The ultimate tribute for those who lived and breathed vinyl.
For die-hard music fans, the idea of becoming one with their beloved vinyl collection has taken on a whole new meaning. This is all thanks to a unique memorial service from And Vinyly, a UK company started by Jason Leach in 2006.
With this, audiophiles can now have their ashes pressed into vinyl records. It’s a concept that mixes memories, music, and death in a way that speaks to people who’ve spent their lives collecting and loving records.
How Ashes Become Vinyl
The process of turning cremated remains into a playable record is surprisingly straightforward. Yet, it does involve some intricate steps.
“It’s very simple at the end of the day. In effect, you’re making a record as you normally do,” explains Leach.
“You have your audio, and then from that, they make tin stampers, which is like a reverse of vinyl. Instead of the grooves and the valleys, you have kind of mountains, if you like. And then those plates are used to press a piece of vinyl.”
But, just before pressing, they add a teaspoon of ashes to the mix. This small amount becomes part of the record, leaving enough remains for other memorial options.
The result? A one-of-a-kind record with the literal essence of your loved one.
“It does compromise the sound,” Leach admits.
“It’s exactly what you don’t want to be happening at a pressing plant normally, but those pops and crackles are them.”
Customization Options
And Vinyly’s service is all about making it personal.
For one, whether you’re looking for a 7-inch single or a full 12-inch LP, the choice is yours.
As for the content, the audio can range from voice recordings and favorite tunes to ambient sounds or even original compositions.
If you can’t decide, the company offers pre-recorded music in different styles from classical to electronic.
But, if you’re after something truly unique, And Vinyly can even get original music made just for the person who died. They’ve been known to reach out to bands for custom creations.
If that’s not for you, the company also offers the option to create a record with no added audio. This lets listeners hear only the sounds made by the ashes – a strange but beautiful idea for those who like the subtle sounds of vinyl.
Of course, the visual aspects are just as customizable.
You can get a special sleeve artwork and labels with photos or personal info. And, you can even have a portrait painted using ashes mixed with paint for the record covers.
Customers can also opt for clear or colored vinyl.
Stories of Those Who’ve Used the Service
John Hobson, a 69-year-old sculptor, is one of the many clients who have used And Vinyly’s services.
In his case, he did so to memorialize his mother, Madge.
He had previously recorded conversations with her, which now form the audio content of her memorial records.
Now, those recordings of family history and personal anecdotes, told in Madge’s own voice, live on in a vinyl that contains her ashes. It’s a powerful way to preserve not just memories, but the essence of a person.
This approach aligns perfectly with Leach’s vision of preserving a more authentic version of oneself for future generations.
In fact, Leach himself plans to use the service. His future record will have his own voice, along with his partner of over 25 years and their two daughters.
“I like to think about my great, great grandchildren listening to me. This is about as close to time travel as I’m going to get,” he muses.
While it might seem strange, this service is part of a growing trend in the end-of-life industry.
More and more people are looking for personal and unique ways to be remembered. And while some might find the concept a bit unsettling, many, like Hobson, see it as a meaningful way to create a lasting link between the dead and future families.