elasticStage

About elasticStage

elasticStage is a London-based music technology company providing an on-demand manufacturing and distribution platform for vinyl records and CDs. Founded in 2016 by Steve Rhodes and Werner Freistaetter, the company aims to resolve the long lead times and high upfront costs associated with traditional vinyl production. Rhodes, the CEO, is a former singer-songwriter and recording studio owner with a background in mechanical engineering. Freistaetter, the CTO, has prior experience in one-off vinyl printing, having founded Vinyl Carvers in 2002. The idea for elasticStage was inspired by the on-demand business model of book printing, which Rhodes encountered when self-publishing his own books.

The company's core offering is a direct-to-fan platform where artists and labels can upload music and artwork to sell physical media without minimum orders, upfront costs, or holding inventory. When a fan places an order, elasticStage manufactures the product and ships it directly to the customer, typically within weeks. This model is designed to serve the growing market of independent artists, which the company sees as its primary client base, while also partnering with major record labels and digital service providers (DSPs). The business model operates on a revenue-sharing system where the company takes a portion of the profit from each sale.

elasticStage utilizes a proprietary, patent-pending manufacturing technology that differs significantly from conventional vinyl pressing. Instead of heating PVC and using metal stampers, their process is described as a 'cold' manufacturing method that does not involve pressing, with each record being a first-generation recording. This technique is purported to be more sustainable by using less energy, eliminating harmful chemicals, and utilizing a recyclable PETG material instead of PVC. The company asserts that this process results in higher-quality audio with sharper definition. Since launching its online platform in October 2024, elasticStage has onboarded nearly 20,000 creators and formed partnerships with companies like SoundCloud, BMG, and The Orchard.

The company has secured significant funding from music industry figures, including a seed round of £3.5 million ($4.2 million) in 2022. Investors include producers like Paul Epworth (Adele, Paul McCartney) and Dan Grech-Marguerat (Lana Del Rey), as well as artist managers and prominent artists such as Calvin Harris. This capital has been used to develop the technology, hire staff, and establish a 10,000 sq. ft. production facility in London.