Citizen Vinyl

10/12/2026

It started with a basic inquiry….

👉 We have a “quiet” pressing project that requires close attention, can you assist?

We love a challenge, so we eagerly responded to learn more. Later that afternoon, we received the audio. To our delight, it was a new album from jazz great Chucho Valdes! A pianist and bandleader that has been recording since the 1960s!

🎶 As we listened, we immediately understood the request. Uncut, is his first solo piano release in over 20 years. As the title implies, this album captures Chucho in one continuous, improvisational take. No overdubs, no second takes.

For these delicate pieces, noise floor is always a concern. This is defined as the background hiss or hum that sits “underneath” the recording. Our goal at the pressing plant is to not contribute anything to what was recorded. In this case, the recording is whisper quiet. We chose top-quality, virgin PVC pellets and tuned our manual presses to ensure proper heating and cooling cycles during production. These steps allow each disc to separate cleanly from the stamper after the grooves have been created.

Following the cure period, each disc is QA/QC’d to make sure it is free of defects.

👂💕 Hearing the final product in flawless detail was a proud moment for our team. An honor to work with one of jazz’s finest composers!

Pressed in clear orange here at Citizen Vinyl and available for purchase at www.chucho-valdes.com

🎵🎶🎼

10/11/2026

🎶 THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY | OCTOBER 11 🎶

From a record-breaking tribute to a legal battle between two very different Apples, October 11th has some interesting stories in music history! 🍎🎹

🕯️ 1997 — Elton John

Elton John reached No. 1 on the US singles chart with “Candle in the Wind 1997,” a heartfelt tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, following her tragic death in Paris.

Originally released in 1974 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the song was rewritten in Diana’s honor, with proceeds supporting charitable causes associated with the Princess.

The single went on to become the best-selling physical single of all time, with an estimated 33 million copies sold worldwide. An unforgettable moment in music history. ❤️

🍏 1991 — The Beatles vs. Apple Computer

Long before iTunes and Apple Music, there was a battle over the name Apple.

On October 11, 1991, Apple Computer settled a trademark dispute with Apple Corps, the company founded by The Beatles, over the use of the Apple name and logo.

The computer company reportedly paid around $29 million to settle the dispute. 💰

Two Apples. One legendary band. And a legal battle that would resurface years later as technology and music became increasingly intertwined. 🎵

Which piece of music history do you remember?

10/09/2026

🎉 6 YEARS OF CITIZEN VINYL! 🎶

Six years of music. Six years of craftsmanship. Six years of community.

What started as a vision to create something more than a record pressing plant has grown into something pretty special.

From our very first pressing for Mandolin Orange (now Watchhouse) to over ONE MILLION records pressed and packaged, it's been an incredible journey filled with talented artists, dedicated team members, and a community that has supported us every step of the way.

We've weathered a pandemic, celebrated countless records, made unforgettable memories, and recently opened a new chapter in a larger production facility right here in Asheville.

And we're just getting started. 🤘

To every artist who has trusted us with their music, every person who has worked behind the scenes, and everyone who has supported Citizen Vinyl over the years — THANK YOU. ❤️

Here's to six years of putting music into the world, one record at a time. And here's to everything still to come!

🎵 Keep spinning.

10/05/2026

🎉 SIX YEARS OF CITIZEN VINYL 🎶

October 8 marks our 6th anniversary — and we want to celebrate with you.

When Citizen Vinyl began, we believed a record pressing plant could be more than a factory. We imagined a place where records were made, artists were celebrated, and people could come together around a shared love of music.
From our very first pressing for Mandolin Orange, now Watchhouse, through the wild early days of opening during a pandemic, you showed up for us. Artists trusted us with their music. Our community supported us. And our team kept the presses spinning.

Six years later, the Citizen Vinyl production team has pressed and packaged more than ONE MILLION records for local, regional, and global artists. 🤯🎵

We’ve grown, moved into a larger production facility, expanded what we can offer artists and labels — and we’re just getting started.

So, for our anniversary, we want to hear your Citizen Vinyl story. ❤️

🎁 ANNIVERSARY GIVEAWAY
Share a photo or video on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok telling us about your Citizen Vinyl connection.

Maybe it’s:
🎶 A favorite memory from our original location
🎶 An album we pressed that you love
🎶 A show, artist, or experience you remember
🎶 A record in your collection that was pressed by us
🎶 Or simply what Citizen Vinyl has meant to you

Most importantly: TAG CITIZEN VINYL so we see your entry!

One winner will receive a Citizen Vinyl swag bag featuring:
🎸 Billy Strings’ Turmoil & Tinfoil 5th Anniversary 2xLP

🎟️ Two tickets to the NewSong competition at The Grey Eagle on October 25

👕 A Citizen Vinyl T-shirt

✨ Stickers + more Citizen Vinyl goodies

Enter by October 15 at 11:59 PM.

Six years. More than a million records. Countless artists, songs, stories, and memories.

Thank you for being part of ours. Here’s to what comes next. 🎶

10/03/2026

THIS DAY IN MUSIC 🎶 | October 3

From a moment of protest that became one of television’s most talked-about performances to a 10-year-old Elvis taking an early step toward music history… October 3 has some stories. 👀🎵

📺 1992 — Sinéad O’Connor
During a live performance of Bob Marley’s “War” on Saturday Night Live, Sinéad O’Connor held up a photograph of Pope John Paul II, tore it into pieces and protested child sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. The unexpected act was met with silence in the studio and enormous controversy afterward—and remains one of the most discussed moments in SNL history.

🤘 1978 — Aerosmith
Things got a little wild at Aerosmith’s show at the Fort Wayne Coliseum in Indiana. Concertgoers were arrested during the show, and members of Aerosmith stepped in to help cover bail and fines for arrested fans. Because… the ’70s. 🎸

👑 1945 — Elvis Presley
Long before he became the King of Rock & Roll, 10-year-old Elvis stood on a chair to reach the microphone at the Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show in Tupelo and sang “Old Shep.” He finished fifth in the talent contest and received $5 in fair ride tickets. 🎤 Imagine watching that performance without knowing what was coming next.

Three very different moments. One day in music history. 🎶

Which one surprised you the most?

10/01/2026

Fresh off the press floor!!!

✨ Dragonfly from Skip Ewing, pressed here at Citizen Vinyl on clear bottle green vinyl. 💚😎

Ten songs of love, hope, and transformation from one of Nashville’s finest storytellers, now headed to turntables on wax that looks as good as it sounds.

🚘🗺️ Makes us feel like driving west with the windows rolled down!

Signed copies are available for purchase at www.skipewing.com

10/01/2026

Check it! 👇👇👇👇

Sean Mason talks dancers, two takes, AI and transparency on his new trio album State of the Art, out Oct. 16.

09/29/2026

🎶 WE’RE HIRING! Join the Citizen Vinyl team.

Citizen Vinyl is looking for two Press Operators to join our 2nd shift production team here in Asheville.

If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy hands-on work, and want to be part of the process that turns raw materials into finished vinyl records, we’d love to hear from you.

PRESS OPERATOR — 2ND SHIFT
📍 Asheville, NC
🕒 Monday–Friday | 3:00 PM–11:30 PM
⏱ Full-time | 40 hours/week
🎵 Two positions available

As a Press Operator, you’ll work with our vinyl pressing equipment, monitor quality throughout production, make machine adjustments, handle pressing materials and components, and help ensure every record meets Citizen Vinyl’s quality standards.

What we’re looking for:
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• A collaborative, team-oriented attitude
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 55 lbs.
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous manufacturing experience is preferred

Citizen Vinyl is built around music, community, food, design, manufacturing and history. Every member of our team brings their own expertise to what we do, with a shared goal of creating something enduring, inspiring and meaningful right here in Asheville.

Interested in joining us? Apply today!
Send all resumes to [email protected] with "2nd shift Press Operator Application" in the subject line.

Know someone who would be a great fit? Send this their way. 🎶