Sharone Bechor is the CEO of Rock and Soul, one of the oldest indie record stores in New York City, carrying forward a legacy built by her parents that began in 1975. Raised in the shop, she absorbed not just a love for records, but the ethos of her community. Under her leadership, Rock and Soul continues to balance its history with the ever evolving landscape of music and vinyl collectors.
Meet Angelle Laigo, owner of Str33t Records. Growing up in Alhambra, California, with roots in local arts and her father’s community newspaper Street News, music and community have always been part of her DNA. In 2021, she merged those passions by opening the record store along Main Street amid cafes, and boutiques. The shop holds carefully curated crates of funk, soul, indie, oldies, and beyond. Laigo’s shop honors nostalgia while working to bring people together.
Meet Kelly, one of the owners behind The Records Department, a record shop about an hour northwest of Chicago. She’s the heartbeat of the store—running day-to-day operations, planning events, and keeping the fun alive with all the little details that make a record shop feel like home. The Records Department is more than just a place to buy vinyl. It’s a carefully curated indie record shop that blends new and used vinyl, local music, and a dedicated art space. Stop in, hang out, and soak up the atmosphere.
Janeka is the Community and Production Liaison at Hellbender Vinyl. She plays a pivotal role in nearly every part of the pressing plant’s day-to-day operations. From helping with production and assembly, to onboarding new projects and guiding clients through the process, she’s often the first voice you hear when calling into the facility. Her hands-on support extends to quality control, contributing to custom variants on the press, offering tours both virtual and in-person, and stepping in for project management whenever needed. Janeka’s deep connection to the work and her joy in every part of it make her an essential force in keeping the Hellbender engine running smoothly.
Heather Luciani is the owner of Rag & Bone Records, an independent record store based in Hurst, Texas. With a deep appreciation for music in all formats and a commitment to community, Heather has cultivated a welcoming space for collectors, casual listeners, and crate diggers alike—bringing her passion for music culture and connection to life through the shop.
Brooke Harris leads Sales and Marketing at Denver’s Paramount Pressing & Plating, bringing her passion as an artist, music lover, and connector to the forefront of vinyl manufacturing. With a deep belief in the power of music and craftsmanship, she helps guide artists and labels through the process of creating records that resonate both sonically and visually.
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.
