In the heart of Denver’s River North Arts District, the owners of a 14,000-square-foot record plant have finally found their footing after facing significant challenges over the last two years.
The pressing and plating company, Paramount Pressing and Plating, is gearing up to produce 1 million vinyl LPs annually, with offerings that range from major-label reissues to limited pressings for local artists.
Following a breakup with Denver’s Vinyl Me, Please record club, the company is positioned for a resurgence that coincides with a growing demand for high-quality vinyl records, a trend that has recently captivated a younger audience and defined music sales.
According to the Recording Industry Association of America, vinyl has become the top-selling music medium for three consecutive years, surpassing CDs and generating $1.4 billion in revenue last year—the highest amount recorded since 1984.
Paramount’s operator, Gary Salstrom, an industry veteran, oversees the pressing floor, where he and his team are already producing critically acclaimed releases.
Some of the notable titles include new and reissued albums from artists like Gillian Welch, LCD Soundsystem, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and others.
David Rawlings, a Grammy-winning folk artist and co-founder of Paramount Pressing, expressed excitement about the plant’s journey.
After hearing about the facility’s initial collaboration with Vinyl Me, Please and the subsequent turmoil that caused it to collapse, Rawlings saw an opportunity for a fresh start.
The previous partnership had been mired in legal trouble, reflecting internal strife that saw Vinyl Me, Please file lawsuits against its CEO and CFO for alleged fund mismanagement.
Now operating as an independent entity, the pressing plant prides itself on a commitment to quality, aiming to meet the demands of both audiophiles and a new generation of music enthusiasts.
With Rawlings as the main investor, the company has scaled operations to a dozen specialists and is actively seeking additional talent.
Salstrom, who has an impressive track record from his time at Quality Record Pressings, sees a significant opportunity to collaborate with Rawlings in a way that prioritizes high-quality production.
The duo shares a passion for achieving the best possible sound, driving a philosophy rooted in an appreciation for analog recording methods.
Rawlings emphasizes a commitment to analog, eschewing digital shortcuts in favor of a process that captures the true essence of music on vinyl.
The meticulous production method includes mastering recordings onto a flat metal plate that is then electroplated, leading to the creation of vinyl LPs, each made with precision and care.
The unique nature of Paramount’s operations means that they manage every aspect of production in-house, from mastering to packaging.
This turnkey operation allows Salstrom to oversee and control the entire creative journey, contributing to the brand’s reputation for quality.
As some of the biggest names in music embrace vinyl, the demand continues to swell, further energizing the market in a way that has not been seen in decades.
With prices for new LPs hovering around $30 to $40, the pressing plant’s swift turnaround times and artisanal approach make it an attractive option for both major and indie labels looking to deliver high-quality products.
The majority of Paramount’s contracts are focused on one-off projects, with Acony Records being their largest customer at present, but talks are underway with larger labels for significant releases.
Salstrom, with a history of working on pressing projects for iconic bands like The Beatles, is optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead, particularly regarding the growing demand for quality vinyl.
The company’s approach is a blend of artistry and technical know-how, evident in their use of vibrant vinyl colors and a rigorous quality control process.
In the factory, an array of high-end stamping machines, individually named after employees’ pets, produces beautiful, high-fidelity records that are cherished by customers.
By the time a finished record is ready for shipment, it costs Paramount roughly $6.50 to make, which increases several times before reaching retail.
Rawlings insists that higher-end products tend to sell better on his website and through partners, highlighting continued consumer interest in quality.
With the infrastructure in place for future growth, the factory is also equipped to handle expansion, supported by efficient manufacturing processes established by Salstrom.
Salstrom believes that the human element is vital to achieving high standards, marrying the science of production with the craft of music-making.
His vision extends beyond just pressing records; he sees this plant as an investment in the future of vinyl and music production as a whole.
The resurgence of vinyl is a sign that the rich knowledge of record manufacturing, which faced a decline, is now being revived.
With the right team in place and a shared commitment to excellence, Paramount is well-positioned to thrive in this evolving industry.
As the momentum of vinyl popularity continues, Paramount Pressing and Plating stands ready to meet the growing demands of music lovers worldwide, reaffirming the warmth and quality of analog sound.
image source from：https://www.denverpost.com/2025/04/25/paramount-pressing-record-plant-lp-vinyl-gary-salstrom-david-rawlings/
