Surface Noise | Bonus Trax: The Death Tax Hits a New Low + The Future of VinylCon

The conversation keeps spinning with more BONUS TRAX, as the Surface Noise crew digs into two big questions facing the vinyl record collecting community.

First up: the vinyl “death tax.” We've discussed this phenomena in passing before, but following the passing of Dolly Parton, prices for some of her records exploded overnight reaching ridiculous levels — is that sudden demand justified, or are collectors simply getting caught up in panic buying and speculation? The panel looks at skyrocketing asking prices, disappearing inventory, what happens behind the scenes at record distributors and labels when a major artist dies, and why collectors might be better served waiting for the market to cool down.

Then we turn our attention to the future of VinylCon. After expanding into multiple markets, could VinylCon eventually become the first truly national record convention brand? We discuss the opportunities—and potential risks—of taking the model across the country, including market saturation, competition with established local record shows, the importance of independent dealers, and whether large national events and smaller regional shows can successfully coexist.

Plus, plenty of the usual Surface Noise tangents, record talk, questionable humor, and collector chaos along the way!

Join us, won't you? 🎭

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For more on guest Amanda Schutzman:

Website: https://www.wearesmelly.com

IG: @amanda.sells.records

and please consider a vote for her little guy in the "Baby of the Year" contest currently underway: https://babyoftheyear.org/2026/emmitt-f898

For more on host Concert Buddie:

https://www.youtube.com/@ConcertBuddie