How to release vinyl as an independent artist or label.
From finished music to a record in your hand — every decision you need to make, in the order you need to make it.
Finish the music first
Nothing about the release process should start until the music is complete. Not the format decision, not the artwork, not the order. Changes to the audio after cutting has started cost time and money. When you say it's finished, the mix is approved, the track order is set, and you're not going back.
Get a vinyl master
A finished mix is not a vinyl master. Vinyl needs specific preparation — bass managed for groove stability, sibilance addressed, appropriate headroom, limiting applied with the format in mind rather than a streaming target. You have two routes:
- Commission a dedicated vinyl master from a mastering engineer who knows the format. This is the right approach for a serious release.
- Supply your best master and use vinyl preparation (£35 per order). This covers the technical work of making a file cut cleanly — it works best with a well-mixed source and is not a substitute for proper mastering.
What vinyl preparation actually covers → Digital master vs vinyl master →
Choose your format
| Format | Speed | Practical max/side | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7″ | 45rpm | 4–5 min | Singles, short tracks, gig merch |
| 10″ | 33 or 45rpm | 6–8 min | EPs, mid-length releases |
| 12″ | 33 or 45rpm | 8–14 min | Albums, EPs, DJ tools, dance releases |
For most label releases and DJ tools, 12″ at 45rpm is standard — louder cut, better tracking, more headroom. 33rpm makes sense when side length is the priority. 45rpm vs 33rpm — which to choose →
Decide on quantity
Order what you actually need. There's no minimum run — just a £50 minimum cutting order. Lathe cutting lets you press to demand: 10 for a promo run, 25 for a limited edition, 50 for a proper release. Per-unit cost drops as quantity rises through flat-band pricing.
Minimum cutting order: £50. Add-ons and shipping are additional. Full cost breakdown with worked examples →
Sort your artwork
- Centre labels — printed and applied at +£1.50/record. 86mm for 7″/10″, 96mm for 12″. Supply print-ready. No design service.
- Artwork inserts — front and back printed cards at +£2.00/record. Not traditional glued outer jackets.
- Poly outer sleeves — +£1.00/record.
- External printing — if using your own sleeves, confirm dimensions before you print. Discuss before ordering.
Place the order and pay
Use the order form. Once submitted, you'll receive a quote confirmation. Pay the invoice — that locks in your production slot. Enquiring does not reserve a date. Files are uploaded separately after the order is confirmed using the upload page.
Supply final audio
WAV or AIFF, 24-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz. One file per side. Completely final — changes after production starts cause delays. Include your order reference with the upload. How to supply audio →
Production and delivery
Approximately 2–3 weeks from payment and receipt of all final audio and artwork. Tuesday to Friday. If there are questions about the audio during assessment you'll hear about it — production doesn't proceed on files that won't produce the right result.
When the records are ready they ship to you. Test on at least two different setups before drawing conclusions — cartridge and stylus make a real difference on lathe cuts.