Warner discreetly launches new vinyl-only label Run Out Groove

Warner Music Group has officially unveiled Run Out Groove, a new vinyl-only label that caters specifically to dedicated fans of the resurging format.

The premise of the venture is based largely on fan input and demand, with Warner creating a community-based collaborative environment for fans to choose which records the label will release.

Each month, individuals can vote for an out-of-print record, a previously unreleased album, or a new collection to be pressed on high quality, limited edition vinyl. The title with the most votes will be selected with all pressed records being individually numbered.

ARIA figures show 2016 was the sixth consecutive year of growth for vinyl sales in Australia – read more here.

A description on the website says: “Our goal is to uncover, customize, reconfigure and reissue the coolest vinyl titles from the most unique artists of the last five decades.

“Our records are made with the highest quality packaging for the discerning collector and dedicated fan. They are all limited to a one time pressing.”

Its first ever release was The Motor City Five by MC5, though It’s All Live Now by 70s British band Echo & The Bunnymen was its first fan-chosen.

Warner has an extensive catalogue from a vast array of niche labels that Run Out Groove can tap in the future. This includes Frank Sinatra’s Reprise Records, folk and rock music champion Elektra Records, and Sire Records, which fostered the careers of The Pretenders and Madonna.

Run Out Groove vinyls will be sold at retail outlets and online stores. The amount of vinyls provided to these stores will be determined by overall consumer demand for the products.

Fans have a 30-day window to opt-in for a copy of the chosen release before voting commences for the next record.

The next run of releases up for voting includes Secret Machines’ Now Here Is Nowhere, Best Of Atlantic Soul 1962-1965 by Solomon Burke and Golden Smog’s first full-length album Down By The Old Mainstream.