Antone's joins vinyl take-back program
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Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post
Antone's Record Shop in Austin has joined a new nationwide vinyl take-back program that aims to give broken and unwanted records a second life.
Why it matters: Vinyl has enjoyed a resurgence over the past decade, but there's been little focus on what happens when records become damaged, beyond repair or owners no longer want them.
Context: A May study by WMG, GZ Media and Abbey Road Studios found that unsold, obsolete records can be successfully reprocessed into new, high-quality pressings.
How it works: Music fans can return damaged or unplayable vinyl records at any of the stores regardless of the artist, label or condition.
- The pilot aims to determine whether those records can be recycled into new products or have their materials recovered.
- The albums will be sent back to Warner Music Group for evaluation.
Zoom in: Antone's is one of 12 independent record shops nationwide participating in the pilot, which launched June 25. It will accept any damaged or unplayable vinyl records and covers.
- "LPs and 45s are good," the store wrote in an Instagram post. "Not taking 78s at this time, (different material)."
- Find the collection box just to the right when you walk in the front door. You can drop off anytime they're open, 11am-7pm daily.
What they're saying: "Independent record stores have long served as gathering places for music fans and stewards of music culture," Warner Music Group's Madeleine Smith said in a statement.
- "The pilot brings together retailers, recovery partners, and music fans to explore an important question: what would it take to create practical pathways for recovering unplayable or damaged vinyl records? It's a vital first step in understanding what's possible."
What's next: The pilot runs through September, after which Warner Music Group will evaluate whether to expand the program.