Vinyl sales have stayed strong through the 2010s and 2020s, and major labels now reserve much of the capacity at large plants. Collectors and independent artists still keep the format alive, but wait times grow when production is concentrated at a handful of high-volume facilities.

Softwax Record Pressing was built to give independents a direct path: clear quotes, steady communication, and schedules sized for singles, EPs, and short-run LPs instead of mass-market reissues alone.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT HERE

This site walks you through who runs the plant, how records move from audio files to finished discs, and where to find current pricing. Photos show the founders and the shop floor so you know who answers your emails and who runs the presses.

Most projects start with a conversation about quantity, jacket style, and timeline. From there you can review the step-by-step process page, read our test pressings guide, compare options on the pricing menu, and reach out through the contact page when you are ready for a quote. We work with bands, labels, and self-released artists across the U.S. and overseas.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

FEDERICO R. CASANOVA

FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Since settling in Philadelphia, Federico has worked with artists across the U.S. and abroad, including acts from Canada, South America, and Europe. He has supported independent labels in Philadelphia and in his hometown of Miami Beach.

Years on the road with touring bands showed him how hard it can be for independents to secure vinyl production on reasonable timelines. That experience shaped Softwax as a plant focused on Philadelphia and on artists who release on their own terms.

MICHAEL J. WODNICKI

FOUNDER, CHIEF TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL OFFICER

Based in Los Angeles, Michael splits his time between mechanical design consulting and recording in his home studio. Turning digital releases into physical records for other musicians came naturally from that routine.

Manufacturing, operations, and product design are central to his background. He applies lessons from high-volume engineering and product development to keep plant workflows efficient while still giving each indie release careful attention.

DAN GREATHOUSE

FOUNDER, PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGER

Dan brings more than 30 years of machine building and design work to the plant. Before joining Softwax full time, he led operations at three major vinyl pressing facilities during the format’s recent comeback.

He keeps presses calibrated, troubleshoots mechanical issues on the floor, and trains the crew on safe, repeatable runs. Off the clock you might find him flying balloons, tinkering with radios, or solving problems most people would not attempt. As Plant Operations Manager, he is the reason test pressings ship on schedule.

STARTING A PROJECT WITH SOFTWAX

When you are ready to press, gather your track list, preferred quantities, and any artwork specs you already have. Visit the pricing page for current packages, then read through the process section and our dedicated test pressings page so you know how mastering, plating, reference discs, and final runs fit together.

Use the contact page to share your timeline and questions. We reply with next steps, typical lead times, and what we need from your label or band before work begins. Follow us on Instagram at @softwaxrecords for plant updates and recently finished jobs.