Women in Vinyl

Los Angeles-based Filipino Grammy-winning mastering engineer and vinyl cutter Jett Galindo has worked on a wide range of albums, collaborating with artists like Elvis Costello, Pinar Toprak, Billie Eilish, Lena Raine, to name a few. She continues the legacy of her mentor, mastering legend Doug Sax of The Mastering Lab. Before opening her own studio, Jett was a key member of The Bakery, working alongside esteemed engineers Eric Boulanger and Peter Hewitt-Dutton. Beyond mastering, Jett serves as a Governor on the Recording Academy's LA Chapter Board and is a member of the P&E Wing Advisory Council. Additionally, Jett has written over 30 published articles on mastering for iZotope’s LEARN portal.

Amanda is a record junkie and recorded sound archivist who continually finds new ways to contribute to the music industry. Her work’s core mission is to connect fans with more music and get artists paid. She is a member of the Association For Recorded Sound Collections (ARSC) and has an extensive career working with emerging distribution channels and strategies for artists, from indie musicians to major labels. Amanda also worked closely with Jenn to edit and curate the book Women in Vinyl, the art of Making Vinyl.

Owner of Calgary based Red Spade Records, the only (currently operating) female record cutter in Canada. Red Spade Records creates bespoke, handmade, lathe-cut records. Her lifelong passion for music and vinyl records inspired her to create the company, and her keen eye for detail is what makes her vinyl impeccable and unlike any other. Bringing artists’ music to life on vinyl is Raymond’s true calling. She is adamant about making vinyl accessible and co-hosts The Women in Vinyl Podcast alongside Jenn.  She cuts on a desktop Vinyl Recorder T-560, apprenticed on a VMS70 and formerly worked in the QA department at a Precision Record Pressing.

An avid record collector, Ray has been surrounded by vinyl for most of his life. His love for music reaches back to childhood, but his passion for vinyl solidified when he began djing in the mid nineties. Now with over 30 years as an all vinyl DJ, his musical tastes and his record collection have grown exponentially. His time spent managing a record store in Savannah, GA were invaluable in his research of sounds both old and new. Years of buying, selling, spinning and talking about vinyl led him to working in the industry, starting first as a QC operator for United Record Pressing in Nashville TN, and then as the Quality Control and Press Room manager of Furnace Record Pressing where he worked to uphold standards and deliver the best quality records possible. Ray edits The Women in Vinyl Podcast making sure we sound our absolute best and works full time as the Production Director at Gold Rush Vinyl and Gold Records USA in Austin, TX.

Christal Jerez has been an audio engineer for over a decade with experience recording, mixing and mastering music. Christal has worked in New York and Los Angeles at studios like Platinum Sound Recording Studios, Do What Sounds Good, and now her own company, Christal’s Sonic Lab. Her credits include Lil Kim, Partynextdoor, dvsn, and Japanese Breakfast, to name a few. Christal is currently completing her PhD at the University of Huddersfield in Immersive Music Production for Hip-Hop. 

Christie is a Senior Account Representative with Redeye, an independent physical and digital distributor representing over 250 label partners globally. She works closely with independent record stores, online retailers, one-stops partners, and other non-traditional accounts throughout western North America. Known for her dedication and proactive approach, Christie is committed to connecting artists and retailers by ensuring accounts are covered on new releases and catalog, as well as coordinating marketing opportunities with record stores such as merchandising or in-store performances. With a passion for music and a keen understanding of market trends, Christie has built strong relationships with record stores and labels alike. Outside of our industry, you can find Christie seeking out all things vintage, from clothing to architecture.

Emily grew up in a musical family, with her father serving as the music teacher at her high school. Her early life was deeply centered around music and the arts. While her own musical talent didn't catch, she has always maintained a deep appreciation for the craft. Working in a record store was a long-standing aspiration, and for nearly eight years, she has served as the manager at Monster Music. She enjoys the vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, finding joy in being surrounded by music every day.

As the Co-owner and Manager of Queen B Vinyl Café (formerly Puscifer the Store), Jen has played a pivotal role in its transformation from an online concept into a dynamic, multifaceted establishment over the past 16 years. Queen B Vinyl Café is much more than a record store, though a deep love for music remains at its core. The business has expanded to include a wine tasting bar, live events, a barber shop, and a full design studio offering custom tailoring, upcycling, and DTG on-demand printing. Additionally, a café with a coffee roaster was introduced. Located in a rural town, Jen has made it a priority to create a welcoming community space where everyone feels safe and valued, helping to cultivate a unique, cultured neighborhood spot in this small town.

Born in a music store and spending her childhood traveling with musician parents, Rachel is the Owner of Musicology a record store in Edmonds Washington. She immerses herself in all aspects of her passion for music; as a bass guitarist, songwriter, music journalist, festival booker, show goer, musician supporter, and record store owner. Rachel is passionate about supporting up and coming artists, building community with music, and helping artists connect.

Raquel Peña, known as DJ Raquiqui [Rah-ki-ki], is a DJ and tastemaker with a decade of radio experience and 20+ years in entertainment and event production. A proud Tejana with deep West Texas roots, her mixes reflect her heritage, blending genres like Tejano, cumbia, soul, funk, and dance. Whether performing solo or with collectives like Chulita Vinyl Club, Queer Vinyl Collective, or HOT Moon, Raquiqui brings a dynamic, culture-rich approach to every set.

Four-time Grammy Award-winning producer, Cheryl has for years been entrusted with preserving, curating, and championing some of music’s greatest legacies. Before co-founding Omnivore Entertainment Group, she held positions at Rhino, Concord, and EMI-Capitol Records. In addition to producing releases for Omnivore Recordings, Pawelski is a sought-after producer and resource for artists, estates, media entities, and labels. She has served as a Governor, Secretary, VP, and Trustee for The Recording Academy and serves, or has served, on the Board of Directors of the Blues Foundation, the Advisory Council for The Recording Academy’s Producers & Engineers Wing, the Industry Advisory Board for the Center For Recorded Music, the Farm Aid Development Advisory Council and the External Advisory Board/Music Industry Liaison for Joey’s Song.

Heath Gmucs is currently the production manager at Gotta Groove Records with 14 years experience in the vinyl industry. Heath started as a press operator in 2010 with Gotta Groove and began developing new processes for custom color records. In 2015 he founded Wax Mage Records, a Making Vinyl award winning independent record label that focuses on one of a kind handmade records. His focus is supporting Gotta Groove Records in maintaining their unsurpassed quality control, efficient production, and creating bespoke playable art for clients worldwide.

Piper Payne, a Mastering Engineer based in Nashville, TN, is known for her dedication to audio quality and equality. After moving her mastering studio to Nashville, she ventured into vinyl manufacturing, opening Physical Music Products, which, through Piper's innovations, has set industry leading turn times and quality benchmarks. As a former National Trustee of the Recording Academy and Co-Chair of the P&E Wing Steering Committee, Piper actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the industry. With a background in music and a focus on technical excellence, she approaches mastering and manufacturing as a blend of feel and precision. Piper shares her expertise in mastering and recording as an esteemed audio professor and frequent guest lecturer. Her impressive discography includes notable artists like Janis Ian, Madame Gandhi, Dolly Parton, The Go-Go's, and more.