The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds

Australian icon Tex Perkins takes us through his legendary career, from The Cruel Sea & The Beasts recent works, to wild ARIA award nights, his atrocious habits with vinyl records, reissuing his works on vinyl and lots more.

Topics Include:

• Tex Perkins rehearsing with The Cruel Sea for upcoming gigs.
• Bringing back "deep cuts" from 30 years ago.
• Band already prepared the songs before his arrival.
• Feels like "personal karaoke" returning to old material.
• Gains fresh perspective on older songs with time.
• Sometimes writes songs instinctively, not from personal experience.
• Song "Hard For You" channeled rage he hadn't experienced.
• Recorded with Kid Congo Powers from Bad Seeds.
• ARIA Awards incident clarified - didn't stab anyone.
• Hit someone with a glass at an after-party.
• Molly Meldrum was present during the altercation.
• Lived with Jules Normington of Phantom Records.
• Paid rent by washing Jules' dishes.
• Had access to Jules' extensive record collection.
• Especially enjoyed 60s punk and garage rock records.
• Met John Foy, who was pedantic about record handling.
• Music scattered across many different record labels.
• Controls some albums, but not all.
• Universal owns The Cruel Sea and some Beasts albums.
• Axeman's Jazz recorded and mixed in six hours.
• Recent album "Ultimo" recorded differently - basic tracks then laptop.
• Modern recording allows more experimentation without studio costs.
• Prefers vinyl album lengths around 18-20 minutes per side.
• Three Legged Dog being released on three vinyl sides.
• Spanish reissues were "handshake deals" with unclear accounting.
• Appreciates unashamedly Australian content in newer bands.
• Newer bands don't hide their Australian accents.
• Never experienced censorship of his music.
• Had releases in different regions without his knowledge.
• No accounting from Big Time label after bankruptcy.
• Performed with The Legendary Stardust Cowboy in 1985.
• "Ledge" known for having "world's worst record" - Paralyzed.
• Backed Ledge with James Baker, Spencer Jones, Lachlan McLeod.
• Ledge progressively stripped during his performance.
• Threw Frisbee paper plates with drawings into the audience.

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Despite having no manufacturing experience, Nick Phillips (The Breadmakers, Corduroy Records) impulsively bought Australia's last vinyl pressing equipment, not only saving it from the scrap heap, but creating an Australian vinyl legacy and spirit that continues through today's modern pressing plants.

Topics Include:

• Introduction of Nick Phillips and his vinyl industry background.
• Early records on Mr Spaceman – label-mates with Cosmic Psychos
• How Nick impulsively bought a record factory in Sydney.
• Nick had no manufacturing experience before buying the equipment.
• The equipment cost approximately $6,000 in 1989-1990.
• Nick moved the vinyl pressing equipment to Melbourne.
• Finding an affordable factory space in McKinnon, Melbourne.
• The labor-intensive nature of hand-pressed vinyl record production.
• Description of the vinyl manufacturing process with electroplating.
• Need to import vinyl pellets from California after local supply ended.
• The machines were 1960s Swedish Alpha Toolex presses.
• Typical daily production of 500 albums or 800 seven-inches.
• Discussion of major artists pressed at Corduroy Records.
• Direct-to-acetate recordings as a significant part of operations.
• Sonic Youth's visit to record direct-to-acetate - "Melbourne Direct" record
• The White Stripes recording session that didn't go smoothly.
• How the White Stripes acetates were transferred to Third Man Records
• Corduroy's unusual business model of charging majors more.
• Employee requirement to run their own record labels.
• Nick's perspective on running a business more for passion.
• The origin of the Corduroy Records name.
• Why they added "& Detective Agency" to the business name.
• Their one failed detective case involving counterfeit Nike socks.
• Financial challenges of running the pressing plant.
• How EMI and other labels sued Corduroy for copyright infringement.
• The factory relocation costs that contributed to closing.
• Selling the equipment to Obese Records/future Zenith Records.
• How Hilltop Hoods went from customers to part-owners.
• The machines are still operating today at Zenith Records.
• Nick's band The Breadmakers has been active for 35 years.
• The Breadmakers' consistent 1960s R&B sound over decades.
• The new Breadmakers album "Lonesome Sundown."
• Nick's satisfaction at keeping vinyl alive in Australia.
• Directing listeners to thebreadmakers.bandcamp.com for music.
• Interview wrap up

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Wolfgang Flür, formerly of Kraftwerk, and musical collaborator Peter Duggal, discuss musical journeys, memories from the Kraftwerk years, collaborating with members of Daft Punk and Joy Division for the new LP "Times" and much more.

Topics Include:

• Introduction of new album "Times" release details
• First 200 vinyl copies include signed postcards
• Peter's role as Wolfgang's longtime collaborator since 2015
• Peter's musical background in 1980s electronic music
• Previous collaboration on album "Magazine" released in 2022
• Collaborators on "Times" including Boris Blank and Daft Punk
• Modern vs. old technologies for music production
• Wolfgang's frustration with German music industry
• Cherry Red Records supporting Wolfgang's career in England
• EMI's mishandling of Wolfgang's earlier album "Time Pie"
• Peter's personal relationship with vinyl records
• Production quality of the vinyl pressing in Czechoslovakia
• Mastering process with different approaches for vinyl vs. CD
• Collaborating with Emil Schult, former Kraftwerk visual artist
• The track "Planet in Fever" originally written in 1993
• Wolfgang's approach to revisiting and evolving older songs
• How Peter and Wolfgang know when a song is "done"
• Comparing music creation to cooking a meal
• Process of collaborating with Boris Blank on "Global Youth"
• Wolfgang's childhood in post-WWII Germany
• First record purchase: Khachaturian's "Sabre Dance" at age 10
• Musical influences from his mother and grandmother
• First musical instrument was a mouth organ
• Discovering drums at school at age 16
• Designing electronic drum pads for Kraftwerk
• Wolfgang's friendship with Florian Schneider until his passing
• Their emotional final meeting at a brewery
• Working with Thomas from Daft Punk
• Planned joint appearance at a Chicago film festival
• Live performance concept "Musiksoldat" as anti-war statement
• Wolfgang and Peter completed their 60th show together
• Wolfgang's last visit to Australia in 1981
• Karl Bartos' importance to Kraftwerk's musical compositions
• Plans for future performances and promoting the album

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Mike Kennerty of All American Rejects is a serious record nerd! Here he shares about his hobby, his collection, the rarities, the grails and the vinyl catalog of The All American Rejects, Screeching Weasel and more!

Topics Include:

• Introduction to Mike Kennerty of All American Rejects
• Whether Mike considers himself a "record nerd"
• Mike's history of collecting vinyl since the 1980s
• Valuable records in Mike's collection
• His purchase of Misfits records in the mid-2000s
• Mike's extensive collection of seven-inches and LPs
• Finding rare No Effects record in Japan for $12
• Mike's approach when visiting record stores
• His focus on punk records and international versions
• Whether Mike buys duplicate copies of records
• Multiple versions of Misfits' "Walk Among Us" in his collection
• Mike's collection of memorabilia beyond records (zines, flyers)
• Custom record shelving from closed Hastings stores
• Holy grail records Mike still wants (Misfits' "Cough/Cool")
• Most he's paid for a record ($600 for Fear)
• Thinking about vinyl during recording and production process
• Creating different masters for digital versus vinyl releases
• Experience with rejecting test pressings that aren't satisfactory
• Trouble with recent Screeching Weasel record pressing
• Update on All American Rejects' current status
• Their cover of "Flagpole Sitta" as first new material
• Band dynamic after not recording together since 2017
• Upcoming singles "Sandbox" and "Easy Come Easy Go"
• Availability of All American Rejects albums on vinyl
• Status of master recordings following Universal Music fire
• Challenge of finding 24-bit masters for vinyl reissues
• Working with other producers in All American Rejects
• Mike's early band Mr. Crispy and DIY label
• Saving Taco Bell wages to release 7-inch records
• The Oklahoma punk scene in the 1990s
• Mike's love for All and Descendants
• Favorite record shops around the world
• Rarest items in Mike's collection
• His home audio setup for playing records
• Future plans for All American Rejects in 2025

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Martin Rev shares stories of the early days of Suicide, the acetates, recording the debut album, audience reactions, continually creating solo music and more.

Topics Include:

• Discussion of Rev's current relationship with vinyl records
• Early influences on Suicide's sound
• Inspiration of Tony Williams
• Rev's transition from drums to electronic instruments
• Early Suicide performances with minimal equipment
• Origins of using "punk" term in early marketing
• Story of "Rocket USA" acetate at Max's Kansas City
• Henry Rollins acquiring one of the original acetates
• Recording process of first Suicide album
• Equipment used: Farfisa organ and Seagram's rhythm machine
• Creation of first album's cover art
• Response to negative early reviews
• Early tours with Elvis Costello & The Clash
• Audience reactions and controversies during shows
• Different versions of "Frankie Teardrop"
• Rev's creative partnership with Alan Vega
• Gap between Suicide albums
• Creation of "Clouds of Glory" solo album
• Current approach to composing music
• Discussion of "Demolition Nine" album
• Rev's process for creating new material
• How familiarity affects perception of one's work
• Rev's current artistic aspirations
• Upcoming UK shows and festivals
• Early Suicide set lists
• Rev's pre-Suicide musical background
• The band's evolution from chaos to acceptance
• Rev's perspective on collaboration
• Creating without commercial expectations
• The endless nature of musical discovery
• Rev's focus on continuing to create new work

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Three vinyl nerds – Billy Fields from Warner Music Group, Dillon Smith of Noble Records and Nate Goyer of The Vinyl Guide - discuss the state of vinyl collecting in the year 2025 - trends, changes, evolution and thoughts and predictions on what's to come in the near future.

Topics Include:

• Introduction of Billy Fields as vinyl expert at Warner Music Group
• Dillon Smith introduced as Noble Records owner
• Initial discussion of 2024 vinyl market trends
• Billy mentions focus on maintaining subscriptions with Third Man Records
• Discussion of discovering Lee Dorsey records through social media
• Impact of online discovery versus traditional record store hunting
• Dillon reflects on personal collection growth in 2024
• Store inventory mix discussion: 70% used, 30% new
• Dillon describes efforts to prevent burnout through regular collection buying
• Changes in modern vinyl collections coming to market
• Impact of overpressed modern releases on secondary market
• UK vinyl market showing strongest growth internationally
• Release schedule alignment with digital affecting market success
• Taylor Swift's impact on vinyl sales globally
• Discussion of fewer bands in current charts versus solo artists
• Evolution of vinyl market since 2006-2008
• Economic factors affecting entertainment spending during tough times
• Local UK pressing plants helping market stability
• Changes in used record collections coming to market
• Impact of deceased collectors' collections entering market
• Discussion of subscription service impact on used market
• Original pressings versus reissues value discussion
• Impact of Tone Poet series on Blue Note original prices
• Quality improvements in modern pressing techniques
• Availability of better playback equipment today
• Discussion of collecting original pressings versus reissues
• Dillon's perspective on psychopathic collector mentality
• Voice of America collection acquisition mentioned
• Discussion of historical pressing quantities versus modern numbers
• Billy's approach to collecting versus hunting original pressings
• Impact of audio system quality on listening preferences
• Youth market engagement with vinyl discussion
• Different collecting approaches between generations
• Modern retail challenges with Target/Walmart pricing
• Discussion of variant pressings and market saturation
• Impact of FOMO buying on market
• Sustainability in vinyl production discussion
• PET vinyl alternatives being developed
• Plant efficiency improvements and environmental considerations
• Declining genres discussion - 1950s rock and traditional pop
• Rising interest in country music records
• Discussion of 90s country potential on vinyl
• Garth Brooks box set marketing strategy failure
• Predictions for 2025 vinyl market
• Direct-to-consumer strategy concerns
• Sustainability developments in record pressing
• Personal collection management strategies
• Discussion of recent records giving participants "goosebumps"
• Discussion wrap up

Video version available on the Noble Records YouTube channel

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Australian punk pioneer Kim Salmon details his journey from discovering punk in isolated Perth to making extraordinarily rare and collectible records with The Scientists, The Beasts of Bourbon, Smoked Salmon and more!

Topics Include:

• Kim Salmon has new "Smoked Salmon" album coming February 2025
• Discovered punk through NME magazine articles in 1975
• First heard Ramones after ordering album from Perth record store
• Formed The Cheap Nasties, one of Perth's first punk bands
• The Victims formed after watching Cheap Nasties perform
• Scientists formed when James Baker joined after Victims broke up
• "Frantic Romantic" single: 1000 copies made on DNA Records
• Bomp Records in USA ordered 500 copies, never paid
• Chris Robinson paid $800 for "Frantic Romantic" copy
• Scientists gained popularity touring Australia's east coast
• Band appeared on Countdown TV show, refused staged motorcycles
• Salmon painted original Scientists logo by hand
• Early Perth punk scene was isolated from eastern Australia
• Creedence Clearwater Revival influenced young Salmon's musical development
• Scientists' "Pink Album" recorded as band was breaking up
• "Weird Love" album re-recorded songs due to copyright issues
• Numero Group now handles Scientists' reissue campaign
• More archival Scientists recordings planned for future release
• Salmon stopped writing songs during Melbourne's 2020 lockdown
• Recorded pandemic song "Self Replicator" within 5km radius
• Smoked Salmon started as bushfire fundraiser project
• Recent Beasts album "Ultimo" features collaborative songwriting
• James Baker and Salmon still write songs together
• "Ballad of Rock and Roll" inspired by Mott The Hoople
• Creates watercolor artwork for Smoked Salmon releases
• Perth's isolation affected access to new music
• Scientists performed different styles before settling on sound
• Currently balancing multiple bands and visual art career

Order the new "Smoked Salmon" album from Cheersquad Records

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John Rzeznik and Robbie Takac of The Goo Goo Dolls discuss their early punk rock roots, record labels, writing unexpected mega-hits, their harrowing plane crash, vinyl reissues and lots more.

Topics Include:

• John recently recovered from pneumonia and multiple hand surgeries
• Goo Goo Dolls were heavily influenced by punk rock
• They listened extensively to The Replacements and Hüsker Dü
• Band started by renting VFW halls for shows
• First record cost $750 on Mercenary Records
• They signed contracts despite lawyer's warning not to
• Metal Blade discovers and signs band
• Learned touring lessons watching mistakes of other bands
• Being rejected by their favourite labels – SST & Twin Tone
• Band's sound evolved away from early punk style
• "Name" unexpectedly became their first big hit
• Legal issues followed success of "A Boy Named Goo"
• John retreated to LA hotel during difficult period
• "Iris" and the "City of Angels" soundtrack
• "Iris" released year before "Dizzy Up The Girl"
• Taylor Swift later covered "Iris"
• Survived plane crash in Sicily during USO tour
• Pilot attempted landing multiple times in storm
• Band got drunk to fly home next day
• John took up skydiving to overcome flying fear
• Initially feared appearing on Howard Stern's show
• Relationship with Stern's show improved over time
• John doesn't collect vinyl or music memorabilia
• Robbie runs Good Charamel Records label
• John collects vintage recording equipment instead
• Band criticizes Spotify's payment model
• Few B-sides exist because John discards incomplete songs
• Covered Lime Spiders song – will be on upcoming release
• Record store clerks were important musical mentors
• "A Boy Named Goo" 30th anniversary edition coming
• Australian tour planned for February
• Playing seven Australian cities on upcoming tour
• John grew up on greatest hits albums
• Learned to appreciate Led Zeppelin at age 50

Tickets and vinyl available here!

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Eddie Spaghetti of the Supersuckers discusses the band's extensive vinyl catalog, upcoming releases, vinyl reissues, their unreleased Interscope album while sharing stories about merch table oddities & touring Australia.

Topics Include:

• Introduction and scheduling discussion of interview length
• Eddie's current location and preparation for Australian tour
• Discussion of packing requirements for Australian weather
• Eddie's personal record collection and collecting habits
• Current vinyl availability of Supersuckers catalog
• Italian pressing of "Must've Been High" discussion
• Upcoming Sub Pop 30th anniversary reissue plans
• Vinyl merchandise availability at upcoming Australian shows
• Eddie's early music influences and first record purchase
• Discussion of "My Sharona" as formative musical influence
• Eddie's relationship with punk rock and The Ramones
• Development of country music influence on songwriting
• Songwriting process discussion - starting with song titles
• Current commissioned songwriting service offering
• Status update on upcoming new Supersuckers album
• Hard Charger Records deal and label discussion
• Rights ownership of Supersuckers back catalog
• Story behind unreleased Interscope Records album
• Early vinyl releases and singles history
• Origin of "Eddie Spaghetti" nickname
• Band member nickname assignment process
• Instagram bathroom documentation hobby discussion
• Comparative analysis of worldwide venue bathrooms
• Merchandise table unusual items and sales
• Tour expectations with Nashville Pussy
• Aussie tour details and ticket information

See Supersuckers & Nashville Pussy in Australia here

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Former Black Flag singer/guitarist Dez Cadena traces his path from being the son of a jazz record producer to becoming a pivotal figure in the LA punk scene, discussing the records, rare recordings and eyewitness accounts in the formation of LA punk rock culture.

Topics Include:

• Interview start, brief discussion of The Saints and Chris Bailey's passing
• Dez discovered Australian punk through Music Plus record store
• Early exposure to Ramones, The Damned, and The Saints
• Describes discovering Radio Birdman alongside The Saints
• Compares Radio Birdman's sound to Blue Öyster Cult
• Discusses early AC/DC fandom, specifically Bon Scott era
• Father Ozzie Cadena was record producer for jazz labels
• Family moved from New Jersey to California
• Father had connection to Lighthouse Cafe jazz venue
• Dez's childhood exposure to music through father's record store
• Father's recording techniques using minimal microphone setups
• Connection to Rudy Van Gelder's recording studio
• Father recorded blues artists like Lightnin' Hopkins
• Received first drum kit as child from father
• Influenced by TV show Hee Haw's multi-instrumental performers
• Father encouraged guitar learning over other instruments
• Father's reaction to Dez joining Black Flag
• Met Ron Reyes at garage sale playing punk records
• First encounter with Black Flag (then called Panic)
• Discusses early Black Flag recording sessions and demos
• Explains Louie Louie single release on Posh Boy Records
• Details Thirsty and Miserable Licorice Pizza promotional record
• Discusses relationship with Black Flag after leaving band
• Explains circumstances of Ron Reyes leaving Black Flag
• Describes chaotic Louie Louie performance after Reyes quit
• Discusses transition from singing to playing guitar
• Mentions potential singers considered before Henry Rollins
• Keith Morris briefly returning for one show
• Current Flag project and Punk Rock Bowling festival
• Discusses Punk Rock Museum and giving tours
• Mentions Johnny Thunders' guitar and other museum exhibits
• Recommends The Schizophonics band
• Promotes his current band Dondo
• Mentions producing 3rd Rate band's recent record

See Dez at the Punk Rock Museum - Tickets here

Commercial free, high resolution verion of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide

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