If you have seen the term “Dinked Edition” on a new record and wondered what it means, you are not alone. Dinked is a network of independent record shops in the UK and Ireland that collaborate on exclusive, limited edition vinyl releases. The initiative launched in 2018 through shops including Drift Records (closed February 2026), Resident Music, Piccadilly Records and Transmission Records. Today, more than 30 partner stores take part.
For music fans and collectors, a Dinked vinyl release usually means a limited pressing, unique artwork or colour variant, and availability only through those partner shops.
What “dinked vinyl” actually means
Modern Dinked Editions are curated vinyl packages tied to new albums or carefully selected reissues. Each edition is designed specifically for the network and typically includes features such as coloured vinyl, alternative sleeves, signed artwork, numbered copies, bonus tracks or additional merchandise.
The idea is simple. Independent shops work together to support releases they believe in, while giving collectors something genuinely special.
Dinked describes itself as an alliance of record stores that collectively curate and support releases through exclusive packages.
Where the idea came from
The initiative began in 2018 when record shop owners started discussing closer collaboration between independent retailers.
The first release arrived on 12 October 2018, a special edition of Kurt Vile’s album Bottle It In, issued through Matador Records. Only 800 copies were pressed on orange and yellow splatter vinyl with a custom die-cut sleeve.
According to Drift Records owner Rupert Morrison, the launch sold out almost immediately.
We launched it with our partner shops and sold it out in minutes.
That early success proved the concept worked.
How big is the dinked catalogue?
Since that first release, the catalogue has grown to more than 300 Dinked Editions spanning new albums, archive releases and reissues. Artists involved have included Field Music, The Weather Station, Hannah Peel, Tricky and Teenage Fanclub.
Archive releases have also included records from Suede, Weyes Blood, The Coral and X-Ray Spex.
Across the catalogue, roughly 180,000 records have been pressed through the initiative so far.
How records get chosen
The selection process involves both labels and participating shops, with input from artists as well.
Morrison described it as a collaborative approach focused on curation rather than chasing obvious commercial wins.
The process is highly curated to honouring the release as best we can.
That approach is part of why Dinked releases often feature emerging artists alongside established names.
A quick note on the original meaning of “dinking” vinyl
Historically, “dinking” referred to something completely different in the vinyl world. A standard 7-inch single originally had a small centre hole. To play it on a jukebox, the hole needed to be widened after manufacture.
That process was called dinking.
Modern Dinked Editions are not physically altered records. The name simply nods to record culture while representing a curated retail collaboration.
Notable dinked releases
A few notable releases across the years show the range of the project:
- John Carpenter – Halloween OST (2018)
- Dry Cleaning – Sweet Princess / Boundary Road Snacks And Drinks (2019)
- Tricky – Fall To Pieces (2020)
- Ishmael Ensemble – Visions Of Light (2021)
- Hannah Peel & Paraorchestra – The Unfolding (2022)
- The Mary Wallopers – Irish Rock N Roll (2023)
- Cranes – Fuse Archive Edition (2024)
- Geese – Getting Killed (2025)
Pressing quantities often range from 200 to around 800 copies, which is a key reason they sell out quickly.
Why collectors and artists pay attention to dinked editions
For collectors, scarcity and design are part of the appeal. Many editions include unique artwork, vinyl colour variants or signed material.
For artists and labels, the network can create early momentum around a release, particularly in the UK independent retail scene. Some albums that received Dinked editions have gone on to chart strongly after release.
Shops also try to manage demand carefully to reduce resale flipping, including limiting purchases per customer and communicating release times clearly to fans.
Where to find dinked vinyl
Dinked Editions are sold only through participating independent shops and their online stores. The official site also tracks upcoming releases and archive editions.
Official site: https://dinkededition.co.uk
Follow Dinked Editions on Instagram @dinkededition
