SoundCloud and elasticStage Launch On-Demand Vinyl Service for Independent Artists
It aims to break down the traditional barriers to vinyl production for independent artists.
The new service enables musicians to create and sell vinyl records with no upfront costs, no minimum order requirements, and complete creative control, marking a significant shift in how indie artists can engage with physical music formats.
Exclusively available to SoundCloud’s Artist Pro subscribers, the service allows eligible musicians to join a waitlist for access. Once approved, artists can select tracks directly from their SoundCloud catalogue, upload artwork, add credits, and submit their records for review. SoundCloud will then generate a dedicated webpage for each vinyl release, where fans can purchase the record on-demand.
elasticStage, a UK-based vinyl manufacturing platform, will manage every order, handling customer service, shipping logistics, and pressing each record as orders are placed.
Artists will be paid for every sale, eliminating the financial risk and inventory burdens typically associated with producing physical music.
The partnership launches with releases from a curated selection of emerging artists, including AM.RADIO, Blonde Maze, Diorvsyou, Kelcey Ayer (of Local Natives), and Raine Simone. These initial offerings reflect SoundCloud’s broader mission to spotlight and support independent talent.
“We created elasticStage’s on-demand vinyl technology to make physical music as accessible as streaming for artists and music fans everywhere, said elasticStage CEO and Co-Founder, Steve Rhodes.
“Records have been bringing fans closer to their favourite artists for decades, but today’s modern music creators are now shut out of the vinyl market by high costs and outdated practices – our mission is to break down these barriers so musicians can sell vinyl with zero cost or risk. SoundCloud’s artist-centric platform is a perfect fit for us, and we’re thrilled to be collaborating with them to help independent artists connect with fans and build long-lasting music careers.”
Eliah Seton, CEO of SoundCloud, highlighted the significance of the initiative in the context of the ongoing vinyl revival: “Vinyl sales have surged over 300% since 2016, yet most independent artists have been excluded from this growth due to high manufacturing costs and logistical limitations.”
“At SoundCloud, we’re committed to helping artists thrive by providing new opportunities for connection and monetization,” Seton added. “This partnership is another step toward ensuring that every artist – no matter where they are in their career – has the tools to build a sustainable career.”
The collaboration arrives at a time when demand for vinyl records is reaching levels not seen since the 1980s. With younger audiences increasingly valuing physical formats for their tangibility and collectibility, the SoundCloud-elasticStage initiative offers a timely solution for artists looking to capitalise on the trend without the traditional financial or operational hurdles.
The move is also a continuation of SoundCloud’s shift toward being more than just a streaming platform, positioning itself as a comprehensive ecosystem for artist empowerment – one that includes tools for monetisation, direct fan engagement, and now, physical distribution.
