Ep540: Swami John Reis - Record Collector

Ep540: Swami John Reis - Record Collector

Author: The Vinyl Guide March 23, 2026 Duration: 1:00:37

Swami John Reis of Rocket from the Crypt and Drive Like Jehu digs deep on record collecting, the thrill of the hunt, running Swami Records, and why the next release always matters most.

Get yer tix to the Punk Rock Museum's 3rd Anniversary Show here

Topics Include:

  • Swami John Reis joins to talk record collecting and Punk Rock Museum.
  • His collection is evolving — trading old hardcore for more desired records.
  • Collection is 95% 45s, driven by a lifelong musical pursuit.
  • Early punk led him to hunt for MC5, Stooges, Velvet Underground.
  • The thrill: records still exist that nobody knows about yet.
  • Digging through boxes feels calming, healthy, and satisfying every time.
  • Hawaii vintage shop surprise — radio station collection hidden outside for decades.
  • Detroit and Pittsburgh are his highest strike-rate cities for finds.
  • Always ask the clerk — the best stuff is never on the floor.
  • Styrene vs vinyl: the label sticker is the definitive tell.
  • Making records informed his collecting — plain white sleeves, big hole 45s.
  • Pressing plant relationships are everything; affordability is the biggest challenge.
  • Customs delays under the current administration are wrecking release schedules badly.
  • Major labels scrapped their own pressing plants — now everyone competes for time.
  • Marketing records stopped making sense; the artist always drives interest anyway.
  • Every record is essentially limited and out of print from day one.
  • Smaller runs mean no unsold closet stock and more collector value later.
  • Hot Snakes packaging and Rick Griffin's creativity still inspire him deeply.
  • Upcoming: Sultans reissue, Mrs. Magician LP, new Swami John Reis record.
  • Schizophonics collaboration in the works — the next thing is always the thing.

High resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide


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
Podcast Episodes
Ep458: Keeping it Reel with Blag Dahlia of Dwarves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:16
Blag Dahlia of Dwarves discusses band history, collectible records, the challenges of running a label and the balance of art and business, as well as new and reissued Dwarves vinyl. Topic Include: Dwarves should be a rec…
Ep457: Hugh Cornwell - The Stranglers & Beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:58
Hugh Cornwell takes us through early records of his life, rare records of the Stranglers, solo materials, analogue recording and more. Topic Include: Aussie tour, New Album Does Hugh have a record collection? Early music…
Ep456: Al Barile - SS Decontrol (SSD) & X-Claim! Records [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:23
Society System Decontrol (SSD) self-released several landmark hardcore punk records in the early 80s. Out of print for over 4 decades, SSD has only recently reissued their two masterpieces "The Kids Will Have Their Say"…
Ep455: The Saints 73-78 with Ed Kuepper and Mark Arm [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:08
The Saints made history with the record "(I'm) Stranded" in 1976 - nearly 50 years later founder/songwriter Ed Kuepper is revisiting the early Saints material with some old bandmates and new friends, including Mark Arm o…
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Duration: 1:05:19
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Ep453: Joe Bonamassa & The Art of Collecting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:49
Guitarist and music-gear mega-collector Joe Bonamassa joins us to talk about his new record label, collecting gear, his appreciation and approach to the art of vinyl records, his new LP "Live at the Hollywood Bowl" on Jo…
Ep452: Managing the Miles Davis Legacy with Vince Wilburn Jr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:41
Managing the estate of a legend like Miles Davis requires tremendous coordination, detail and creativity. Vince Wilburn Jr, musician, collaborator and nephew of Miles and co-manager of the Miles Davis Estate discusses th…
Ep451: Data, Trends & the Future of Discogs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:45
Most record collectors use Discogs each day - so what does the data tell us about the state of record collecting? Founder & CEO Kevin Lewandowski and COO Lloyd Starr talk to us about the data and future of this pivotal p…
Ep450: The Legend of Fraction "Moon Blood" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:21
The 1971 album "Moon Blood" by Fraction has fascinated record collectors for decades. The perfect intersection between great musicianship, intriguing backstory and supreme rarity, Fraction "Moon Blood" is now getting an…

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