In this episode, we dive into the world of cassette tapes with Romain Boudruche, founder of We Are Rewind, a company reviving the retro charm of cassette players with a modern twist.

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://geni.us/hellbender

Romain shares the inspiration behind the venture, sparked by nostalgia for physical music formats and a lack of high-quality, affordable cassette players in the market. Inspired by his experiences with mixtapes and the resurgence of cassette culture, Romain set out to create a high-quality device that bridges the gap between past and present.

We discuss the challenges of designing a modern cassette player, from integrating Bluetooth functionality to achieving the perfect blend of retro aesthetic and contemporary usability. Romain also details the feedback from customers, who range from purists valuing the tactile and ritualistic experience of cassettes to newcomers intrigued by the affordability and novelty of the format. Through thoughtful design and a commitment to quality, We Are Rewind has captured the hearts of music fans worldwide, offering a tangible music experience in an increasingly digital landscape.

In this episode, we dive deep into the pros and cons of pressing vinyl records as an indie artist or label owner. Vinyl can be a stunning, high-ticket item that fans love to collect and display, offering endless creative opportunities—from unique label designs and vibrant vinyl colors to custom jackets and inserts. The resurgence of vinyl suggests it has a bright future, making it an appealing way to connect with fans on a tangible level.

Presented by Hellbender Vinyl - http://geni.us/hellbender

But there’s no denying the challenges that come with vinyl production. Manufacturing costs are high, with minimum order quantities often around 200-300 units to make the economics work. Prices for materials and shipping have surged, meaning a $25 record might now cost $40 or more, squeezing fans’ budgets even further. Plus, boring, uninspired vinyl designs simply don’t sell in today’s competitive market. We’ll also unpack the logistics involved—from audio mastering to artwork design to test pressings—revealing why vinyl is a complex endeavor for any indie artist or label.

If you're considering vinyl for your next release, tune in to hear an honest breakdown of the costs, creative perks, and potential pitfalls, so you can decide if this classic format is the right fit for your music.

RESOURCES FOR VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/vinyl

In this episode, I chat with Dom, founder of Sunday Dinner Records, about his journey from music fan to label owner.

Presented by Smart Noise (http://geni.us/smartnoise)

Dom shares how he builds a close-knit, family-like community with his artists and the thought process behind his label’s food-inspired name. We dive into his passion for quality over quantity, why he still believes in physical releases like cassettes and vinyl, and his vision for the future of Sunday Dinner.

This episode is all about indie spirit, genuine connections, and the art of creating timeless music.