Tucked into Nashville’s gritty, ever-evolving Pie Town neighborhood, Third Man Records feels less like a traditional record label and more like a living, breathing creative experiment. Founded in 2009 by Jack White, Third Man has grown into a cultural hub where music, art, film, publishing, and analog craftsmanship collide—all guided by a simple but powerful mission statement: “To make things that otherwise would not exist.”
That philosophy comes to life the moment you step inside the yellow-and-black-striped building. During a special behind-the-scenes tour led by Ben Blackwell—Jack White’s nephew and Third Man co-founder—we got an inside look at how deeply intentional every part of the operation truly is. Nothing here is accidental. Everything is made with purpose.
More Than a Record Label
While Third Man Records began as a record label, it has since expanded far beyond vinyl. Yes, the storefront sells records—but only releases from the Third Man label. You won’t find mainstream catalog filler here. Instead, the shelves are curated with exclusive pressings, limited editions, and releases that reflect the label’s experimental spirit.
Third Man also operates a publishing arm that produces books for all ages, from children’s titles to adult nonfiction and art-driven projects. True to form, these publications feel handcrafted and intentional—objects meant to be kept, not discarded.
Collaboration is another core value. Rather than mass-producing merch, Third Man partners with small companies to create unique, limited-run items you won’t find anywhere else. From apparel to collectibles, each piece feels like an extension of the label’s creative DNA.
Hardware, Film, and Full Creative Control
One of the most surprising elements of Third Man is its growing hardware division. The label now produces Third Man Hardware, including guitar pedals and custom gear, along with collaborations featuring Fender guitars and amps. It’s another example of Third Man stepping into spaces where music and craftsmanship overlap.
The building also houses a fully operational photo studio and film lab, making it the only place in Nashville that still develops film entirely by hand. For just $10 a roll, local photographers and artists can have their film processed onsite—a rare and valuable resource in a digital-first world. Add to that in-house video editing facilities, and it becomes clear that Third Man is designed to support artists at every stage of the creative process.
Live to Vinyl: The Heart of Third Man
Perhaps the most legendary aspect of Third Man Records is its direct-to-acetate recording studio, where artists perform live and have their music cut straight to vinyl—no digital middleman. During our tour, we stepped into the back room where this magic happens, watching engineers mix live performances in real time.
At the center of it all is a 1955 Scully lathe, originally from King Records in Cincinnati, now meticulously restored and still in use. The recordings are handled by the experts at Nashville Record Productions, ensuring every session meets the highest sonic standards.
The performance space itself holds just 250 people, creating an intimate environment that has hosted some truly legendary moments. Pearl Jam has recorded here. Weezer once toured the facility and famously asked what Third Man’s mission statement was—prompting that now-iconic response from Jack White. Even the decor tells stories, like the oversized elephant in the performance space, sourced from American Pickers and now a silent witness to countless live recordings.
A Creative Ecosystem
What makes Third Man Records so special isn’t just what they do—it’s how they do it. Everything is kept in-house. Everything serves the artist. Everything supports the idea that creativity should be tactile, collaborative, and community-driven.
In a city increasingly dominated by polished songwriting rooms and commercial production, Third Man stands apart as a place where experimentation is encouraged and imperfection is celebrated. It’s not about chasing trends—it’s about building things that last, whether that’s a record, a book, a photograph, or a moment pressed into vinyl forever.
Visiting Third Man Records isn’t just a tour—it’s a reminder of what’s possible when art leads the way.