

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
The Vinyl Guide
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 29, 2024 • 59min
Ep433: John Densmore of The Doors
50+ years after the passing of Jim Morrison, John Densmore of The Doors continues to honour the wishes of his bandmate when it comes to the commercialism of the music of The Doors. John discusses that journey and many other fascinating memories of the legacy of The Doors. Meet Mr Blue Hair A moment with John Coltrane & Elvin Jones Not selling out the Doors legacy Defending the wishes of Jim Morrison Visiting Jim Morrison's grave Was there a funeral for Jim? Being aware of the "Jim is Alive" rumours Evolving perspective of substance abuse Last conversation with Jim and his state All Doors except Jim participated in mixdowns Jim's behaviour in the studio John's impression of punk early on Did Jim dabble in hard drugs? How much of LA Woman was played live? Multiple live Doors shows being made available The live performance that best represents The Doors at their peak Memories and recordings of the final Doors show Recording of Jimbo and Jimi Hendrix John's upcoming projects with Chuck D and Adam Holzman Memories of the original Doors demo acetates Signing to Columbia – appearing on the "drop list" Arrangements for Doors music after John passes Involvement with Jim's family after his passing The journey of Jim's father John's comparison of political environment then and now Did John get negative PR from the trial? The story of the Buick commercial What circumstance or situation would John consider approving Doors music to be made available commercially? John was uncomfortable being the centrepiece of the band? Bands reforming and touring in the modern era Jim's relationship with money After Jim passes, was there any closure? Names that were floated as potential replacements for Jim Is John comfortable with The Doors music so closely associated with Vietnam? Preparing for a potential draft and conflict We need to find moments and try to be grateful when you can Interview wrap up The book "The Doors Unhinged" available 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

Jan 17, 2024 • 47min
Ep432: The NOFX Victory Lap with Eric Melvin
After 40 years NOFX is on their final tour. Guitarist Eric Melvin shares his thoughts on the band's history, legacy and poignant moments on their emotional victory lap. NOFX will still be making albums Information on the final NOFX show Preparing for this final tour Is there a backlog of songs for upcoming NOFX recordings? Eric is most proud of "The Decline" "The Decline" is such a unique project Any regrets Eric has about the conclusion of NOFX Deciding to no longer tour The reaction of people along the tour – final opportunity to see the band The Life Coach training helping shape his next steps Is there anything different they are doing on the final tour? The band managing emotions in the final shows How will the band manage the brotherhood of NOFX after the tour? Eric's thoughts on the legacy of NOFX Plans to stay creative in the future Managing his health and awareness Does Eric have a record collection? The huge shelves of NOFX vinyl The unique NOFX gig posters Making the music for Melvinator Thoughts on post NOFX touring projects How NOFX songs are written Interview wrap up, info on final Australian shows & side shows 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 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


