Ep471: Mac McCaughan - Superchunk, Merge Records
Mac McCaughan of Superchunk and co-founder of Merge Records shares insights into the label, being a record collector, "Peak Vinyl" limited vinyl releases, vinyl production, Superchunk's upcoming tour in Australia and heaps more.
Topics Include:
- We welcome Mac McCaughan from Superchunk and Merge Records.
- Mac's upcoming tour in Australia to celebrate Foolish's 30th anniversary.
- Playing songs from multiple albums instead of full album sets, mixing up live performances.
- Mac's extensive vinyl collection and love for record collecting.
- Recent Japan trip, grabbing Japanese jazz records
- Record store treks while touring and discovering rare finds.
- Merge Records' inspirations from indie labels like Dischord and Sub Pop.
- Emphasizing affordable, fan-focused pricing for Merge releases.
- Mac’s approach to managing Merge as an artist-driven label.
- Importance of creativity and quality in Merge's artist partnerships.
- Record label survival and growth strategies and adapting to changing music industry landscapes.
- Evolution of 7-inch singles over last 40 years
- Mac is kind of surprised on vinyl's comeback and staying power
- The rising costs of vinyl production.
- Navigating fan interest in coloured versus black vinyl releases.
- Merge's “Peak Vinyl” concept for collectors’ special editions.
- Handling vinyl production challenges and partnerships with pressing plants.
- Vinyl costs are starting to slow down record purchases – capacity of vinyl pressing plants
- What was difficult about moving from musician to record label owner?
- Records that fell short of expectations
- How Mac and Merge team listens to artists for potential Merge engagement
- Listening past the budget/lo-fi qualities of demo recordings
- Mac’s response to hearing Neutral Milk Hotel
- Reflecting on follow-ups to “In the Aeroplane Over the Sea”.
- Australian record stores / Mac’s want list
- Interview wrap up
See Superchunk in Australia, here be the tickets
Extended, Commercial-Free & High Resolution version of this podcast is available at: www.Patreon.com/VinylGuide
Listen on Apple: https://apple.co/2Y6ORU0 Listen on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/36qhlc8
