
The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
Nate is a record collector, music lover and vinyl maniac. Join him on his journey to discuss, share and review all things related to vinyl records. We feature stories about and interviews with musicians, artists and people of knowledge in the area of vinyl records. Additionally we share information on desirable pressings of records, how to tell a $5 pressing from a $500 pressing and care and maintenance for your cratedigging hobby. Subscribe and share with your record-nerd friends. Cheers!
Latest episodes

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 1min
Ep431: Pat Finnerty - Creator of "What Makes This Song Stink?"
Pat Finnerty is the creator of the hilarious YouTube series "What Makes This Song Stink?", which comments and critiques songs and artists for lousy music. We discuss the creation of the show, Pat's history with music, parodies, records and more. Popularity of WMTSS #8 Have you ever heard back from any artists? Chad Smith / Red Hot Chili Peppers Major reasons for bad songs How he picks the songs for WMTSS Challenges of being an elitist music nerd Practising patience – focusing on Genesis this week Putting music into context – Big Star example Pat is a huge Tom Petty guy Lou Reed is the cool Don Henley Clams and out of tune guitars everywhere Guitar tuners are a relatively new invention Records of Pat’s youth Building a record collection these days The “cool” Air BNB Early days of his YouTube channel Respectful parody of Rick Beato Tropes of YouTube creators Timing of a parody / commentary on a song Avoiding the tropes, going with your gut Response of his audience / 3 Doors Down signed guitar Ideas/hints for future WMTSS episodes How Pat creates the scripts and storyline for his videos Creating the gags, extra animations, alternate endings on his Patreon I got nervous with Dave Meniketti of Y&T Time spent on research, prep and editing Pat’s appearances on vinyl Interview wrap up Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Jan 8, 2024 • 56min
Ep430: Rick Beato - Analog, AI and the Future of Music
YouTube music guru Rick Beato shares his thoughts on vinyl, analog recording and a future with virtual reality, deep fakes and AI. Topics include; What role does vinyl play in Rick’s life? Rick still has all his records, CDs and tapes The obligatory analogue and digital discussion Bad remasters for CDs Is Rick surprised by the resurgence of vinyl? The challenge of making an all-analogue record Why do many people prefer music on vinyl? Mixing engineers interpreting audio Possible future audio formats – surround video Is Rick hopeful or wary of AI? Some people will prefer AI to human crafted music Rick’s AI Senate Testimony Using AI for mixing and audio editing The Beatles “Now and Then” was more EQ than AI Future challenges due to deep fakes AI and Deep Fakes challenge our assumption of authenticity Deep fakes licensed by the official artist Staying positive in an industry with lots of scepticism Rick can disassociate music listening with analysis Making “What Makes This Song Great” with A Perfect Circle Rick’s wish list for future interviews Dislike of the term “YouTube Influencer” Interacting with other YouTubers – Anthony Fantano Pat Finnerty of “What Makes This Song Stink” series The album Rick equates to perfection Ron Carter’s recollections of Rudy Van Gelder Interview wrap up Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Dec 18, 2023 • 1h 2min
Ep429: Eddie Kramer - Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin & more
Eddie Kramer, engineer, producer and reknown audio guru, shares some memories of Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, KISS, discusses vinyl records, analogue recordings, use of AI in music, the latest recordings of the Hendrix archive & more. Topics include; Interview start New Jimi Hendrix recording from 1967 Will Eddie use AI for Hendrix recordings? Continually mining the Hendrix archive The story of Hendrix at the Hollywood Bowl Does Eddie still listen to records? Why does vinyl sound better than digital formats? The story of the Led Zeppelin II RL Ludwig master Memories of “Band of Gypsies” album Jimi bringing Eddie over to New York The partnership of Eddie Kramer and Jimi Hendrix Rumoured tapes of Jimi Hendrix and Frank Zappa Working with Zappa family and archive Rumoured recording of Jimi, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin Continually finding new Hendrix recordings Projects Eddie unfortunately missed Working with KISS on “Alive” Working with AC/DC for “Highway to Hell” demos The story of Led Zeppelin into to “Black Country Woman” Interview wrapup Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Dec 11, 2023 • 43min
Ep428: The Punk Rock Museum Tour with Fat Mike
Fat Mike, founder and curator of The Punk Rock Museum in Las Vegas gave me a personal tour of the displays and vinyl records within the Punk Rock Museum. And man is it friggen cool, pls enjoy our walkthrough! Video is available at Patreon.com/VinylGuide! Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Dec 4, 2023 • 50min
Ep427: Matt & Adam of Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs
Adam Ian Sykes & Matthew Baty of Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs (or Pigsx7) joins us to discuss the records and collectibles of their career, their acclaimed live shows, their upcoming trip to Australia, the history and impact of their peculiar band name and much more! Topics Include: Matt is bang on time 1st time coming to Australia Matt’s stage outfits Adam joins – Australia tour dates Live from New York on vinyl The story of the band name Bands of influence on PigsX7 1st release – split with Cosmic Dead “The Old Noise” record label Remixing “The Wizard & the 7 Swines” for reissue Do Matt & Adam collect records? Artwork on PigsX7 albums Psychopomp cassette release on Box records Matt switching from drums to vocals Stage wear for PigsX7 live shows Writing/recording “Feed the Rats” & “King of Cowards” Recognizing the legs the band was developing “Viscerals” and “Offcuts” recordings Single with The Lovely Eggs “Land of Sleeper” recording & artwork Australian tour, spiders & 2024 plans Interview wrap up See PigsX7 on their upcoming Australian tour! Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Nov 27, 2023 • 1h 4min
Ep426: Alain Johannes - Revisiting Eleven & more
Alain Johannes is celebrating the 1st vinyl release of the final Eleven album "Howling Book". Today we discuss this record, the early days, recording with Chris Cornell, missing tapes, incomplete tracks, future vinyl & more. Inicio de la entrevista Where’s Alain’s record collection? “Howling Book”’s first time on vinyl Alain used to work at a record store Going to early punk shows – Fear, Germs, etc Early Flea forming his bass style Alain’s 1st appearance on vinyl Early years, moving to Los Angeles “Recorded by Alain Johannes” Does Alain hear music before recording or large exploration? Making “Spark” after Natasha’s passing Outtakes for “Howling Book” reissue Getting recording gear for “AvantgardeDog” Incomplete final recordings with Natasha Chris Cornell – Euphoria Morning / Mourning Alain finding masters for “Euphoria Mourning” for reissue Memories of Chris’ state of creativity during “Euphoria Morning” Eleven album catalogue and challenges of vinyl reissues No multitrack tapes of the early Eleven albums San Andreas Records / Todd Rundgren & Master tapes Alain may have connected XTC & Todd Rundgren Declining projects – Metallica & Christina Agulera Memories of Silverchair – Touring & Young Modern What is This? On “The Wild Life” soundtrack Bonding with Eddie Van Halen over Alan Holdsworth Impact of Eleven and continuing to inspire musicians What’s next / 2024 / coming to Australia Interview wrap up Order the "Howling Book" vinyl at OrgMusic.com or from your local record store. Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Nov 20, 2023 • 48min
Ep425: Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden) Celebrates Melvins for RSD
Matt Cameron (Pearl Jam, Soundgarden) and I nerd out on Melvins while discussing his new limited RSD vinyl release "Gory Scorch Cretins", a project developed with Melvins & team. Connecting with Melvins after Chris Cornell tribute show Melvins version of Spoonman Working at Toshi Kasai’s studio Early memories of Melvins The art and evolution of Melvins Matt’s favourite period/albums of Melvins Work ethic of Melvins Working in the studio on Matt’s songs Sharing drums between Matt & Dale Doing a Melvins parody of “Gluey Porch Treatments” Working with Taylor Hawkins Plans for “Nighttime Boogie Association” So many people loved Taylor Hawkins The way Taylor listened to music Unreleased tracks Melvins & Tom Hazelmyer artwork Only 2500 “Gory Scorch Cretins” pressed on white vinyl “Keep it Trippy Records” is an homage to Taylor Matt’s sessions with Tony Iommi Who else would Matt like to play/collaborate with? New album from Pearl Jam / possible 2024 shows Status of final 7 Soundgarden songs KISS parodies and memories “KISS Meets The Phantom of the Park” Interview wrap up Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Nov 16, 2023 • 58min
Ep424: New Pressing Plant - ONYX Record Press, Los Angeles
ONYX Record Press in one of the newest record plants in the world. Opening in 2023 and based in Los Angeles, founders Moe Espinosa (aka Drumcell) and Gil Tamazyan talk to use about the vision of ONYX records and help educate us on the art of vinyl production. Interview start Why open a vinyl pressing plant in 2023? What does ONYX do different? What are common mistakes that ONYX is addressing? People can visit the pressing plant Where does the pressing waste end up? ONYX’s approach to stampers Materials, black & coloured pellet talk Are we still seeing growth in vinyl numbers? Is sound compromised by various colours and variants? Increase in warped and scuffed records What’s lead time for records at the moment? Developing new talent for pressing records Wild mastering jobs – locked grooves, vinyl tricks Making a $7,000 record out of hashish Pressing records with items inside What’s in the future for vinyl records? Impact of record weight (180g) What are the recommended sleeves for vinyl? Sequencing music for the vinyl format Interview wrap up Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Nov 13, 2023 • 53min
Ep423: David Lowy of The Dead Daisies
David Lowy may be Australia's busiest rockstar, but it's not all music related. As founder of The Dead Daisies, David also balances a full schedule of leading a private equity organization for the Lowy Family Group, as well as a keen interest in aviation and philanthropy. Today David talks about his history with The Dead Daisies and balancing it alongside his other interests. Interview start How does David balance his various interests Early interest in music 1st record was the Easybeats Parental expectations and personal desires Rediscovering music, spontaneously buying a guitar Connecting with Doc Neeson Origin of the name “The Dead Daisies” Creating the band, the rotating cast of musicians Joining with some Guns & Roses tour musicians Why release a “Best of” album now? David’s involvement and contribution to band decisions What would he like to see the Dead Daisies do next? What thrills David these days? History with aerobatics What does David collect? David’s record collection and listening habits 1st band to play in Cuba Did David ever get into the Sydney punk scene? Has his father, Frank Lowy, ever seen a Dead Daisies show? Will we see The Dead Daisies in Australia next year? Does David fly the band on tour? Ever spent time with Malcolm Young? Interview wrap up Check out the "Best of The Dead Daisies" vinyl here. Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8

Nov 8, 2023 • 53min
Ep422: Jack McEwan of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets' founder Jack McEwan discusses the band's stunning vinyl records, early and collectible releases, running a private record label, the origin, challenges and benefits of the band name, the new LP 'Fronzoli' and lots more. Interview start What is “Fronzoli”? The cover of new LP Operations at “What Reality? Records” Autographing and doodling on records 1st Aussie press of Fronzoli Pressed at Zenith records How did Jack get into records? Jack loves making record packaging & art Progression of popularity of PPC Evolving the band to be a profession Investing in recording gear, learning to operate it “High Visceral” Pts 1 & 2 reissues? Who is “Rhubarb Records”? “People Taking Pictures” on What Reality? Records Highly collectible PPC records The origin of the name “Psychedelic Porn Crumpets” Challenges/benefits of that band name PPC has large fanbases where weed is legal Story of the “Levitation Sessions” LP Being disappointed by some vinyl represses PPC products and ideas for merch The Fronzoli cassettes are sold out Interview wrap up Pick up a vinyl copy of 'Fronzoli' here. Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8