Vinyl only labels?

[van_muddlestein]

My band is about to do some recording and I was just curious on some suggestions of some labels that are doing vinyl record only type distro? Big or small, just different labels. It'd be nice to have a little help if we can get it. We're likely going to press this ourselves and take the plunge but what's it hurt to see what's out there.

[conky]

Let me know when you get it pressed, I'll buy / trade a few for my distro.

[van_muddlestein]

Let me know when you get it pressed, I'll buy / trade a few for my distro.

definitely! thanks, man!

[Muff_Diver]

Pretty much every punk/indie-sized label exclusively does vinyl. Have you worked with any labels in the past? Have you previously been in any notable bands?
In my experience, the best place to start is with your friends who run labels. They already like you (presumably) and they have an interest in investing in music. But its very difficult to land any kind of deal for a fresh band with someone you've never met before.
The only real exception to this is if you have hype. If a band has enough hype and buzz (usually powered by internet message boards) a label will put them out no questions asked because they know they can make a buck off it. But the overwhelming majority of bands, old and new, are without this "hype" and are thus stuck with the good ol' method of hard work.
I have no clue what your previous musical experience is, but if I were to assume this is your first band (your band's video is incredibly impressive if so), my advice would be to:
-Play more shows
-Meet more bands
-Make more friends
The more you get into a scene, the more you realize how small it really is. Sooner than one would think, you learn about all the labels, who's on them, who's running them, why they rock/suck, etc.
Both of my band's first releases were put out by ourselves at the time and until very recently, every label that put out one of our records was run by someone I had met through playing shows or was a friend of a friend (through shows).
Additionally, if you were to put it out yourself, don't neglect the PR aspect of it; an often overlooked part of self-releases.
Best of luck on the search!

[van_muddlestein]

My last band was signed and did a lot of touring, but we're trying to discuss that as minimally as possible at this point. All of the things you've mentioned we're doing/working on doing. Would rather not sign to anything too exclusive, which is why I'd like to find a decent "vinyl only" type label that we could work with more or less as we/they see fit.

[Muff_Diver]

Ah, so you're no stranger to it at all, my apologies.
Damn, that would be an awesome label. Do post your findings!

[van_muddlestein]

Yeah.....I'm pretty sure what I'm looking for doesn't exist, but a man can dream!!

[ShaolinLambKiller]

Have you hit up Robotic Empire? Dude seems to mainly just focus on re-releasing Torche and Floor vinyls over and over, but it's possible he might throw out or go in on with you with your band. It's kinda close to some of the other stuff that he has put out as of the last 8 years or so. Anyone else I can think of is mainly hardcore and metal based and wouldn't be worth listing.

[conky]

Are you wanting your release on vinyl only or are you looking for a label that doesn't release anything but vinyl? Some bands have their stuff put out on multiple formats through multiple labels. Thats what happened with the Shroud Eater record that I just put out. The Path Less Traveled put it out on cd, Primitive Violence did it on tape, and I went in with Red Moth Records to copress the vinyl. That might be an easier option that finding a label that does one format only.

EDIT:

Hit up Stephen from Red Moth. He is putting out stuff that is in your style.

[van_muddlestein]

I will, conky. Basically, we're going to focus primarily on vinyl and digital. We might do some one off cassettes or something, but our main focus is vinyl and digital. Our current plan is to release a series of 2 song 7" records leading up to an eventual 12" LP. Once we've released a couple of those 7" records we'll probably put together a CD as well but in smaller runs.

[ShaolinLambKiller]

You can always do small run CDs through Kunaki.com

[van_muddlestein]

You can always do small run CDs through Kunaki.com

Yeah but they look like cheap shit, and while I'm all about DIY and low cost I also want to provide a product that's worth spending money on.

[ShaolinLambKiller]

I can promise you they aren't. I'd go as far as mailing you one if you wanted to see for yourself. It's pretty damn far from cheap shit.

What makes it cheap looking is idiot's shitty designs.

[conky]

You can always do small run CDs through Kunaki.com

Yeah but they look like cheap shit, and while I'm all about DIY and low cost I also want to provide a product that's worth spending money on.

They aren't cheap at all (cost is cheap, but the quality is great). I've used them twice on cd releases. The good thing is that you can order as few as you need. The only drawback is that they only offer a 2 sided insert. I wish they would offer 4 or 6 page booklets but that will just drive the price up even more. When you order from them they will send you one proof for free so you can check out the quality. Definitely check them out of you're looking to get cds made.

[van_muddlestein]

I can promise you they aren't. I'd go as far as mailing you one if you wanted to see for yourself. It's pretty damn far from cheap shit.

What makes it cheap looking is idiot's shitty designs.

Wouldn't have to worry about idiot's shitty designs. http://www.facebook.com/vonskullmedia

But yeah man, PM me I'd be very interested in seeing the quality of that.