code EMERGENCY to save $10 off your order, for a limited time!
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Questions and feedback are always welcomed. Please consider making a donation over at vinylemergency.com, leaving an iTunes review or sharing our program with a friend!
Episode 50: Noah Gabriel and Adam Gardner 0
Mar 24, 2017
Whether performing solo or fronting the power-trio Noah's Arcade, Noah Gabriel's songs are powerful dissections of characters in desperate times, often taking even more desperate measures. Based just north of Aurora IL, Noah has opened for the likes of the Old 97's and Robert Randolph, crafting his own blend of Americana by pulling equally from the fiery blues of Stevie Ray Vaughn as well as the wry folk witticisms of Lucinda Williams. 
 
Recently, with the help of producer and longtime friend Adam Gardner, Gabriel has made his most introspective and best album yet with "Dead Reckoning" -- a concept record about terminal illness, death and the grieving process. Gardner, who recently moved back to suburban Chicago, built a strong reputation doing session work in Nashville with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb (Beck, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell) and collaborating with artists like Sturgill Simpson, Keb' Mo', Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett and others.
 
Today, Noah and Adam sit down to talk about their own record collections, the struggles of breaking into the Austin and Chicago music scenes, how "Dead Reckoning" was structured for vinyl since its conception, the history of Nashville's RCA Studio A, the specific family members that have influenced Noah's writing and certain records from Ryan Adams, Joni Mitchell and more that have changed their lives. For the release of "Dead Reckoning," Noah Gabriel will showcase his acrylic paintings and perform both a solo/acoustic and full band/electric set in Batavia, IL at Water Street Studios and Kiss The Sky respectively tonight, March 24th. You can also order the album, find additional show information and more at noahgabriel.com. PLUS tune in to learn how you could win a free copy of "Dead Reckoning" on vinyl!
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records at 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Flipbin: the handy as hell, flip-thru, now-playing, keep 'em close, flip/play/display storage for your favorite vinyl records. Use promo code EMERGENCY to save $10 off your order, for a limited time!
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation over at vinylemeregncy.com, leaving an iTunes review or sharing our program with a friend!
Episode 49: Allen Epley of Shiner and The Life & Times 0
Mar 17, 2017
Kansas City, MO quartet Shiner are seen as giants of the indefinable mathy/space-rock scene, having built a rabid cult following while touring with acts like Jawbox, Hum and more during the mid-90's/early-00's. For the last five years, the band has done sporadic reunion shows in support of pressing their albums to vinyl for the first time, beginning with 2001's "The Egg," followed by "Starless" (2000) and most recently "Lula Divinia," coinciding with that record's 20th anniversary this year. Today, vocalist/guitarist Allen Epley discusses his journey from 70's AM favorites to indie heavyweights like The Jesus Lizard, his current musical role in Chicago's production of the Blue Man Group, recent happenings with his current trio The Life & Times, how the remastering process works for the Shiner vinyl pressings -- plus how Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman got that reissue campaign going -- and more! You can order "Lula Divinia" on black or splattered vinyl at shiner.seenmerch.com as well as purchase the latest Life & Times covers EP "Dopplegangers" at thelifeandtimes.bandcamp.com.
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records at 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Flipbin: the handy as hell, flip-thru, now-playing, keep 'em close, flip/play/display storage for your favorite vinyl records. Use promo code EMERGENCY to save $10 off your order, for a limited time!
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation over at vinylemeregncy.com, leaving an iTunes review or sharing our program with a friend!
 
Episode 48: Ted Leo 0
Mar 3, 2017
From highly-influential albums like 2001's "The Tyranny of Distance" and 2003's "Hearts of Oak" to his collaboration with Aimee Mann in The Both to the charming, seemingly effortless covers he's laid down in salute to Tears For Fears, The Pogues, Split Enz and more, it's abundantly clear that Ted Leo loves the art of songwriting. Through his kinetic guitar work and a voice that reaches for the rafters, he can jump remarkably from a protest motif to waxing nostalgic, or the 2 Tone movement to power pop, often within the same song. And while it's been a long seven years since his last proper album with the Pharmacists, that doesn't mean one of indie-rock's brightest and most passionate performers hasn't been busy. Announcing that he's honed nearly three albums worth of new material since 2010's "The Brutalist Bricks," the timing was right for a Kickstarter launch earlier this month to fund his upcoming full-length sans label structure. While admitting he had some fears about crowdfunding, Ted's fans and fellow musicians came out in droves to support him when the news dropped, crushing the original goal and then some in less than 24 hours. On today's show, Ted discusses the Kickstarter process, his days as a DJ at school dances as well as on Notre Dame campus radio, some favorite record stores to dig in, a few punk rarities in his collection, his favorite Pharmacists album cover, recording a show direct-to-acetate at Third Man Records in Nashville, whether or not his records with the Pharmacists will be reissued, what keeps him happy and motivated in today's political climate and much more. Follow @tedleo on Twitter, and through March 24th, you can pre-order the new album over at tedleo.com! PLUS we spin a new jam from Boston band Sinnet, who are friends of the show and need your help through PledgeMusic to get their next LP pressed to vinyl. Go to sinnetsongs.com for more info!
 
Episode 47: Austin Lucas 0
Feb 24, 2017
Singer/songwriter Austin Lucas' unique, lush voice and DIY ethics have earned him tours with a vast array of artists -- ranging from Frank Turner to Willie Nelson -- and rave reviews from well-known music publications like Q Magazine and No Depression. Today, Austin chats about the influence of fellow Indiana native John Mellencamp, his early attraction to "We Are The World" and the La Bamba soundtrack, having an album rejected by his previous record label, how his background in opera and choir as a child helps him today, why women are too often the villain in country songs, the songwriting career and massive record collection of his father, and much more. You can help Austin fund the recording of his next album, Immortal Americans, by purchasing tickets to his house-show tour, which begins March 10th and goes through May. Those who purchase tickets can also get a download of the specific show they attended! All the details are at austinlucas.com.
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records at 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Flipbin: the handy as hell, flip-thru, now-playing, keep 'em close, flip/play/display storage for your favorite vinyl records.
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation over at vinylemeregncy.com, leaving an iTunes review or sharing our program with a friend!
Episode 46: LIVE 1st Anniversary with Bob Nanna and Chris Broach of Braid 0
Feb 3, 2017
Recorded in front of a live audience at Pinwheel Records in Chicago, we celebrate Vinyl Emergency's first birthday with vocalists/guitarists Chris Broach and Bob Nanna of influential emo quartet Braid! On top of performing three rare acoustic songs, the guys also chat about working with J. Robbins on Braid's iconic 1997 album "Frame & Canvas," what they currently have been purchasing on vinyl, hilarious tour stories, their first introduction to vinyl as kids, the differences in writing and releasing albums now versus during their original tenure in the 90's, their upcoming side projects, and so much more! Check out some photos from this special evening over at facebook.com/vinylemergency and keep up on Braid news on Twitter or Facebook, @BraidCentral. Also, visit our social media this week to enter to win a rare copy of "Frame & Canvas" on picture disc, limited to 330 copies, courtesy of Polyvinyl Records!
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records at 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Flipbin: the handy as hell, flip-thru, now-playing, keep 'em close, flip/play/display storage for your favorite vinyl records.
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation over at vinylemeregncy.com, leaving an iTunes review or sharing our program with a friend!
Episode 45: Steven Hyden 0
Jan 20, 2017
If you've read an album review, music article or artist interview in print or online in the last fifteen years or so, chances are you've read Steven Hyden's work. Aside from freelancing for Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Slate and more, he's also been a staff writer for both The AV Club and Grantland, and joined UPROXX as their culture critic last summer. He's also host of the Celebration Rock podcast and author of the fantastic 2016 book Your Favorite Band Is Killing Me, which breaks down the history of specific rivalries or beefs within pop music and explains their relation to our daily lives. Today, Steven and I discuss recent price hikes in vinyl, the thrill of riding your bike to and from record stores as a kid, the loneliness of being an author, the seemingly instinctual competitiveness between men, awkward moments with Ian MacKaye and Billy Corgan, and why his four-year-old son loves "Hotel California," but is scared of "Kashmir." Follow @steven_hyden on Twitter for links to his articles, Celebration Rock and more.
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records, 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; and Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time.
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Show questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Please consider making a donation over at vinylemeregncy.com, leaving an iTunes review or sharing our program with a friend!
Episode 44: Chris Brown of Bull Moose Records 0
Jan 13, 2017
A longtime employee of indie record store chain Bull Moose in the US Northeast, Chris Brown is credited with having the original idea for Record Store Day, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this April. Also known for his detailed YouTube videos for RSD fans -- often showcasing the physical releases for the first time each year -- Chris discusses the history of RSD and his annually anticipated videos, his early love for classical vinyl, playing in bands and much more! Follow him on Twitter @RealChrisBrown, and shop BullMoose.com for your next record fix!
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records, 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Table-Turned, a new vinyl subscription service giving you your choice of genre for as low as about $12/album.
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Show questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Sign up to be a part of our LIVE audience Sat., Jan. 14th in Chicago at vinylemergency.com!
Episode 43: Bill Janovitz of Buffalo Tom 0
Jan 6, 2017
A seminal power-trio of early-to-mid 90's alternative-rock, Buffalo Tom are fresh off the funding of a brand new album via PledgeMusic, and plotting tour dates this year around the upcoming 25th anniversary reissue of their influential third album, Let Me Come Over. Today, singer/guitarist Bill Janovitz discusses the feeling of having his music on vinyl for the first time, discovering tons of classic 45's that were left behind by his neighbors, the eclectic sounds of 70's AM radio, the democratic nature of Buffalo Tom choosing their album art and earning some cool points with his daughter for getting a song dedication from Death Cab for Cutie's Ben Gibbard. Plus we delve into his work as an author on two Rolling Stones books, a bit of history on the recording of Buffalo Tom's Sleepy Eyed album and the enigmatic persona of J. Mascis. Visit pledgemusic.com/projects/buffalotom for info on contributing towards the next BT album and follow @billjanovitz and @BuffaloTomBand on Twitter for other upcoming announcements!
 
SPONSORS: Pinwheel Records, 1722 W. 18th St. in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood; Vinyl For A Cause, promoting charitable good, one record sale at a time; Table-Turned, a new vinyl subscription service giving you your choice of genre for as low as about $12/album.
 
Follow @VinylEmergency on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Show questions and feedback are always welcomed at vinylemergency@gmail.com. Sign up to be a part of our LIVE audience Sat., Jan. 14th in Chicago at vinylemergency.com!
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