Vinyl records are often celebrated for their warmth, their permanence, and their beauty — but what’s the real environmental cost of keeping this format alive?

In this episode, Scott sits down with sustainability experts Ryan Weitzel and Vladimír Víšek to explore the environmental impact of vinyl records — from raw materials and manufacturing to packaging, shipping, and the small but powerful changes that can make the industry more sustainable.

It’s a nuanced conversation about responsibility, data, and the quiet revolution already underway inside pressing plants around the world.

Because sustainability in vinyl isn’t about one big decision — it’s about hundreds of small, deliberate ones that add up to real change.

Presented by A to Z Media - http://atozmedia.com

“Don’t be embarrassed if you don’t know the process—just ask questions. That’s how I learned everything.”

Presented by A to Z Media (http://atozmedia.com)

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick from A to Z Media, one of the most trusted names in vinyl pressing and packaging.

Patrick pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to bring music from digital files to a physical record you can hold in your hands.

We talk about sequencing an album for vinyl, the science and craftsmanship behind plating and pressing, and the hundreds of skilled hands that touch a record before it reaches a fan’s turntable.

Patrick also shares his own journey as a lifelong collector, including the wild story of rescuing a vintage Wurlitzer jukebox off a Los Angeles street.

Hey friends, Scott here, just wanted to pop on an intro this cool episode of a great podcast you may not be familiar with.

Our friends at A to Z Media – Have a podcast of their own. And if you like Other Record Labels or you like For the Love of Vinyl – you’ll love Bespoken. A podcast by a to Z media that Dives into the world of independent music and physical media culture.

In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack welcomes Ken Shipley, co-founder of the influential reissue label Numero Group. Known for its meticulous packaging, deep archival research, and genre-spanning catalog, Numero has spent over two decades preserving overlooked artists and forgotten underground music scenes, from soul and funk to punk, post-hardcore, early emo, and beyond.

This conversation centers on Sequoia, Numero’s ambitious new 7-inch box set documenting the first decade of American emo. Described by Ken as a “30-year sequel” to his 1995 compilation Eucalyptus, Sequoia is both a love letter and historical archive, featuring 27 vinyl records, a 136-page hardcover book, and packaging that faithfully recreates the tactile, handmade spirit of ’90s DIY culture.

Ken shares insights into Numero’s creative process, how physical media becomes a vehicle for storytelling, and why their mission goes beyond nostalgia—it's about preserving cultural memory. This rare behind-the-scenes conversation reveals the values, vision, and detail-driven ethos of one of the most respected archival labels in the industry.

A to Z Media is proud to have worked with Numero Group on countless vinyl releases, boxed sets, merch, and, of course, Sequoia. Whether you're a fan of emo, punk, or the art of vinyl packaging, this episode is a must-listen.

Learn more or order Sequoia: https://numerogroup.com/products/sequoia

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the trusted manufacturing partner for artists and labels (major and independent) producing high-quality vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, and merchandise. Start your next project at: https://www.atozmedia.com

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