Ep490: Saving Vinyl - Rescuing Australia's Last Record Press

Ep490: Saving Vinyl - Rescuing Australia's Last Record Press

Author: The Vinyl Guide March 24, 2025 Duration: 1:01:58

Despite having no manufacturing experience, Nick Phillips (The Breadmakers, Corduroy Records) impulsively bought Australia's last vinyl pressing equipment, not only saving it from the scrap heap, but creating an Australian vinyl legacy and spirit that continues through today's modern pressing plants.

Topics Include:

  • Introduction of Nick Phillips and his vinyl industry background.
  • Early records on Mr Spaceman – label-mates with Cosmic Psychos
  • How Nick impulsively bought a record factory in Sydney.
  • Nick had no manufacturing experience before buying the equipment.
  • The equipment cost approximately $6,000 in 1989-1990.
  • Nick moved the vinyl pressing equipment to Melbourne.
  • Finding an affordable factory space in McKinnon, Melbourne.
  • The labor-intensive nature of hand-pressed vinyl record production.
  • Description of the vinyl manufacturing process with electroplating.
  • Need to import vinyl pellets from California after local supply ended.
  • The machines were 1960s Swedish Alpha Toolex presses.
  • Typical daily production of 500 albums or 800 seven-inches.
  • Discussion of major artists pressed at Corduroy Records.
  • Direct-to-acetate recordings as a significant part of operations.
  • Sonic Youth's visit to record direct-to-acetate - "Melbourne Direct" record
  • The White Stripes recording session that didn't go smoothly.
  • How the White Stripes acetates were transferred to Third Man Records
  • Corduroy's unusual business model of charging majors more.
  • Employee requirement to run their own record labels.
  • Nick's perspective on running a business more for passion.
  • The origin of the Corduroy Records name.
  • Why they added "& Detective Agency" to the business name.
  • Their one failed detective case involving counterfeit Nike socks.
  • Financial challenges of running the pressing plant.
  • How EMI and other labels sued Corduroy for copyright infringement.
  • The factory relocation costs that contributed to closing.
  • Selling the equipment to Obese Records/future Zenith Records.
  • How Hilltop Hoods went from customers to part-owners.
  • The machines are still operating today at Zenith Records.
  • Nick's band The Breadmakers has been active for 35 years.
  • The Breadmakers' consistent 1960s R&B sound over decades.
  • The new Breadmakers album "Lonesome Sundown."
  • Nick's satisfaction at keeping vinyl alive in Australia.
  • Directing listeners to thebreadmakers.bandcamp.com for music.
  • 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


There's a particular kind of conversation that happens when two people who are deeply passionate about music get together, surrounded by shelves of records. The Vinyl Guide-Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds captures that feeling perfectly. Hosted by Nate, a dedicated collector and enthusiast, this podcast feels less like a formal interview and more like you're overhearing a great chat in the back of a record store. The discussions naturally weave through artists' creative processes, the stories behind iconic albums, and the tangible magic of the format itself. You'll hear from musicians, producers, and other insiders who live and breathe vinyl, offering perspectives that go far beyond the liner notes. But it's not just about the artists; it's for the collectors, too. Episodes often delve into the practical, nerdy details that make this hobby so compelling-like distinguishing between a common pressing and a rare, valuable find, or learning how to properly care for your collection so it lasts for decades. It’s that blend of artistic insight and collector-focused knowledge that gives this podcast its unique character. Whether you're a seasoned cratedigger or just appreciate the warmth of an analog recording, these conversations offer a rich, human connection to the music you love, all centered around the grooves of a vinyl record.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Vinyl Guide - Artist Interviews for Record Collectors and Music Nerds
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