Hellbender Vinyl Employee Spotlight - Derek Moon
Name: Derek
Position: Project Manager
What does your day to day look like? I do a little bit of everything. I can operate the press, I configure artwork for printing purposes. I manage multiple vinyl projects from start to finish, I manage the outgoing shipments and customer fulfillment. I also crunch a bunch of excess trim material in the granulator and I am the head of the Safety Committee.
How did you get into vinyl record production? I used to make my own music but then one day I started making other people's music.
Do you have a favorite record you own? What is it? Weathervanes by Freelance Whales
What are your current top 3 favorite musicians/bands? Slugss, Weatherbox, Pinegrove
What's the best live music performance you've ever seen? I saw Time Columns perform at the Fallout Shelter in 2010 I will never forget.
What was your first concert experience like? I saw Rush in 1996 at the Civic Arena aka the Igloo for the Test for Echo tour. They played for 3 hours including 2112 in its entirety. I wore an XL tee-shirt to 3rd grade the next day.
Instagram? derek.at.hellbender
Derek’s role as Project Manager goes far beyond scheduling: he’s the linchpin keeping our pressing timelines tight and our quality consistently top-notch. Recently, Derek implemented a new pre-press checklist that has streamlined communication between mastering engineers, plant technicians, and client representatives—reducing errors and ensuring smoother runs. His proactive approach means artists receive timely updates on album progress, and any potential issues are flagged early, preventing delays and surprises.
Beyond logistics, Derek brings a collaborative spirit to every project. He’s known for jumping onto the press floor when unexpected acoustical tweaks are needed or brainstorming creative packaging solutions late into the afternoon. His attention to detail and commitment to client satisfaction have made him a trusted partner for both indie bands and established labels. We’re grateful for his dedication and excited to see how his leadership continues to elevate our work.
