Stashed behind the new Third Man Records in Detroit, like an awesome find in at the back of a crate of 45s, will be a vinyl record pressing plant.
The Detroit native musician will open the first vinyl record pressing plant in Detroit since Archer Record Pressing started up in 1965.
The plant behind 441 West Canfield won’t be operational on Friday, but the plan is to eventually have eight presses going according to Pitchfork.
While the manufacturing arm definitely means that Third Man will have quick access to pressings of their own output, Blackwell says the decision to open the plant is a selfless act. He argues that more overall record-pressing capacity eases the pressure on plants like United Record Pressing in Nashville, which continues to press Third Man releases, and Archer—both of which are backed up and reportedly turning away customers. Also, while no plans are currently in place, Third Man hope to press more than just their own records on-site. Potentially, the plant could offer a new option for young artists and DIY labels. “Part of the concern in this world is that vinyl can very easily turn into an exclusionary thing,” Blackwell says. “But this is going to make it easier for a little punk band to make 300 copies of a 7″.”
According to Third Man Records and Pitchfork, a window in the shop will let customers see the manufacturing floor as well they will be continuing their education program about vinyl culture.
Third Man Records have purchased eight presses from German startup Newbilt and they expect that to happen in the middle of next year. No word on the number of jobs they expect to create.
The material from Third Man Records closes with:
So, there it is, friends. We couldn’t feel luckier that we get to expand our business in a field that we are so damn passionate about. Detroit, we love you, and we can’t wait to be a part of your community yet again.
