Nathan Hanners, who runs the Austin Record Convention, joins Casey Claiborne on Titans of Texas to share the story of one of Austin's longest-running music traditions and the family business behind it.
Founded in 1981 by Nathan's father, Doug Hanners, the Austin Record Convention has grown from a small gathering of record collectors into an internationally recognized event attracting vendors, collectors and music enthusiasts from around the world.
Nathan discusses growing up around the convention, his father's passion for discovering rare records across Texas, and how the business survived the transition from vinyl to cassettes, CDs and digital streaming. He also explains how his own career in design and technology helped him modernize the convention while preserving the atmosphere that made it successful.
The conversation explores the economics of running a major event in Austin, balancing affordable admission and vendor fees with rising costs, and the innovative text-to-search system that helps collectors find specific records.
Finally, Nathan shares his plans for the convention's future, including expanding its connections with local musicians, introducing new partnerships and preparing the next generation of his family to carry on the tradition.
From entrepreneurship and family legacy to Austin's evolving music culture and the resurgence of physical media, this episode explores what it takes to keep a Texas institution thriving for 45 years.
00:00 — Introduction to Nathan Hanners
01:13 — The Austin Record Convention's 45th Anniversary
03:18 — An International Market for Vinyl Records
04:46 — How Doug Hanners Founded the Convention in 1981
07:12 — Surviving CDs, Streaming & the Vinyl Revival
08:41 — Doug Hanners' Passion for Rare Records
12:00 — Growing Up in the Family Business
14:12 — Nathan's Career in Design & Technology
18:38 — Taking Over the Convention
20:45 — Modernizing Without Losing Tradition
22:48 — The Text-to-Search System
27:03 — The Economics of Running the Convention
31:30 — Event Costs, Vendor Fees & Affordable Tickets
35:54 — Keeping the Business in the Family
37:14 — The Future of the Austin Record Convention
41:32 — Why Physical Music Still Matters
44:20 — Rare Records & Iconic Album Art