September 23, 2023
Sep 23, 2023
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.”
Last year the inaugural Asheville FM album — Real People, Great Radio: Vol. 1 — rolled out. It featured tracks by area talent such as Secret Shame, Astoria, Fleur Geurl, Dexter Webb, and others. The next installment, Real People, Great Radio: Vol. 2, is being… View Article
Citizen Vinyl presents Blue Note Brunch on Sunday, June 18. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Menu specials + music from the most iconic jazz label, spun by guest DJ Ames_AF. Q+A with DJ Ames_AF Citizen Vinyl: What drew you to the Blue Note Jazz record label? DJ… View Article
Producer, engineer, and artist manager Kevin Moloney recently joined forces with Asheville-based recording studio Citizen Studios as Producer in Residence. A native of Ireland, Moloney’s storied career includes work with artists such as U2 and Sinead O’Connor, and with producers such as Daniel Lanois, Brian… View Article