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