Third Man Records

Just outside downtown Nashville, a black brick building with bold white lettering houses one of the city's most unusual music destinations.

Jack White founded Third Man Records, which opened its Nashville headquarters in 2009 and combines a record label, record store, performance space, and recording facilities under one roof. As digital downloads reshaped the music industry, White doubled down on vinyl records and the art of analog recording.

Third Man became known for its inventive releases, limited-edition records, and live performances recorded directly to analog formats. Its Blue Room performance space gave artists a place to experiment, while its recording booth offered visitors the rare opportunity to cut their own record.

But Third Man's influence reaches beyond nostalgia. The label has released music spanning garage rock, blues, country, punk, and experimental sounds, connecting contemporary artists with older recording traditions and introducing forgotten music to new audiences.

In a city built on recording history, Third Man Records represents a different chapter of Nashville's musical story. It's a place where the physical record still matters, experimentation is encouraged, and the next great recording might be made with technology from generations ago.