Women in Vinyl

Pam Pilipovich is the Project Manager at Hellbender Vinyl, where she wears many hats— press operator, and key player in quality control and packaging. Her work ensures that each record meets the vision of the artist and the standards of the craft. Outside the shop, Pam is a cellist and dedicated community advocate, using her platform to uplift music, youth, and womxn empowerment. Her deep roots in both creative expression and grassroots organizing shape everything she brings to the table.

Meet an artist redefining modern jazz through passion, purpose, and bold creativity. Glasgow-based DJ, producer, band leader and label owner Rebecca Vasmant is a force in contemporary jazz, blending deep musical knowledge with an unwavering love for sound. Leading a diverse 25-piece ensemble and championing female representation in her music, the label and other work, she invites listeners on a powerful journey of identity, growth, and self-discovery.

Veridiana Lima is a lawyer and multi-talented professional who has been an integral part of Vinil Brasil since 2020 — São Paulo’s only vinyl pressing plant and one of just three operating in all of Brazil. As the factory Director, she coordinates the commercial, administrative, and legal operations, while also providing essential support to the production team. Her work is vital in keeping the wheels turning behind the scenes, ensuring the factory runs smoothly and in compliance, while continuing to support Brazil’s vibrant independent music community.

We're back this weekend, and rolling down the open road to introduce you to Morgan Holly, the owner and founder behind Swindle Records — a mobile record store bringing vinyl to Downriver Michigan and the surrounding areas. Swindle offers a genre-free, curated selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, imported band merch, patches, stickers, and more. Swindle Records isn’t just a store — it’s an experience, and community on wheels.

Sofia Georgiadou is the owner of Velona Records, and a dedicated music lover, and vinyl enthusiast based in Thessaloniki, Greece. Velona Records, is an independent record store founded in 2017 by two friends sharing a passion for music. They offer a diverse selection of genres, and provide both new and rare used titles. Beyond retail, Velona Records hosts in-store events such as live sessions, DJ sets, and meet-and-greets, fostering a vibrant community for music enthusiasts.

Newtown Book & Record Exchange (NBRE) has been a staple in Newton PA, thanks in large part to its owner, Chelsea Mitchell. Specializing in thousands of used books, along with a carefully curated collection of new and used vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs, NBRE provides customers with a unique and ever-evolving selection. Whether you're hunting for a classic novel, exploring new genres, or digging through vinyl crates in search of rare finds, they have something for everyone.

Meet Emily Lyon, a thrifting flight attendant, pilot, flight instructor, and co-owner of Records The Good Kind, a record store she owns with her husband in Vernon Connecticut. The story of the shop, and Emily’s journey into the world of buying vinyl and used goods began back in '93 when she scored her first job at an antique shop igniting her lifelong love for collecting. Fast forward to 2014, after a mix of flight attendant gigs and grad school, Emily and her now-spouse, Ian, decided to bring their shared passion for records to life with the opening of Records The Good Kind.

In this week’s feature, we’re delighted to introduce you to Umbrella Vinyl, a vibrant new addition to Edinburgh’s music scene. Since opening in August 2023, this vinyl-only record shop has quickly become a must-visit for music lovers in search of second-hand gems and a welcoming space to share their passion for records. Co-owned by Laura Thomson and her two partners, the shop reflects their diverse musical tastes and carries a personal touch, with its name and logo nodding to their Hong Kong roots. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Umbrella Vinyl offers a fresh and mindful approach to vinyl collecting.

Meet Billie Egan one half of Spinner Town Blanks, a UK-based supplier specializing in high-quality blank recordable discs, diamonds, sleeves, and accessories for the lathe-cutting world. Created to provide reliable, high-quality products Spinner Town helps cutters achieve superior sound quality, reduce waste, and produce cuts that rival pressed records. With more innovative products on the way, they’re committed to supporting the cutting community at every step.