Pittsburgh's New Vinyl Pressing Plant Hellbender Opens for Independent Artists
A new artist-run vinyl pressing plant, Hellbender Vinyl, has opened its doors in Pittsburgh's Lawrenceville neighborhood. Co-founded by Jeff Betten and Matt Dowling, it joins the exclusive group of only 40 vinyl pressing plants operating in the United States.
Two men at vinyl pressing plant
Hellbender Vinyl manufactures 7", 10", and 12" vinyl records, providing essential services to artists at all career stages. As a member of the American Association of Independent Music (A2IM), the company has quickly established itself as a trusted manufacturer in the industry.
The facility's client roster includes notable artists such as Guster, The Ataris, Sparta, and Wheatus, alongside local Pittsburgh talents like Ghost Hounds, MCG Jazz, and Meeting of Important People. In the business sector, Hellbender serves major brands including Urban Outfitters, Mountain Dew, and Saatchi & Saatchi.
Beyond manufacturing, Hellbender fosters community engagement through various events, including live shows, album listening parties, art exhibits, and film screenings. Their commitment to the local music scene is evident in their upcoming Record Store Day party scheduled for April 12.
This initiative aligns with Jack White's 2022 call for major labels to address vinyl supply chain issues by establishing their own pressing plants, similar to his Third Man Records pressing plant launched in 2017. Hellbender's emergence represents a significant step forward in supporting independent artists' access to vinyl production.
