Empowering Artists: Vinyl Dreams Made Real

A New Era for Independent Artists and Vinyl Records

SoundCloud has unveiled a groundbreaking alliance with elasticStage, aiming to revolutionize the accessibility of vinyl record production for independent artists. This strategic partnership directly confronts the long-standing financial and logistical obstacles that have historically hindered many musicians from producing their work in this highly sought-after physical format.

Streamlined Production and Distribution for Creators

Under this innovative program, Artist Pro members worldwide are now empowered to offer vinyl versions of their music without incurring any initial expenses or being subjected to minimum order quantities. The process is remarkably straightforward: artists simply select their desired tracks from the SoundCloud platform, include necessary credits, upload their artwork, and submit for approval. elasticStage then assumes responsibility for the manufacturing and delivery of each record as individual orders are placed, ensuring artists receive their earnings from every sale without the burden of managing unsold inventory.

Fostering Sustainable Careers in the Music Industry

This collaboration is designed to significantly enhance artists' capacity for engagement with their audience and their potential for income generation, thereby facilitating the development of enduring and viable careers. The launch of this initiative prominently features vinyl releases from a diverse group of artists, including AM.RADIO, Blonde Maze, Diorvsyou, Kelcey Ayer, and Raina Simone, showcasing the immediate impact of this new model.

Industry Leaders Voice Their Vision for the Future

Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud, emphasized the growing demand for vinyl, noting a surge of over 300% since 2016, a trend from which most independent artists have been excluded due to prohibitive costs and logistical challenges. Seton reiterated SoundCloud’s dedication to empowering artists by creating new opportunities for audience connection and monetization, positioning this partnership as a crucial step towards enabling every artist to build a sustainable career, regardless of their current stage. Steve Rhodes, CEO and Co-Founder of elasticStage, highlighted the core mission of their on-demand vinyl technology: to make physical music as readily available as streaming for both artists and fans. Rhodes pointed out that while records have long served as a vital link between fans and artists, contemporary musicians face significant barriers to entry in the vinyl market. He expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with SoundCloud, recognizing its artist-centric approach as an ideal fit for breaking down these barriers and allowing independent artists to deepen their connection with fans and cultivate lasting music careers without financial risk.