Dutch Vinyl Pressing Plant Deepgrooves Shuts Down Amid Controversy

Key Takeaways

• Deepgrooves, a vinyl pressing plant in the Netherlands, has declared bankruptcy.
• Multiple artists and labels claim the company owes them significant sums.
• Some clients describe the plant’s actions as fraudulent.
• A trustee is overseeing the company’s remaining operations and potential restart.

Deepgrooves, the Dutch vinyl pressing plant located in Leeuwarden, has ceased operations following allegations of financial misconduct. The company declared bankruptcy on October 25, leaving several independent artists and record labels grappling with unpaid invoices and undelivered orders.

Claims of Unpaid Orders and Fraud

Numerous clients have accused Deepgrooves of deceptive practices, citing unresolved payments and incomplete deliveries. Labels such as Into The Deep Records, Clutching At Straws, and artist Kylian Van Beem allege they are collectively owed thousands of Euros. Reports suggest that these issues date back to early 2023, when the company’s financial struggles began to surface.

For example, Arthur Lastmann, head of Into The Deep Records, paid £3,500 for a vinyl pressing in January but only received a defective test copy. Despite follow-ups, the finalized records never arrived. Brian Ring, from the label Clutching At Straws, echoed similar concerns. “Deepgrooves likely knew their financial position was precarious but continued taking orders they couldn’t fulfill,” Ring stated.

Trustee Takes Charge

Deepgrooves’ affairs are now under the supervision of trustee Wybe Molemma. In a statement, Molemma explained that while some products might still be delivered, the likelihood of compensating all affected parties is uncertain. He noted: “Products already manufactured are available for delivery. However, the feasibility of fulfilling outstanding orders depends on a potential company restart.”

A Controversial Future for Deepgrooves

Despite its troubled financial state, Deepgrooves has announced plans for a “fresh start.” Backed by investors Jan’t Hoen and Arnoud Aalbersberg, the company aims to re-establish itself as the Netherlands’ leading eco-friendly vinyl pressing plant. Deepgrooves gained prominence for its commitment to sustainability, utilizing renewable energy and a near-circular production model.

The Environmental Footprint of Vinyl

This closure comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the vinyl industry’s environmental impact. A recent report by the Vinyl Record Manufacturers Association highlighted that producing a single record emits approximately 1.15kg of CO₂ equivalent—a figure comparable to the carbon footprint of an 8oz steak. As sustainability becomes a pressing concern for music collectors, Deepgrooves’ environmentally focused model underscores the tension between ethics and profitability in the vinyl market.

Artists Consider Legal Action

Some affected artists, including Kylian Van Beem, are exploring legal avenues to recoup losses. Van Beem, owed over €4,000 for his band Ardor Lane, remarked: “The community of independent artists must hold pressing plants accountable, especially when livelihoods are at stake.”

Editor’s Pick

• Who Are Deepgrooves? Learn about the plant’s commitment to sustainability and its unique approach to vinyl production.
• Why Are Vinyl Records So Expensive Now? Explore the factors driving the rising costs in the vinyl industry.
• The Evolution of Vinyl Record Pressing Discover the technological milestones shaping the art of vinyl production.