For the Love of Vinyl – Details, episodes & analysis

In this poignant debut episode of For the Love of Vinyl, we explore the depths of what vinyl truly means to us through an unexpected and heartbreaking lens. When California wildfires recently devastated entire communities, music writer and editor Mark J. Marriccini lost his entire record collection—a collection that was more than just music, but a reflection of identity, history, and home.

Mark shares his emotional journey of loss and what his collection symbolized, from quirky bootlegs to cherished albums that shaped his life. Together, we uncover how records are more than objects; they’re portals to our memories, our passions, and our sense of belonging.

This episode wasn’t part of the plan, but Mark’s story reminds us that sometimes it’s in loss that we rediscover the profound love we have for the things that shape us.

Brought to you by A to Z Media, this is For the Love of Vinyl.

Why is color vinyl such a big deal for modern record collectors?

Presented by A to Z Media - http://atozmedia.com

In this episode, we sit down with Shan Labrie from Precision Pressing to explore the fascinating world of colored vinyl. We break down how different colors are made, the effects that make records truly unique, and why some collectors still swear by black vinyl. From translucent and neon vinyl to marbled and splatter effects, Shan shares expert insights into the pressing process, the costs behind color variants, and the latest innovations in sustainable vinyl production.

Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast, a record label owner, or just curious about the craft behind your favorite albums, this episode dives deep into the art and science of colored vinyl.

Download our FREE Vinyl Toolkit: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

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This episode of For The Love of Vinyl is brought to you by AtoZ Media – your one-stop shop for premium vinyl pressing, packaging, and merch.

Whether you’re an indie artist pressing your first record or a label looking for custom color variants, AtoZ Media has you covered. With decades of experience and top-tier quality, they make sure your vinyl looks and sounds incredible.

Visit AtoZMedia.com to bring your next record to life!

"Nobody owns this format. We can enjoy vinyl however we want."

FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL - Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

In this episode, I sit down with Alexandria Sade, the founder of Black Girls Love Vinyl, to talk about the intersection of music, identity, and community.

Alex shares her journey from science student to music industry professional, how vinyl became a form of storytelling in her life, and why she created a space for Black women to share their love for records.

We discuss the emotional connection to vinyl, the importance of curation, and how collecting records is as much about the stories behind them as the music itself. Alex also shares her vision for the future of Black Girls Love Vinyl, including expanding its reach, launching archival projects, and even starting a record label.

LEARN MORE: Blackgirlslovevinyl.com

Podcast: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

How much does it cost to make a vinyl record? Let's discuss! 

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

What the heck is a test pressing?

How do you "TEST" it?

And what should you do with them when they've been tested...?

Presented by A to Z Media - (http://atozmedia.com)

This special bonus episode of For the Love of Vinyl features an insightful conversation with Larry Jaffee, author of Record Store Day: The Most Improbable Comeback of the 21st Century and co-founder of Making Vinyl.

We dive deep into the origins and evolution of Record Store Day, exploring how this grassroots celebration revitalized vinyl culture, empowered independent record stores, and helped spark a global vinyl revival.

Sponsored by A to Z Media — Your trusted vinyl manufacturing partner. Learn more at atozmedia.com.

Listen now at otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you're making vinyl records, how much should you price them for? What are fans willing to pay and how can you be sure you're breaking even and making a profit? #vinylrecords #recordlabels

“We’re not just selling music. We’re selling stories, connection, and discovery.”

In this episode of For the Love of Vinyl, host Scott Orr sits down with Terry Cole—co-owner of Plaid Room Records in Loveland, OH — for a candid and insightful look at what it takes to run a successful record store in 2025.

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

From customer buying trends and pricing strategies to the legacy of “dollar bin” records and the reality of managing inventory, Terry shares it all.

They also dive into the emotional connection people have with their collections, what records fly off the shelves (spoiler: Rumors still rules), and how Plaid Room blends in-store charm with a robust national web store.

A must-listen for vinyl lovers, record store dreamers, and indie label nerds alike. 

Subscribe to FOR THE LOVE OF VINYL: http://otherrecordlabels.com/fortheloveofvinyl

Finding the right number of vinyl records to press is all about balance! 🎵 Aim for enough to meet demand while keeping leftovers minimal. 300 copies is often the sweet spot—manageable, profitable, and creates a sense of urgency for your fans.

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

In this episode, I sit down with Tasha Trigger of Lathe to the Grave — a UK-based company making handmade lathe cut vinyl records.

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

We break down what lathe cuts are, how they’re made, and why they’re a smart option for indie artists and small labels who want limited-edition records without the cost or risk of traditional pressing.

Tasha shares her passion for the craft, her thoughts on pricing and sound quality, and some of the more eccentric projects she’s cut (including a record of someone saying the C-word 500 times). We also talk about packaging, small-run merch strategies, and why lathe cuts are more than just music — they’re collectibles.