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: 50

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