
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

Nov 6, 2023 • 1h 6min
Ep421: Scream's "DC Special" w Pete Stahl
Pete Stahl and Scream are cornerstones of the DC punk scene and are releasing the ambitous "DC Special" in honour of their music community. Today Pete shares the journey of the band, the album and the characters that make it special. Interview start Melvins / vinyl trivia question The records of the Stahl household Hanging with musicians as a kid When did Pete become aware of punk? Early gigs of Scream Connecting with Dischord records Recording at Inner Ear Studio Locations of the DC scene Is the new Scream album a reboot, a finale or other? The passing of Kent Stax Did the band know Kent’s time was limited? How did “Still Screaming” sell when it first came out? Dischord is pricing the album and CD quite reasonably Was he at the SNL “Fear” taping in NYC? Was the band happy with the “Still Screaming” album? What did a Scream tour look like in the early days? Other labels after Dischord The cover art of the “Still Screaming” record Memories of DIY / record stuffing parties in the early days at Dischord How did Dave Grohl join the band? Was Dave contributing beyond the drums in the early days? How did Dave break the news he was joining Nirvana? Kurt Cobain seeing Scream, noting Dave on drums Dave cited Pete as one of the inspirations for the Foo Fighters song “My Hero” How did Pete start to pull in various contributors for the new album? Where are all the Scream tapes? Ian Mackaye is a long term thinker Pete’s record collection A “Random Box of 5” Records Going about creating the album “DC Special” Pressing the records at Furnace Final trivia question for Pete Interview wrap up Order the new Scream LP "DC Special" on 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

Oct 30, 2023 • 1h 13min
Ep420: Daniel Hall of Riding Easy Records
Daniel Hall of Riding Easy Records celebrates episode 420 with some amazing stories of rare records, starting the "Brown Acid" series, seeking and reissuing private press collectibles and a lot more. Happy Episode 420 How did Riding Easy make it through the pandemic? Depleted stock, 2year+ vinyl wait times Getting his start at “American Recordings” Labels dumping vinyl in the 90s Grabbing vinyl records in the 90s Daniel’s rare record collection Value of rare records going up through Brown Acid exposure Origin Story of the Brown Acid series 70s reissues by Riding Easy Fraction – Moon Blood Reissue Transferring audio via Needle-drop Sneak-peek of private press Southern Rock releases The Max Creek Band, Mammoth, Southern Steel Putting out records from bands that aren’t active Stonewall, Master Danse, Maximillion Dillon at Noble Records Release schedules for 2024 and beyond Vinyl pressing wait times are way down What is Riding Easy’s biggest selling record to date? Monolord releases / Managing the band Riding Easy Records started as "Easy Rider Records" What is the most collectible Riding Easy Records release? How will Riding Easy evolve over coming years? Have we hit peak vinyl revival? Current music/releases – Mondo Drag, Psychic Trash Interview wrap up Visit RidingEasyRecs.com and get 15% off with discount code "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

Oct 23, 2023 • 1h 8min
Ep419: Joey Cape - Lagwagon, MFATGG and more
Joey Cape joins us to talk Lagwagon history, Section 8 and Nardcore scene, helping shape the Fat Wreck sound, forming Me First & the Gimme Gimmes, numerous side projects, record labels, vinyl collections, touring Australia and more. Joey’s large coffee Joey had to put his records in storage Growing up with Rush and AC/DC Musical family, studying music Living in Socal area / Nardcore scene Forming/recording “Section 8” Fat Mike hated the name “Section 8” The challenges of naming the band “Lagwagon” Lagwagon shaping the Fat Wreck sound Writing songs on acoustic guitar Forming “Me First & the Gimme Gimmes” Recruiting Spike to MFATGG The surprise of the success of Me First & the Gimme Gimmes Any more recordings of MFATGG? Rotating members of MFATGG – Chris Shiflett? Lagwagon touring and recording schedule Joey and his many side projects Starting his record label “My Records” Joey despises managing a record label Forming “One Week Records" Other self-released records Moving his catalogue to Fat Wreck Nothing is missing from the tape catalogue The one time Lagwagon was approached by a major label The story of the cover of “Hoss” and the Dan Blocker estate Interview wrap up See Lagwagon in a town near you, Australia and New Zealand check 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

Oct 16, 2023 • 49min
Ep418: Billy Gould & Jared Blum - The Eclipse OST
Billy Gould (Faith No More, Talking Book, Koolarrow Records) and Jared Blum (Talking Book, Gigante Sound) discuss composing the soundtrack to "The Eclipse", Koolarrow Records, Talking Book, Sleepbomb, "Shandi's Addiction" and more. Launch of “The Eclipse” soundtrack on vinyl How did the soundtrack opportunity come together? Composing to film segments Where can we see “The Eclipse” film? Personal story with Director’s family in Serbia Billy’s attraction/connections to Serbia Writing soundtracks are very different than songs Soundtracks can create a movie in the mind 3 members of Faith No More are movie composers Was there pressure for creating the soundtrack Sleepbomb – The Cabinet of Dr Caligari The challenges of making soundtracks to silent movies Koolarrow’s evolution as a label The story of “Shandi’s Addiction” – Billy, Tom Morello, Brad Wilk & Maynard James Keenan Recording “Calling Dr Love” for the “Kiss My Ass” tribute album Recollections of initial hearing the Mr Bungle demo tape Making demo for “From Out of Nowhere” with Mike Faith No More’s original demo tapes Interview wrap up Order "The Eclipse OST" on 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

Oct 9, 2023 • 40min
Ep417: Justin Chancellor - Tool, MTVoid
Justin Chancellor of Tool & MTVoid talks recordings, vinyl, record shops, collectibles, setlists, show posters & more. Interview start MTVoid “Matters Knot Pt 1” – is there a part 2? Forming songs for MTVoid Collaborating with electronic musicians Justin once owned a record store – Lobal Orning Visiting record shops on tour Record shop neighborhoods & artistic people When will we see Tool catalogue on vinyl? Trading communities for Tool collectibles The band’s involvement in show posters and merch Band seeks out young fans for giveaways Danny no longer throws drum sticks into the crowd The band plans for changes in their setlist Peach “Giving Birth To a Stone” vinyl is collectible The process for joining Tool The song creation process of Tool Justin hears many of the lyrics when they are mostly completed Protecting Tool audio from leaks The 3 songs that fold together in 10,000 Days Salival is not available on streaming Ideas for “Fear Inoculum” followup Any unreleased recordings / outtakes? Interview wrapup Order MTVoid - "Matters Knot Vol 1" vinyl here and 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

Oct 2, 2023 • 47min
Ep416: Bill Stevenson of Descendents Returns!
Bill Stevenson of Descendents returns to give updates on Descendents music, Milo's health, Australian tour & discuss more music stories from his glorious punk rock past. Previous interview with Bill Descendents coming to Australia Milo’s heart attack Milo’s increased performance since the heart attack How’s Billy doing on the drums? New Descendents songs / upcoming album Bill’s song writing process 50 hooks with no way to connect them Possibility of playing new songs on tour Billy really likes The Chats The cover of “Milo Goes to College” Bill’s favourite Milo character appearances Did Descendents ever consider using Raymond Pettibone art? Bill and the Black Flag & SST Alumni Chuck Biscuits & Spot Descendents tapes FLAG was the only project he’s done with Keith Morris No recordings of FLAG Does Billy prefer Side 1 or 2 of “My War”? Recording sequence of his Black Flag contributions Was Bill involved in Black Flag album artwork or flyers? Descendents “Enjoy/Wendy” 7” promotional record Billy doesn’t get record collecting The story behind “9th & Walnut” album Interview wrapup Descendents Australian tour dates & tickets 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

Sep 25, 2023 • 44min
Ep415: Gaz Whelan of Happy Mondays
Gaz Whelan of Happy Mondays shares memories of early records, recordings, Manchester, Factory Records, The Hacienda, Martin Hannett, John Cale, Paul McCartney, the upcoming Aus/NZ tour & lots more. Welcome Gaz to the show Touring after Paul Ryder passed away The Paul Ryder Tapes Podcast Picking up drums after watching the Beatles on TV Paul McCartney commenting on Happy Mondays Sex Pistols and 1st wave punk in Manchester Soul and Northern Soul records Talking to Noel Gallagher about the “Get Back” Television series Earlier Manchester bands – Joy Division, The Smiths, etc Forming Happy Mondays, early band names Getting the attention of Factory Records Memories of The Hacienda – FAC51 The story of the “Forty Five EP” Tony Wilson testing Happy Mondays before making an album "Freaky Dancing" single Working with John Cale on the 1st album Gaz has some original tapes from Tony Wilson Making up the album title for the 1st album The track “Desmond” was removed from the 1st album 24 Hour Party People single creating opportunity for 2nd album Bez joining the band Memories of Martin Hannett as producer Rumours of Happy Mondays selling pills The design of Happy Mondays products and the Factory Records aesthetic Northen Soul records turning up in UK Does Paul have many records? Did “Yes Please” bankrupt Factory Records? Post Happy Mondays activity, Black Grape, etc Will there ever be another Happy Mondays album? Many Happy Mondays tapes were likely destroyed with the Hacienda Interview wrap up Happy Mondays Aus/NZ 2023 tour tix & info 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

Sep 18, 2023 • 55min
Ep414: Turntable Designer John Stratton of Pure Fidelity
Turntable designer John Stratton founded Pure Fidelity with the aim of creating "heirloom quality" turntables for audio enthusiasts. John discusses his design choices and how we can make the most of our existing turntables and audio systems. How John started making turntables Materials for turntables make a huge difference Determining woods for turntable plinths Comparing wood and stone for turntables Variations in turntables with same woods Tips for all turntable owners to improve sound Keep vibrations away from turntables What impact does the turntable matt have? How do record weights impact record audio? Do record weights cause stress on turntable belts? Why have a 2nd belt on a turntable? Humans can discern variations in speed Comparing belts to direct drive and idler wheels Moving magnet v moving coil Impact of tone arms to the audio signal Straight v s-shaped tone arms Does tone arm length matter much? Proper turntable setup can improve sound dramatically Do we need to invest in expensive cables? The variation and inconsistency of records Records that John tests turntables with How would John improve his turntable with unlimited budget? Speed control outside the plinth but motor is in The ruby bearing of Pure Fidelity 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

Sep 11, 2023 • 48min
Ep413: Mike Love of The Beach Boys
Mike Love of The Beach Boys shares memories of the early records of the band, recording "Pet Sounds", crafting those beloved harmonies, memories with The Beatles & much more. Intro & Australia talk Stagecoach 2024 announcement What records does Mike Love have? “Surfin’ / Luau” Beach Boys single on Candix Memories of the 1st single Signing to Capitol Recording “Surfin’ Safari” album The shift from singles to albums Is “All Summer Long” a concept album? Friendly rivalry between The Beatles & The Beach Boys Being with The Beatles in India, collaborating on music Creating process of the Beach Boys harmony parts Capitol’s response to early listens of “Pet Sounds” Working on vocal takes hour after hour, seeking perfection Calling Brian “Dog Ears”, origin of “Pet Sounds” album title Writing lyrics to acetates Margot Robbie and The Beach Boys Does Mike still have acetates & old records? Keith Moon shared a “Pet Sounds” acetate with The Beatles The Beach Boys and bootlegs Master tapes and The Beach Boys archive team Crafting the set list for current live shows Most collectable record/vinyl from The Beach Boys Paul McCartney on The Beach Boys album artwork “Summer In Paradise” Interview wrap up, a bit more Australia talk Stagecoach 2024 info and tickets can be had 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

Sep 7, 2023 • 47min
In Memoriam - Tom Davies - Nebula - 1975-2023
Replay of Tom Davies - Nebula - Interview from May 8, 2021. RIP Tom.