The Goo 1
Interview Words: Adhamh O’Caoimh VINYL FRONTIER:
ANTHEM SPINS A NEW ERA FOR IRISH MUSIC Just half an hour from Dublin, down winding Kildare roads, a low–key industrial unit is humming with the warm, hypnotic rhythm of vinyl coming to life. This is Anthem Vinyl, Ireland’s only pressing plant, where music isn’t just pressed onto wax, it’s launched into the world with a plan, a purpose, and a whole lot of passion. In little over a year, Anthem Vinyl has already pressed records for an eclectic roster that spans the haunting folk of Inni–K, the shimmering alt–pop of Soda Blonde, the triumphant return of Cry Before Dawn, and household names like Declan O’Rourke, Beoga., White Horse Guitar Club, Laura Elizabeth Hughes, Charles James & The Rise, Tommy Fleming and Derek Warfield. Rising talent hasn’t been overlooked either, with Dublin indie outfit Delush, rock newcomers XIII Doors and progressive Death Metal project, Abyssery, among those benefitting from their services. From the outset, Anthem Vinyl hit the ground running, securing a partnership with AIM (Association 16 of Independent Music Ireland), positioning itself as more than just a manufacturing facility. Alongside pressing records, the company prides itself on fostering close working relationships with artists and guiding them through the often murky waters of music distribution, sales, and promotion. We made the trip out with our wide–eyed American intern, who spent the journey marveling at Kildare’s rolling green fields, all for the chance to sit down with two of Anthem Vinyl’s driving forces: owner Brian Kenny and Commercial Manager Chris Keena. You’re the only place in Ireland doing this. What made you take up that responsibility? Brian Kenny: To put it simply, we saw a gap in the market for a pressing plant that could handle the pressing, fulfilment and distribution needs of Irish artists and labels. Geographically, Ireland is also perfectly positioned to serve the UK, EU, USA and beyond. Obviously this isn’t a small undertaking. How long did it take to put everything together? Brian: We got the keys to the building in late January. It took three months to get the equipment delivered, installed and commissioned, that’s the main gas line, steam boiler, cooling systems, pressing machines and all the packing gear. We’re proud to have been up and running in such a short time. I hadn’t considered all those behind–the–scenes elements, the gas lines, boilers, etc What are some other unexpected costs people might not think about when it comes to pressing vinyl? Brian: Like any business, there are plenty of moving parts. Careful planning and constant reviews help keep things under control. I’d worked in other vinyl plants