March 2020
Dear Friends,
Like many small businesses, Furnace is doing our best to get through this time of great uncertainty. In manufacturing, there is no pressing records from home so we soldier on, mindful of social distancing within the factory.
Unfortunately, many in our community are being forced to take drastic measures to avoid transmitting the virus: tours are getting cancelled and stores are closing or cutting back hours. For many living show to show, transaction to transaction, an extended disruption could mean financial ruin.
It’s time for all of us to spring into action and support artists and small business owners. We’ve put together a list of things that you can do to help all those in our community who need a boost while their livelihood has been put on hold.
Record Stores:
It’s no secret that independent record stores are the heartbeat of the vinyl community. It’s also no secret that independent retail is a tough, low margin business run by passionate individuals who work their asses off because of their love of music and community, not a huge paycheck. So do your part:
– If stores are open, call and ask if they can do a mobile transaction and deliver your records to your car. Here’s is a link to find a local record store near you.
– Buy gift certificates for future purchases. Cash flow is king in retail so investing in future purchases now will help stores immensely.
– Trade in your old records for credit, not cash. Better yet, if you have the means, donate the records you no longer listen to and consider it good karma.
– Check to see if your local store has it’s own Discogs, ebay or webstore and support their eCommerce operations.
Bands:
Many artists earn a majority of their income touring, through ticket and merch sales. It’s hard to replace that income with a penny per stream. Search out your favorite band’s website or Bandcamp page and buy a download, a t-shirt and of course, their whole catalog on vinyl. When things get back to normal, get off your couch and go experience more live music and buy merch while you’re there.
Bookstores:
You can buy books online from many of your favorite booksellers through a link on their site or through Bookshop. You can also purchase audiobooks at Libro.fm. Profits go to your bookseller and not Amazon.
Local Restaurants/Coffee Shops/Bars:
Many of our and your local retail and service establishments will be impacted by closures and social distancing. We plan to buy gift certificates now, and support online ordering directly from local businesses whenever possible. We hope you’ll consider doing the same.
Donate to MusiCares:
MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly influence the health and welfare of the music community.
We’re grateful for the relationships, exciting milestones and even the struggle that pressing records has brought us so far in 2020, and we’ll continue to do our best through whatever else comes our way.
Stay safe, wash your hands, and play some records.
Much Love,
Your Friends At Furnace Record Pressing
