Deadwax Debuts: A Night of Vinyl, Whisky, and Good Company

7 days ago

2 min read

On October 9th, from 8 to 11 PM, the new Modus AV Listening Lounge hosted the debut of Deadwax. A hurricane was bearing down on us, and the night went on anyway.

Thank You for Showing Up

To everyone who drove through rough weather to be there, thank you. You could have stayed home, and you chose to spend the evening with records, whisky, and good company. Your being there made the night what it was.

The Room

The room felt more like a private listening session than a typical event. A flagship audiophile system anchored the space, with towering speakers glowing in the low light. Behind the decks, our curators spun a set of deep cuts, soul, and rarities that sounded the way records are meant to sound.

The Whisky

At the sampling table, guests poured two Japanese whiskies: Toki and Hibiki. Toki is light and smooth, an easy way into the evening. Hibiki is richer and more layered, a pour to sip slowly between tracks.

The Records

Beside the whisky, a table of Japanese-pressed records drew people in. Guests flipped through them, admired the obi strips and artwork, and talked about what they’d want to hear next and purchase.

How It All Came Together

Records, whisky, and a listening room might sound like separate things, but together they made a moment. You could pour a glass of Hibiki, listen to a pressing on a system that did it justice, and talk with people who care about the same things you do. The weather outside made the room feel like a refuge, and nobody seemed to be in a hurry to leave.

That feeling is what Deadwax is about: slowing down, listening closely, and sharing music with people who love it.

So, What Is Deadwax?

The deadwax is the smooth, groove-free stretch at the end of a record, between the final track and the center label. It’s where the needle glides out and the music ends.

It’s also where a record keeps its secrets. Mastering engineers and pressing plants often etch matrix numbers, initials, and sometimes small hidden messages into that blank space. Collectors check the deadwax to tell an original pressing from a reissue, or to see who cut it and where. It’s a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship.

That’s why STLNDRMS & KATS1R1S chose the name. They care about the details most people miss and the stories behind the pressings. Deadwax is your personal vinyl stylist: they learn your taste and curate records for your library, from the exclusive to the everyday, so the turntable you love gets used.

A Reminder for Our Founding Members

If you joined us that night, you’re eligible for founding member status, with special benefits reserved for our earliest supporters. Watch your inbox for next steps and reach out if you have questions.

Stay Tuned

This is only the beginning. We’re building out the service, planning more events, and have plenty to share about where Deadwax is headed. Keep an eye on your inbox and our socials for updates.

Learn more at vinylsommelier.com.

Until next time, keep it spinning.