Longing for the day ...

How to make a viny record - from 1956

Willy sent me this incredible short film by RCA Victor detailing the process of making a vinyl record. It's quite long but it goes through the recording process (no multi-tracking!), then the molding and then the pressing and distribution. It's extraordinary how a simple thing requires such and amazingly long and complex process ... the chemistry alone is mind-boggling.

These days digital recording, CD or DVD burning and digital distribution make it all much simpler, cheaper and easier, which shows clearly why the companies that invested in these expensive old technologies generated such barriers to entry for new operators. A massive economic advantage for the Major labels.

Still, those barriers are greatly reduced now and Indies the world over are reaping the benefits ... the world is a more diverse and interesting place because of it.