Hand Drawn Records returns to Austin for SXSW 2017

Hand Drawn Records takes the vinyl revolution to Austin with SXSW events

Hand Drawn Records: SXSW 2017

"We're excited to be heading down to SXSW again this year to spread the good word about our scene and of course, give the gift of vinyl,” —Hand Drawn Records co-founder, Dustin Blocker

(DALLAS, TEXAS – February 24, 2017; source: CultureHype) – Hand Drawn Records is showing no signs of slowing down. Fresh off the grand opening of its state-of-the-art vinyl pressing plant, the Dallas-based, artist-centric label is taking its talents and tips to Austin, Texas for the annual South by Southwest festival in March for an Official SXSW Panel with Viryl Tech, the innovators behind Hand Drawn’s new WarmTone vinyl pressing machines, plus a handful of official and unofficial showcases. Some of the metroplex’s must-see musicians call Hand Drawn Records home, but the label’s innovate influence extends far beyond the DFW.

WIRED VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: HAND DRAWN PRESSING: Vinyl Record Manufacturing

The label’s manufacturing arm, Hand Drawn Pressing, is on track to press up to 1.8 million records this year. According to Forbes, “vinyl records sales nearing the $1 billion benchmark for the first time this millennium.”

Hand Drawn’s Austin trip begins at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15 with an official SXSW panel featuring Dustin Blocker, the label’s Chief Creative Officer, and representatives from Warner Music Group, Furnace Record Pressing and Viryl Tech—the manufacturer of the WarmTone machines. The panel, moderated by the president of Analog Planet, will touch on the talent and technology powering the vinyl revolution, and will also look ahead to the future.

The festivities continue later that day, when Hand Drawn joins forces with COLLIDE on Rainey St., Dr. Martens and Twix to release exclusive vinyl compilations (Limited Edition runs of 300 units only) for their respective showcases. The artists for these records have yet to be announced, and all those who head over to COLLiDE on Rainey will have a chance to score vinyl at Dr. Martens presents COLLiDE @ Container at Container Bar and The Twix House at Bar 96 while supplies last. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Container, and 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. with a 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. encore at Bar 96.

Also, on Saturday, March 18, the label will host an unofficial "invite-only" day party to celebrate the opening of Monument House Sound Company’s new studio in North Austin, event sponsored by COOP Ale Works. The event, which features a performances by Brandon Callies, Sean Russell, Paco Estrada, Stephen Beatty, Zach Arrington, Silas Nello and more TBA 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.