July 11, 2025
Jul 11, 2025
Our founder and CEO, Gar Ragland, spoke candidly about his vision for Citizen Vinyl and introducing the art of record manufacturing to the cultural hub of Asheville in this feature for American Songwriter. You can read the full article here, or check out highlights down below.
“Hidden in the hills of North Carolina lies the city of Asheville – a cultural hub of bountiful delights. Thriving from a recent uptick in tourism, the town is bustling with independent artists and venues. A rich history seeps through the music scene, closely tied to the Appalachian traditions on which the city was raised.
In the heart of the downtown district is a grand, three-story art moderne building that previously served both the Asheville Citizen and Asheville Times newspapers and WWNC. The radio station, ‘Wonderful Western North Carolina,’ began in 1927, welcoming the ‘Father of Country Music,’ Jimmie Rodgers, on stage that same year. Over the next decade, regional music traditions spread down with their purveyors as they fled Appalachia in masses, seeking work in larger cities. Bill Monroe made his debut on the third floor of the building in 1939, introducing the world to a new sound he popularized as ‘Bluegrass.’
CEO and music industry veteran, Gar Ragland, announced the revitalization of this iconic space this month, unveiling its new identity: Citizen Vinyl. The historic site will serve as a boutique vinyl pressing plant, record store, and locally-focused bar and cafe.”
The album is available for pre-order exclusivelyon the Citizen Soundcheck platform. Michael Hutchence — front man of Australian rock band INXS — passed away in 1997, but fortunately his music didn’t die with him. “a hidden treasure of unreleased music from Hutchence continues to emerge, shedding… View Article
As Citizen Vinyl enters its fifth year of operations as North Carolina’s first vinyl record pressing plant, we will be closing our bar/café, event space, and record and art store on April 30. This decision allows Citizen Vinyl to strengthen its focus on the success… View Article
Hiss Golden Messenger is releasing a 2 x LP vinyl version of Sanctuary Songs. The 18-track live album was recorded on December 1, 2023 — during the Jump for Joy tour — at The Waiting Room in Omaha, NE. This ripping, rocking, and vibing set was captured by… View Article