Is Making Vinyl Worth It? How Custom Records Are Scaling Independent Artists
For independent bands, emerging artists, and new record labels, the decision to press vinyl often comes down to a single, high-stakes question: Is making a vinyl record worth the investment? In a digital-first music industry, physical media has evolved from a simple music carrier into a high-value collectible. If you are wondering how to make a record that fans will actually buy, the answer lies in the custom vinyl record path pioneered by the next generation of industry leaders.
In this episode of BESPOKEN, we sit down with Noah Silver, the 20-year-old founder of Vertigo Vinyl. Noah has built what is billed as the world’s fastest-growing record store by focusing on a specific, high-demand niche: the “double-take” release. By moving beyond the standard black circle and embracing unique, custom designs, Noah has turned Vertigo into a viral powerhouse with over 700,000 followers
Why Unique Vinyl is the Key to Success for Indie Artists
If you are a smaller artist, your record must stand out in an increasingly crowded physical market. Consequently, Noah’s success with Vertigo Vinyl provides a clear blueprint for how to leverage physical media to build a dedicated, paying fanbase.
Designing for "Collectibility’s Sake"
First, Noah observes that the modern collector, particularly within the Gen Z demographic, is often “collecting to collect.” These fans look for records that draw attention in a room and serve as conversation pieces. Therefore, for an independent artist, the visual design is just as important as the audio. This includes elements like shaped discs and intricate packaging that transform a standard release into a piece of art.
The Power of the "Double-Take"
Furthermore, Vertigo’s most popular items are consistently their shaped discs. In fact, Vertigo has led the market by mass-releasing the first moon-shaped and cross-shaped vinyl records. Noah notes that these releases almost always sell out within hours because they make people stop and ask, “How is that a vinyl record?”. Because of this, creating a “custom” experience ensures your physical release feels like a limited-edition treasure rather than just another product.
Forge Your Own Custom Path
Whether you are looking to press your first 100 copies or a 5,000-unit anniversary run, the lesson from Vertigo Vinyl is undeniable: uniqueness drives demand.
At A to Z Media, we specialize in making these “double-take” releases a reality. From shaped vinyl to zoetropes and deluxe packaging, we help artists and labels create physical products that fans genuinely connect with.
Ready to start your next project? Visit A to Z Media to see how we can bring your custom vinyl vision to life.
Join us every month for a new episode of BESPOKEN, the podcast where we delve into the world of independent music and physical media culture.
In each episode, your host, Scott Pollack (President of A to Z Media), speaks with industry experts and dedicated creators who bring music to life in every format imaginable. For 30 years, A to Z Media has worked with countless record labels and artists to meet their manufacturing and printing requirements. We hope that these conversations will educate, entertain, and inspire you.