Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Greig Thomas.
Hi Michael Greig, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Echo Base in 2022 with a simple but ambitious idea: to build an infrastructure for independent artists — one that could manufacture, distribute, and promote their music without compromise. My background has always been in music; I began as a touring and recording musician in northern England, and at 17 my band The Novellos signed a record deal and found some early success on the UK Independent Charts. Those years taught me a lot about creativity, resilience, and the hidden costs of chasing opportunity.
After working across several vinyl startups in California and seeing the challenges artists faced just to get their records made, I realized the industry had become fragmented — full of middlemen, inefficiency, and unnecessary barriers. I wanted to create something different: a vertically integrated company that could help artists bring their projects to life under one roof. That vision became Echo Base.
We started small — one press, a handful of passionate people, and a belief that execution matters more than scale. Within two years, we grew enough to acquire a competitor and expand production capacity fivefold. Today, Echo Base operates as a full-service vinyl manufacturer and distribution partner for artists and labels across the country, all based here in Georgia.
My path has been anything but straightforward. It’s been defined by risks, failures, persistence, and a stubborn belief that independent artists deserve better tools and better treatment. Echo Base is a reflection of the community and creative spirit that I found here in Georgia.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Building a manufacturing company in the middle of global supply chain chaos was a lesson in endurance. When we started Echo Base, there were months where basic materials like vinyl compound or packaging were almost impossible to get. I’ve had to learn how to navigate freight disruptions, cash flow constraints, and the constant pressure of balancing growth with sustainability.
The hardest part, though, has been leading through uncertainty. As a founder, you’re often the first one to see the cracks forming and the last one allowed to panic. There have been moments where I’ve questioned everything — whether the vision was too big, whether I was pushing my team too hard, whether the sacrifices were worth it.
But each challenge has forced me to get sharper: to build better systems, hire more intentionally, and communicate more clearly. Echo Base was never supposed to be easy — it was supposed to be worth it. And every setback has shaped it into something more resilient and real.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Echo Base is a Georgia-based vinyl record manufacturing and distribution company built for independent artists and record labels. We specialize in helping creators bring their music to life — from concept to finished record — all under one roof. Our team handles everything from pressing and packaging to fulfillment, distribution, and artist-direct sales.
What sets us apart is that we’re artist-first by design. The music industry often treats manufacturing and distribution as transactional; we see them as creative extensions of the artist’s vision. That’s why we invest in relationships as much as technology — making sure artists not only get a high-quality product but also a fair, transparent, and supportive experience.
We’re known for our craftsmanship and transparency. Whether it’s showing how vinyl is made on our social channels or developing tools that make the process easier for independent labels, our goal is to demystify manufacturing and make it accessible.
I’m most proud that our brand stands for something beyond commerce — it represents trust, creativity, and community. We’ve grown through word of mouth and that says something about the people we serve. At its core, Echo Base is a place where independent artists have the infrastructure to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the majors.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
There are a few ways people can work with or support what we’re building at Echo Base. For artists and labels, we’re always open to new projects — whether it’s pressing records, setting up preorders, or helping manage distribution to stores and fans. For creative professionals — designers, engineers, or marketers — we love collaborating on ways to make the vinyl experience better, from packaging innovations to more sustainable materials.
We also partner with other companies and community organizations who believe in supporting independent music and local manufacturing. Anyone who shares that vision — investors, collaborators, or even fans who just want to know how records are made — is welcome to reach out.
The easiest way to connect is through our website, echobase.com, or on Instagram at @weareechobase – Whether you’re an artist with a record to press or someone who simply loves the craft, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://echobase.com
- Instagram: @weareechobase
Image Credits
All Photography by Stephen Payne at Super Canoe
