Michael Frost ❶ Vertical Aerospace ❷ Britt ❸ Venga ❹ Rugby League World Cup ❺ Noah Rabinowitz ❻ Assembly ❼ Cardboard Record Player


Cardboard Record Player


A hand-cranked cardboard record player created as an unofficial release on Record Store Day 2013. A limited edition, appropriately named DIY EP made in collaboration with band, The Death Of Pop. 

I had been publishing a magazine called Pictogram and distributing it around bars, pubs and shops across the South West as a sort of proactive first step out of uni. Whilst researching an article on the resurgence of records, I came across a religious group who created something similar in the 1960s.

Inspired by the ingenuity and connived by the simplicity, I decided to give it a go, hooking up with friends from the band The Death of Pop. My design combined a gramophone needle with the cartridge of a ballpoint pen, secured in place by a fancy paper clip. The spindle was a rivet. The hardest part was sourcing cardboard with the right weight distribution so the needle wouldn't jump or skate.

My Role


  • Concept and product design
  • Sleeve and booklet artwork
  • Audio script writing
  • Print and production (player & record 250 units)
  • Marketing, distribution and sales

Released in 2013
Watch on YouTube (39k views)
Featured by Vinyl Factory




The EP was written and recorded especially for the release. Side A is experimental and light hearted, a mixture of narration and sound bites, designed to complement the hand-propelled player. We had Monty Python, Spinal Tap and Lemon Jelly in mind when scripting. The track includes sections that speed up, slow down and need to be played in reverse. Side B features three tracks by The Death Of Pop, which can be played on any conventional turntable.

The 10-inch EP was funded by Pictogram with support from an arts charity. The release was pressed in green and white marbled vinyl and featured a screen printed cover and Riso printed booklet. 

The project was wildly successful and sold out in a matter of weeks, shipping to 20+ countries. The YouTube video received over 39k hits leading to The Death of Pop securing a record deal with Discos De Kirlian.

“More organic than sticking your iPhone in a glass.”

Anton Spice, The Vinyl Factory 



Youtube Comment @frazzz1170
Tall, but doesn't play basketball.Find out more CV