Category Archives: A morning mix of news for the vinyl inclined

Tiffin, OH | Local record spot hosts live music: Local record store hosted a night full of food and live music, packed to the door, Friday. Under the Surface Records just celebrated its grand re-opening last month after owner Jacob Wheeler decided to move locations from E. Market Street, S. Washington Street. According to a social media post from Downtown Tiffin, Wheeler said “My goal is to build a community around music. I think being in Downtown Tiffin is the best way to connect with those who live and visit here.” Opening up for the night was the underground artist Lucius Fox, who traveled from Kalamazoo, Michigan. The band is a duo of Jeremy Cronk (guitar, synth) and Paul Drake Jr. (drums). …“I don’t know if this kind of thing happens often around here, but if it doesn’t it definitely feels like it could,” Bickel said. “Tiffin, we love you, thank you for having us. PLEASE keep supporting local record shops and artists.”

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | D-FW celebrates Record Store Day: Dallas-Fort Worth will celebrate Record Store Day on April 20. The annual event recognizes independent, local record stores worldwide by promoting special vinyl releases by different artists. To see the complete list of records being released, head to recordstoreday.com. The Record Store Day website has a list of participating stores near you. Here are a few staff picks for record stores participating in Record Store Day: Good Records 9026 Garland Road Dallas, TX 75218, Josey Records 2821 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy #100 Farmers Branch, TX 75234, and Spinster Records 408 N Bishop Ave #102 Dallas, TX 75208. Contact your favorite record stores to see what they will carry or if you must special order a record. Be sure to arrive early and be ready to wait in line if you have your heart set on a particular purchase.

Clacton, UK | Review of independent music shop Music Mania in Clacton: Independent music shops are hard to come by these days, in the age of online shopping, so I decided to visit one of the last of its kind. As an avid music fan and supporter of independent businesses, I decided to visit Music Mania, in Clacton’s High Street, which is one of the last independent music and record shops in Clacton and the whole of Essex. The store greets you with a yellow front and an eye-catching sign above. Inside, the venue boasts a nicely decorated interior, with all sorts of music memorabilia and posters on shelves and the walls, as well as t-shirts hanging from the ceiling. In the centre of the shop are hundreds of new and preloved CDs and records, which are all neatly displayed in alphabetical rows specified by genre. There are so many music and pop-culture-themed items available throughout the store in all sorts of forms.

Billie Eilish responds to backlash against her vinyl comments: “I wasn’t singling anyone out.” “Stop putting words into my mouth and actually read what I said.” Billie Eilish has responded to the backlash against her recent comments on artists releasing multiple vinyl variants. In an interview with Billboard discussing her climate activism, Eilish made headlines for criticising the practise of releasing multiple vinyl variants to boost album sales, calling it “wasteful”. “It’s irritating to me that we’re still at a point where you care that much about your numbers and you care that much about making money—and it’s all your favorite artists doing that sh-t,” she added. …Now, Eilish has commented on the response to her vinyl remarks, taking to Instagram stories by beginning: “Okay so it would be so awesome if people would stop putting words into my mouth and actually read what I said in that Billboard article.” “I wasn’t singling anyone out,” she continued, “these are industry-wide systemic issues. & when it comes to variants, so many artists release them—including ME! Which I clearly state in the article.”

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Carterville, MO | How records spun back to popularity over CDs: 1988 was a milestone year for the sale of compact disks. It’s the year CDs first outsold vinyl records. But that didn’t mark their end. They’re now back to outselling CDs. That’s thanks to a resurgence in recent years of the nostalgia — compounded with the fact CDs have become somewhat obsolete as a result of streaming services. We got reaction today from folks at “Dig It! Record Barn” in Carterville. “I definitely prefer vinyl a lot more just cause like when you watch I mean when you put the vinyl in and you start it, you get to kind of watch it spin and with CDs you don’t really get to see that sort of beauty that a lot of just watching it spin really produces you know,” said Spencer White, Kansas City Resident, said. “There’s more layers in a record than there is in compressed music of a stream so I think when you just listen to it and absorb the different layers you can it feels more like you’re present,” said Lynne Brennfoerder, Owner, Dig It Record Barn.

London, UK | Vinyl Addicts, Head To These Indie Record Shops In London: London is home to a vibrant indie music scene and shops specialising in vinyl records. Here are some of the best places to check out if you’re into retro music and indie record labels. London is a city that is known for its unique cultural experiences which attract both locals and tourists. You can explore the many free museums, experience the thrill of a bygone era with London’s clandestine 1920s-style speakeasies, discover retro finds at vintage shops and more. The city is also known for its indie music scene and shops selling vinyl. Here are some that you should head to, if you love collecting retro music and indie record labels. Banquet Records: Banquet Records is a popular music destination located in Kingston-upon-Thames. They offer a diverse selection of new music, ranging from Indie, Rock, and Punk to Hip Hop, Electronica…”

Indianapolis, IN | Indy’s guide to Record Store Day 2024: On April 20, Indy’s record shops will host daylong festivities to celebrate one of their biggest days of the year. Since its inception in 2007, Record Store Day has provided analog lovers with an excuse to get out to their local record store to try and snag exclusive releases from their favorite artists. For their part, record stores have worked to make a day out of it, from live music to food trucks to giveaways. There will be plenty to do. But after standing in line and shopping for the latest of the greatests, you’ll probably feel hungry or want to wet your beak, or maybe even just sit down for a little while—good thing each record store in Indy is surrounded by great places to do it all.

Worcester, UK | ‘Customers have offered to run shop for me’ says retiring Worcester record salesman: A retiring record salesman from Worcester says customers have offered to run the shop for him following his decision to retire. Nick Banks, a Worcester resident for all of his life, has run Market Hall Records at The Shambles in Worcester for a little over three decades. Having enjoyed a long run in the business, Mr Banks has decided now is the right time to step away from running the shop and enjoy the next stage in his life. “I have been in here 30 years actually last year, but it’s time to move on,” he said. “I still enjoy it but you have to move on at some point. I’ve enjoyed it but it’s time to do other stuff really.” Mr Banks, aged 66, admits he has sold “quite a lot of albums” during the last 30 years…

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Vinyl sales officially trumped CDs for a second year in a row: Vinyl continues its remarkable recovery in style. Vinyl outsold CDs for the second year in a row according to official statistics from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). RIAA’s latest figures report that 43 million vinyl records were sold in 2023, outstripping the 37 million CDs shifted over the same period, amounting to $1.4 billion worth of revenue. This is the second year running that vinyl has outsold its digital cousin. We reported last year that vinyl had momentously beaten CD sales in 2022 for the first time since 1987, with vinyl albums selling 41 million units in comparison to just 33 million for CDs. The reasons for this resurgence aren’t set in stone, but it’s easy to point to some obvious reasons.

Millcreek, UT | Vinyl Revival pop-up storefront targets crate collectors and music lovers: Dressed in their hard-rock band shirts and Doc Martens boots, Eric Yuhas and Chris Bowen have an unexpected answer when asked about the rise in popularity of records, dubbed the “vinyl revival.” “All the artists now are all coming out with vinyls. Vinyl outsold CDs for the first time in like 30 years in the last couple of years, and that’s because of Taylor Swift,” Yuhas said. “We’re closet Swifties,” quipped Bowen with a laugh. The men, who are in their 50s, are not the singer’s typical fan base but have an appreciation for her music. While his daughter’s record collection of bands like Boy Genius or Swift differs from his own collection, Yuhas said it’s an experience they get to share together. “Being able to share music with people, it just bonds people together,” he said.

Louisville, KY | Longtime record store in Germantown set to close after 28 years: Underground Sounds, a staple on Barret Avenue will be closing its doors in May. When you step inside the shop at 1006 Barret Avenue, you’ll hear the fleeting sound of music. “This store is about turning people on to music,” Craig Rich said. In two months, Underground Sounds will bid farewell. Rich, who owns the shop, said it is bittersweet. He said if there were music that defined the pending closure, it would be something slow and melancholy like jazz pianist Bill Evans. He said his new landlords informed him they would not be renewing his lease. Originally a mail-order company that Rich had since he was a teenager, his business has withstood the ever evolving technologies and trends for 28 years. Underground Sounds will close before May 1. While it faces an uncertain future, Rich said it will not be the last of it.

St. Petersburg, FL | Bananas Records Achieves Time Travel: My favorite block in Florida is in St. Pete at 22nd Ave North and 29th St North. You’ve got all the awesomeness of the goodies at Mazzaro’s Italian Market on one side. On the other, Bananas Records has so many unique finds that take you back to the 1900s. (Sounds so long ago when you say it that way doesn’t it?) Bananas Records has been around since 1977. Bananas is mostly known for their enormous vinyl collection. According to their website, they have 3-1/2 MILLION records. But they also sell random throwback stuff like lunchboxes, band t-shirts, CDs, DVDs, old radios, and technology that Best Buy gave up on years ago. But it takes you back. It’s the closest thing to time travel we have. They still host live music events and it’s the destination for vinyl enthusiasts on Record Store Day coming up next month.

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The Death of Vinyl Records Will Have to Wait: Vinyl record sales are still going strong. With the rise of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, one might think that the concept of music ownership is a thing of the past. Yet vinyl records and CDs refuse to die. In fact, they’re still very much alive. As revealed in a new report by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), physical music hasn’t gone anywhere. While most of today’s music revenue comes from streaming platforms, as you might imagine, a bit of it is still coming from physical media. Streaming makes up 84% of recorded music revenues, while physical media sits at a respectable 11% in comparison. Digital downloads contribute much less, at 3%. Out of all physical music formats, LPs and EPs (vinyl) actually make up the majority of sales, followed by CDs.

Marrickville, AU | Record Store Owner Offers Up Iconic Gig Posters: ‘They Shouldn’t Go To Landfill’: Lizzie French, the owner of Marrickville’s RPM Records & Memorabilia, details the highlights and difficulties of managing an extensive collection of concert posters. Lizzie French isn’t the type of person who likes throwing things away. She hates waste and always has – something she credits to her upbringing in the countryside of Canada. “We don’t waste anything,” she admits over the phone. “You fix it, MacGyver it, you know, do something else with it; reuse it or something. You don’t just get rid of stuff. It’s art!” That’s how she describes her expansive collection of concert posters that she’s accumulated over many years. Lizzie French owns RPM Records & Memorabilia in Marrickville, selling your favourite albums and memorabilia and showcasing her mean collection of posters. Even Michael Gudinski took a photo in front of one of her favourites, that Rolling Stones poster you see above.

Shoreham, UK | First look at Shoreham record store opening next week: Slipped Discs, founded in 2020 by James Anderson, will officially begin trading in Shoreham High Street on April 6. The shop will be the business’s second branch, with its first opening in Steyning High Street in 2022 after relocating from a small business unit “shed” in the nearby Cobblestone Walk. Ahead of opening, owner James Anderson, from Steyning, told The Argus he is excited to welcome the community after spending months getting the store ready. James, 38, said: “Building the flagship store has left me both physically and mentally drained, but I am really looking forward to opening. “The response from the community has been incredible. “So many people have wished us well and say they can’t wait for the opening day. “Expect to see lots of new vinyl releases, new represses of classic albums and indie-shop exclusive releases from the major labels.”

Sudbury, UK | Sudbury couple wind the record back with opening of new town centre music shop Rewind Records: Two decades after meeting on the music retail scene, a Sudbury couple realised a long-time ambition, with the opening of their new record shop. Rewind Records – a new outlet dedicated to vinyl music – opened in Gaol Lane on Saturday morning. …It represents a dream come true for husband-and-wife owners Martin and Jenny Hay, who first met while both were working at Compact Music, which was a staple of the Sudbury high street for 30 years. Since then, Martin worked at Royal Mail, while Jenny was employed as a teaching assistant – but their shared enthusiasm for music meant there was always the seed of an idea for running their own shop. “The time seemed right for us to realise our dream,” Mr Hay told SuffolkNews. “We met over 20 years ago at Compact Music and we always said we would like to do our own venture.

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US | US recorded music industry revenues hit $17.1 billion in 2023: The US recorded music industry generated $17.1 billion in 2023. That’s according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which published its 2023 Year End report today (March 26). The RIAA report shows that on a retail basis, recorded music revenues in the US (money spent on streaming subscriptions, as well as physical and digital music), grew 8% YoY, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth for the world’s largest recorded music market. …Elsewhere in the market, revenues from physical music formats reached $1.9 billion in 2023, up 11% versus the prior year (2022). Revenues from vinyl records grew 10% to $1.4 billion, marking the 17th consecutive year of growth for the vinyl format in the US. Vinyl accounted for 71% of physical format revenues in the US last year, according to the RIAA. Additionally, RIAA points out that for the second time since 1987, vinyl albums outsold CDs in units (43 million vs 37 million) in the US last year, even as revenues from CDs also showed growth, up 11% YoY to $537 million in 2023.

US | A Coast-to-Coast Guide To The Best Record Stores In The US: Digging through vinyl bins to add something unique to your collection is an adventure. It’s all about nostalgia, excitement, and the thrill of the hunt. Finding a rare album isn’t just about expanding your collection; it often becomes a moment worth sharing on Instagram. Examples of two prized albums many collectors are hunting for include the Beatles’ “White Album,” for its highly-coveted low serial numbers (we’re talking first editions), and Elvis’ “My Happiness.” There is just one acetate disc of the king’s first recording known to exist. If you are willing to travel across the country for certain highly sought-after vinyl records, you definitely want to take a look at our list of the best record stores in the US.

Geelong, AU | Record store strikes a chord with music lovers: Josh Wray wants to make exploring new music and buying records as accessible as possible. Over the Labour Day long weekend, the 26-year-old opened J Wray Records, a vinyl lovers haven, in Torquay. Housed in a repurposed shipping container in Baines Crescent, the shop offers music enthusiasts an intimate browsing experience, where they can discuss their interests with each other. Visitors can also enjoy Wray’s rotating soundtrack of tunes, which span a variety of artists and genres, along with some rare gems from his personal collection. “People just love the inclusiveness of it all,” he said. “They come in and they don’t feel too overwhelmed. They know that there’s everything here in front of them. “It’s almost impossible to [ignore each other] when you’re in a space like this, so when other people come in, they’re really friendly, and chat with each other and talk about music while they’re here, which is cool.”

Jackson, TN | Jackson record store sells vinyl records to the young and old in West Tennessee: Connection Advocate, Andrea Kirk said, “Yes, vinyl is like a whole different ballgame. I don’t think I’ve come in and out of this door, not inspired.” Music is the heartbeat of Tennessee. According to the state, music is a $5.8 billion business supporting 61,000 jobs. Third Eye Curiosities is Connection City’s center for a blast to the past and future featuring music on vinyl. Third Eye Curiosities, Owner Hunter Cross said, “Before Third Eye Curiosities was a business. My good buddy Denver had a bookstore called Oz Books in this space.” Mr. Cross started selling albums at Oz and outsold the books. With his grandfather’s help, he took over the store. Mr. Cross said, “It wasn’t just solely records. It was kind of like a novelty shop. Curiosity shop. But the records are what people came back for.” A musician himself, his love of music pushes his passion for the store.

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Marlborough, UK | Record Store Day 2024 celebration at Marlborough shop: Independent record store Sound Knowledge will be celebrating Record Store Day 2024 with a weekend of special events. The Marlborough record shop will be open from 8am on Saturday 20 April, with hundreds of titles from this year’s Record Store Day release list. A spokesperson for the store said: “Don’t forget to let us know what you’ll be hoping to find on the day. We can’t reserve anything as per the rules, but it helps us to get our ordering right. “Our vinyl floor finders will be on hand on the day to advise and assist with any lists you might bring with you, but you’re also very welcome to enjoy a browse.” The team will be running a one-way system with the queue to the back door of the shop, accessible from Hyde Lane Car Park or up the steps in Hughenden Yard. Following a break last year, the Record Store Day live event is back for 2024 on Sunday 21 April. Taking place at St Peter’s Church, Marlborough, between 2pm and 7pm, the free live music event is set to be the biggest yet.

Okotoks, CA | New record shop soon to bring vintage vibes to downtown Okotoks: Okotoks is getting a dedicated record shop this week. Tipper Records is opening up shop on Friday (March 29) at 18 McRae Street. The name will be familiar to Okotoks’ vinyl aficionados, as it’s been around for a few years. Jaica Tipper originally founded Tipper Records in May 2022 at the age of 17. At first, it operated out of The Hidden Gem in Stockton Business Park before that store closed in January of 2023. That was around the same time Tipper took ownership of the Beatnik bus (a van converted into a rolling record store) along with about 20,000 records. It’s been her main focus over the last year and will continue to function even once the new store has opened. …Her new McRae Street storefront is in the space where Sweet Threads used to be before their recent move to Elizabeth Street. “I kind of had to jump on that… it was perfect for us. It’s the perfect layout,” says Tipper.

Floyd, VA | County Sales announces closure: Officials announced last week that after more than 50 years of business County Sales will permanently close its retail and online operations on April 30. County Sales was initially opened as the distribution arm of County Records, a storied record label formed by Dave Freeman in New York City in 1965. After finding its home in Floyd, County Sales became the world’s premier bluegrass and old-time music record store and distributor. After decades in the “basement” on Talley’s Alley, County Sales moved to 117 South Locust St. in downtown Floyd. As a 501c3 nonprofit under Handmade Music School, County Sales continued to connect people around the globe with new and rare recordings of American traditional music. After initially going out of business in 2018, Dylan Locke made a plan with Dave Freeman, who died last year, to take it on and try to keep the business going in Floyd.

Colchester, UK | Stone Rock Records shop to celebrate Record Store Day: A unique and independent record store will be celebrating all things vinyl during an event in Colchester next month. Stone Man Records is a pop-up record shop which is often found in an array of different shops in Colchester and its surrounding areas. On April 20, from 10am until 3pm, it will be marking Record Store Day at TwoBrews, in Church Street, where it will show off its huge selection of vinyl records. Record Store Day is a chance for people who buy and sell vinyl records to come together and honour the special role record shops play in their local communities. In the UK, more than 270 shops participate in the annual celebration. Jonathan Stoneman, the owner of Stone Rock Records, said: “Celebrating Record Store Day is very exciting. “It will feel like a validation of all the work I am putting in and if it can stir up some more excitement toward the medium of vinyl, that’s a win-win.

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Indianapolis, IN | Karma Records announces closure of north side location: Karma Records recently announced it will close its north side location after being open for around four decades. According to a post on its Facebook page, the business announced the closure of its 86th and Michigan location. The post does not specify when the location will officially be closed but stressed that its locations on the west side and the east side will continue to be open. The post read that Jeff Wicks, after nearly 40 years as an employee/owner at Karma, has decided to “pursue other interests.” The business said that for this reason, as well as a few others, they made the decision to close the location. Starting Friday (3/22), officials said that all of the location’s inventory will be on sale. “We truly appreciate your patronage and support of the Pyramids location for the last four decades!” the post read.

Bozeman, MT | Out and About: At Bozeman’s Wax Museum you won’t find wax sculptures—just a whole bunch of records. Bozeman has a Wax Museum on East Mendenhall. And no, its not a collection of waxy historical figures—it’s a record shop! “Saw it was the house with the big round window that had haunted me since I had been in college here back in the 80s, and I thought, ‘Oh, it’s that house? Ok, can’t say no to that,’” Kels Koch, the owner of the Wax Museum told me. …Since opening, the Wax Museum has been a hidden gem for record enthusiasts across Bozeman and has even gained interest across the country. In fact, Koch got an order from Minnesota during our conversation. “I’m getting calls from—that one was Minneapolis—I’ve sent them off to Maryland, Maine,” said Koch. But what makes this record shop so desirable that people across the country are calling?

Riverside, CA | Gillette’s Records was a longtime favorite for Riverside youth: One of the original shops in the last phase of the new Brockton Arcade was Gillette’s Records, a teen hangout and music mecca in Riverside for about 25 years. For those who remember, its owner was very much a kid-at-heart. Gillette’s Records opened April 11, 1962, along with five other stores. The owner of Gillette’s was Doug Gillette, who, at age 53, could not be considered a “youth.” However, he wanted to connect to the youth of the day, and the way he figured he’d do that was through operating a record store that catered to the under-30 crowd – just modern music, no classical or “adult” genres. …The record store, though, was Gillette’s lifeline and connection to the younger generation. Later in life, he became an avid bicycler. When I knew him in the early 1980s, he would bicycle to Los Angeles each weekend to pick up records ordered throughout the week. In the 1980s, when he thought he’d retire, along came CDs and he was enthralled.

Germantown, KY | Underground Sounds In Germantown Will Close After 28 Years In Business: The independent record store will make its final sales in April. Underground Sounds will close after 28 years in business. Owner Craig Rich has announced that his record store at 1006 Barret Ave. in the Germantown neighborhood will vacate the space at the end of April. Rich told Louisville Business First that he is closing Underground Sounds because the property owner, Almost Diamond, has declined to renew his lease. When Almost Diamond purchased the property for $506,500 in April 2022, they let Rich know that they were planning to open a tequila bar there. Rich opened Underground Sounds in a retail space at 2003 Highland Ave. in 1995. As many independent record stores have experienced since the turn of the millennium, he says listening habits have changed and it has affected business. Digital downloads and streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music have diminished sales of physical media.

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Milton Keynes, UK | Off the Record charity shop in Milton Keynes chosen for ‘Record Store Day’ venue: This year Record Store Day will be on Saturday 20 April and Off The Record, located in Midsummer Place, Milton Keynes has been selected to be part of this worldwide event. Record Store Day is an annual event where independent record shops come together to celebrate people’s love of music with limited releases. Off the Record is a specially curated shop by Willen Hospice, selling pre-loved and new vinyl records to raise funds for the charity. They will be celebrating the day by selling limited releases and live music in store. The centre will open at 6am if people want to arrive early and the shop will open from 8am. The shop will be managing the queue and admittance will be limited to ensure people have space to browse. Each customer will be allowed to buy one copy of each LP and a list of stock will be updated throughout the day. There will still be the normal range of pre-loved and new music and accessories as well for customers to browse, but when the records are gone, they are gone.

Hayward, CA | The Record Store: This Shop’s Niche Hip-Hop, Soul, Jazz, and Funk Make It a DJ’s Dream: Come inside The Stacks Record Shop in Hayward, California. When SETI X—the San Francisco-based emcee and recipient of the Pharrell Williams-backed J Dilla Music Tech Grant—told me about a small brick-and-mortar he co-owned with Delrokz, a turntablist and breakdancer from Daly City, I knew my visit would yield audio gold. Nestled in Hayward, a sleepy suburb 45 minutes outside of San Francisco—and whose local high school mascot is a hay-carrying farmer—The Stacks Record Shop can be easy to miss. The brick shop is on the edge of a three-block downtown scene, which isn’t particularly known for any music or arts presence in the region. Though off the radar, it’s a Bay Area audiophile’s sanctuary. Since opening in 2020 during shelter-in-place, the Filipino- and Indian-owned storefront has become one of the only remaining spaces that specializes in niche hip-hop, soul, jazz, and funk.

Cambridge, MA | A walk into Armageddon will delight aficionados of punk and metal with vinyl, CDs and cassettes: It’s time for another episode of Totally Excellent Mid-January Cambridge Day-Approved Record Store Walk & You Better Dress Warm. Except the days are warmer, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and spring has officially sprung. What better weather to hide away in a basement record shop void of natural light with aggro punk obscurities screaming at you through the loudspeakers from open to close? If you read that last line as snark, you’re one type of person. If you read it and thought “Fuck yeah!” you’re another. Armageddon Record Shop (12 Eliot St. B, Harvard Square, Cambridge) is for the truly initiated, mostly initiated into punk and metal. Contrast it with a more generalist shop such as Planet Records, a few blocks away.

Louisville, KY | Jack Harlow Foundation and Guestroom Records Give Away 100 Records and Record Players: The partnership gave Louisville kids their choice of vinyl albums and players to go with them. Jack Harlow’s non-profit organization continues its mission to make Louisville a better place to live. In March, the Jack Harlow Foundation made Louisville a better sounding place too. In partnership with the local record shop Guestroom Records, they welcomed 100 local kids to come to the store, chose their favorite album, and then take home a record player to listen to it on. In a photo set by Urban Wyatt we spot kids with everything from Chief Keef’s “Glotoven” on glow-in-the-dark vinyl to Korn’s “Issues” and even Alex G’s “Trick.” When Travis Searle and Justin Sowers opened Guestroom Records all the way back in 2002, their inventory was their personal vinyl collection. They sold records out of their guest rooms and garages for 11 years, until they opened their retail location in the Clifton neighborhood in 2013. In 2024, they helped make memories for 100 kids and we are here for it.

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Torquay, AU | J Wray Records: Torquay’s newest haven for vinyl devotees and local music lovers: If rare finds, local talent, and the timeless allure of vinyl stir something within you, then prepare for a new addition to your cultural radar. Tucked away in the coastal oasis of Torquay, a new destination has emerged – J Wray Records. Owned and curated by local enthusiast Josh Wray, this boutique record store offers a serene escape for vinyl devotees and music lovers alike. With its recent opening over the March long weekend, J Wray Records invites those seeking a haven where the melodies of yesteryear and contemporary tunes harmonise in perfect unison. Originally established online in 2022, Josh Wray’s venture into the world of vinyl commerce gained traction through appearances at Garage Geelong and the Geelong Vintage Market in 2023. Now, in 2024, J Wray Records has taken a physical form, becoming a cornerstone of Torquay’s burgeoning music scene.

Bakery Hill, AU | Store calls out for record spin celebration: The owners of the recently opened Kank Wolverang Records are calling out for people to get involved in an annual disc-flicking occasion.Next month, the shop will be one of many acknowledging Record Store Day on Saturday 20 April, and co-owner Justin Hayward said they’re keen for collectors and traders to get involved. “We’re hoping to get a diverse crew of people interested in selling and buying, and it’ll be a celebratory day,” he said. “We’re after fans of music that would be able to tell you about what they’re buying and selling. “We’re hoping to have live music and DJs throughout the day too, as well as special offers through the shop.” Eight stalls have been booked so far with the capacity for between 12 and 15 traders overall.

Bristol, UK | Record Store Day 2024: A list of some of the best record stores in Bristol: A record store is not just for Record Store Day however… Bristol is home to an array of wonderful places you can visit for all of your record and music needs, including some that have been on our high streets for decades. Ahead of Record Store Day on Saturday, April 20, we want to celebrate some of the independent record shops to support whatever the time of year. Many of them specialise in certain genres of music, certain specialities, host live events—and some even stay well away from Record Store Day completely. Some are located in Bristol’s inner city shopping hotspots, while others are in less central locations that are worth making the journey to. Record stores are often a treasure trove for not only enthusiasts but simply those who love the sound of a record playing their favourite pieces of music, but some are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

Manchester, UK | A spin around Northern Quarter’s newest record shop with a witty name and a treasure trove of vinyl. You’re sure to find some real gems in here. We recently popped our heads into the wittily named Withy Groove Records, the new vinyl exchange and all things music that quietly opened up its doors late last year but is now one of the latest hidden gems in the Northern Quarter. Opening up on the edge of Shudehill on the edge of NQ and just down the road from the Withy Grove Stores buildings (hence the clever little name), the new basement record shop technically began trading in December 2023 but has only just had its front signage completed and the name put above the door. We especially like the new striking Haçienda-inspired lettering, not that we’re biased towards black and yellow logos or anything… But seriously though, this little den of old discs, vintage vinyl and music memorabilia is an absolute must-visit for any audiophiles out there.

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Newport, UK | Triple A destination for vinyl fans: Two music lovers have opened a new record shop in Newport. Andy Barding, who opened the original AAA Records in Scarrots Lane nearly five years ago, and Jonathan Bacon opened the new AAA Records Store at 111–112 St James’ Street on Saturday. The shop will primarily stock vinyl LPs and singles, but will also be selling all hard copy formats of music including CDs, cassette tapes and 78s, as well as music supplies for performers and enthusiasts. There’s even a partnership with Medina Bookshop, with an area of the shop dedicated to books on music and musicians. The pair have plans to expand over the coming weeks, including exhibitions highlighting Island music heritage and history, following on from the recent ‘Needles in the Groove’ exhibition in Ryde, curated by Andy. There will also be in-store events and performances.

Indianapolis, IN | The Record Store: Seasoned Owner Tells Us How Much (and How Little) Record Stores Have Changed: Meet James Ector co-owner of Karma Records in Indianapolis. “I want to show you something cool,” says James Ector, co-owner of Karma Records in Indianapolis. Wearing a dark hoodie over a Cheap Trick T-shirt, he grabs a Ziploc baggie from an old filing cabinet—covered with generations of stickers—and slides out a black-and-white photo. “A customer brought this in to us. That’s Van Halen.” Ector points to the man in the middle, who looks like Billy Joel but is actually a local DJ popular in ‘70s and ‘80s, and he’s flanked by four guys who looked like they’ve been up all night. They’re all holding T-shirts and visors emblazoned with the Karma logo. On the far end is Indiana native David Lee Roth, looking both painfully hungover and ready for the next party. “This would have been their first tour, when they were opening for Black Sabbath,” he says.” They stopped by Karma.

FL | Top 5 vinyl record stores in South Florida: Vinyl records are making a massive comeback and South Florida is a vinyl scene. Miami offers a vibrant and diverse vinyl culture that will leave music lovers wanting more. You will be able to find vinyl from classic rock to hip-hop and everything in between. If you’re a music lover and looking for some awesome record stores in Miami, you’re in luck. Technique Records: Whether you want to buy, sell, or trade, Technique Records is the place for you. Known for its extensive collection of rare-used vinyl, Technique Records is a haven for vinyl collectors and enthusiasts. Providing different genres like Alternative, Garage, House and Latin. Michael Ramirez and his team have welcomed music enthusiasts since 2018. Ramirez stated his demographics have changed over the years with more women becoming interested in vinyl collections and a youthful crowd gathering. Ramirez feels confident that with his team, they can pay attention to trends and upcoming artists…

Fischer, TX | Yard Sale Records joins Hill Country music scene with brick-and-mortar: The shop offers new and used vinyl, books, magazines, posters, and vintage clothing. Vinyl record lovers have a new spot in the Hill Country with the opening of a new brick-and-mortar record store. Music lovers now have a go-to for all things new and old in the music scene. Yard Sale Records opened its “little piece of vinyl heaven” on Friday, March 1, at 880 Elliot Knox Blvd., Ste. 600, New Braunfels, located off Elliot Knox Boulevard near S. Walnut Avenue. The shop offers an assortment of new and used vinyl, books, magazines, posters, and select vintage clothing. Records at the shop are curated to support locals’ interests. Some genres sold at the shop include honky-tonk, Texas garage rock, and indie vinyl. Owner Howard Lovell expanded his business after three years of selling vinyls at pop-up markets in Central Texas across the Hill Country and in Austin. Lovell told MySA he chose to set up his shop in the Germantown because it was not only his home, but also for its community support.

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AU | Record Store Day Australia Unveils Stacked 2024 Local Release List: The Wiggles, Montaigne, Tasman Keith, and The Terrys. Following the success of last year’s event, where Aussie vinyl aficionados scrambled to get their hands on exclusive releases from Peking Duk, Ball Park Music, and more, this years Record Store Day promises to be even bigger. Set for Saturday, April 20th, Record Store Day 2024 is gearing up to celebrate the best of Aussie music with a lineup that reads like a who’s who of homegrown talent. From beloved icons like Dorothy the Dinosaur and The Wiggles to the new kids leading the pack, The Terrys, Montaigne, and Tasman Keith, the roster is busting at the gut with talent. But that’s not all! A special double LP compilation titled “Time Capsule: Australian Sounds 1985-1994” features the likes of Died Pretty, GOD, Magic Dirt, and more, offering a nostalgic journey through Australia’s musical history.

Northfield, MN | Vintage record store opens in downtown Northfield: Whenever customers walk into Verbena Vinyl, they’d better have enough time to browse the record crates, sit and listen to some tracks and banter about recordings and concerts with owner Victoria “Vicki” Scott. Scott, who opened the vintage record store at 419 Division St. S. in early January, said she’s pleased that Northfield once again has a record store downtown. Before the pandemic, the city, home to around 5,000 college students nine months of the year, had always supported a couple of independent record stores. “Currently, I’m it,” said Scott. “Except, of course, for some of the antique stores that sell old records and album covers.” In her two months of business, Scott said the weekday traffic has been a bit slow, but the weekend shoppers have more than made up for that. “I love that Northfield has a record store again,” said Katie Kes-Pick, a Northfield customer. “I’ve always had a small collection of vinyl that is now growing again.”

Glasgow, UK | Record shops of Glasgow: Remembering 8 of Glasgow’s lost record stores including Tower Records and Listen: Glasgow was recognised as the first UNESCO City of Music in 2008, with it having a vibrant music scene spread across the city which caters for anyone. A number of huge acts have been born in Glasgow with it being very little surprise that the city had some of the finest record shops going, throughout the decades. Bands such as Simple Minds, Primal Scream, Franz Ferdinand have all emerged from the Glasgow music scene with labels such as Alan Horne’s Postcard Records and Creation becoming legendary and writing their place in history. There has always been a desire in Glasgow for ‘new’ music as we continually search for tunes and artists that we are yet to fall in love with with some acts even giving performances at some of these locations or heading in for a browse themselves.

Minneapolis, MN | Lakota vinyl collector revitalizes Indigenous music, language one record at a time: Justis Brokenrope has collected vinyl by Native musicians for the past decade. Now he shares that music with the digital world. “You can listen to music nowadays without ever touching a CD, a record, or a tape,” said Brokenrope, who is Sicangu Lakota. “It’s just so digital and ubiquitous all the time. But to hold the physical thing and then to see yourself represented in that, and to see your community, your people, your family represented in that, I think that’s just so important for us.” A self-described shaggy-haired kid, Justis Brokenrope started collecting vinyl records near his hometown in rural Nebraska. As a young musician, he played in punk and metal bands touring the U.S. and Europe. He was in a record store in Providence, R.I., about ten years ago where he found a compilation record consisting of Indigenous North American music, and inspiration struck.

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Beijing, CN | A guide to Beijing’s record stores: Beijing’s music scenes are tight-knit and dedicated. From futuristic club-heads to gutter punks and everything in between, Beijing’s tune fanatics often have to deal with a variety of societal roadblocks, bringing those with a true passion together to create its unique interconnected web of sound. Live venues, restaurants, cafes, bars, and clothing shops are often shifting and expanding their definitions, open to hosting events and collaborating with each other. The amorphous nature of these spaces is best shown in the city’s record shops, great places to meet the weirdos of the city, importing bizarre Cambodian metal or putting up a poster for a gallery event-cum-acid techno rave. Below is an introduction to some of Beijing’s best places to pick up a record, give it a spin, have a cup of coffee–or a gourmet hot dog–and delve into the myriad sounds of this megalopolis.

Southsea, UK | Independent record store resurgence: Pie & Vinyl’s success mirrors the industries growth: The owner of a popular Southsea record store looks back on it’s success as independent record stores reach a 10 year high. Steve Courtnell, the owner of Pie & Vinyl in Castle Road, has spoken about his shops success as it was revealed that there are more independent record stores nationwide than there were ten years ago. The unique pastry and music based shop opened in 2012 and since it began the industry has seen an upturn in fortunes. …Having sat on Castle Road for over a decade, Pie & Vinyl has become a fixture of the city, renowned and revered by many. However, that description still takes Steve by surprise. He said: “When people say, everyone knows Pie & Vinyl it never fails to warm my heart a bit. Obviously there has been an incredible amount of hard work to nearly get to 12 years old, there has been lots of challenges and there continues to be lots of challenges. What we try and offer is something unique, and it does stand out in a way.”

Valdosta, GA | Founder of Stokeley’s Records switched to pop-up sales to spread the joy of Black music: Le’Shawn Taylor bought his first vinyl at Goodwill in 2012. He said he was inspired by Questlove after seeing a video of the artist’s collection on YouTube. “I don’t think at the time I had a record player,” he said. “I was just buying.” It has been over a decade since he purchased that first vinyl that planted a seed. Record-collecting has blossomed into a near full-time passion for Taylor. From 2018-2020, that passion manifested in Vibes and Stuff, a brick-and-mortar in Taylor’s hometown of Valdosta, GA. The name of his store was an homage to the song off A Tribe Called Quest’s “The Low End Theory.” Taylor said he knew he was different growing up in Valdosta. His store was an extension of that eccentricity. “[I was] just into like the opposite of things that were cool,” he said. “I’m probably like the only person in bell-bottoms in like a hundred-mile radius.”

Mansfield, OH | Operation Fandom & Blackbird Records moves to former Uncommon Nostalgia: Mansfielders will still be able to shop for collectibles, music and games at 36 W. 4th St. but from a different business. Following the closure of Uncommon Nostalgia, Operation: Fandom and Blackbird Records opened their store on Friday. Owner Josh Lehman said the new space nearly doubles the floor space they had between City Grille and The Clubhouse. “This will become the largest store of the three we have,” Lehman said. “It was our smallest store before. We have two different 1,000-square-foot stores in Wooster, and about 2,400 square feet in Medina. “We had tall ceilings at the old place, but only 1,400 square feet. Here, we have 3,000 square feet.” Lehman said the extended space will allow for more records, games and spread-out shopping aisles. “I think we’ll have more space for Record Store Day,” he said.

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UK | Vinyl records return to UK inflation basket for first time since 1992: Strong sales of Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) help format make an impact, as air fryers also join list. Not since Simply Red’s album Stars topped the albums chart in 1992 have vinyl records been included in the basket of goods used to calculate annual inflation, but a rise in sales over recent years has brought them back as a marker of UK shop prices. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the “resurgence of popularity” in vinyl records meant they should be included among the 744 items used to calculate inflation each month, in its latest annual shake-up of the basket. Sales of vinyl were given an extra push in the UK last year by Taylor Swift’s album 1989 (Taylor’s version), which was the biggest-selling vinyl record, while the Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds ranked as the highest-selling vinyl record by a British artist.

RI | 7 Local Record Stores to Lend an Ear: Record stores—a reminder of the slower pace of times past—are experiencing a resurgence with new generations of vinyl enthusiasts. From vinyl records to CDs, cassettes, band merch and more, record stores in Rhode Island are teeming with vintage finds and unique collectibles. While online streaming services provide our favorite tunes at our fingertips, the experience of visiting a record store is about more than just the music—it offers a sanctuary and a sense of community for music lovers. Here are some of our favorites from around the state. Analog Underground: This record store lives up to its analog namesake—the music playing throughout the store comes directly from a record player and the walls are lined with vintage vinyl and cassette tapes. Owner Dave Lifrieri frequented record stores as a child and wanted to create the same community atmosphere when he opened his store in 2010…

Portland, OR | Owner of North Portland record store helps arrest burglar who hit shop twice: The owner of Vinyl Resting Place jumped in a car with another local business owner and followed the burglar. Vinyl Resting Place was broken into twice in the span of a few days. The owner said it was the same burglar who did it both times and he helped take them into custody. The first burglary happened early Thursday morning. Steve Cook, who owns the North Portland record store, got a call that his front door was shattered. “The front door was busted out,” Cook said. “I could tell the (point of sale) system had been yanked out.” Cook said the burglar walked away with the cash register and all the money that was inside. He estimates it was about $5,000 dollars. “That wasn’t even my money,” Cook said. “I had sold that stuff on consignment for somebody else, which was the hard part, telling them, not only was I burglarized but I lost your money.”

Rio de Janeiro, BR | Rio’s Best Party Happens Once a Month at This Tiny Record Store: Vinil do Mustafa is a treasure trove of 1970s Tropicalía music. …Before Mustafa inhabited his current digs, he kept a shop nearby in the same neighborhood—a subterranean space that turned into an exclusive club every Thursday night. After the pandemic, however, the owner “wanted to see the sky.” In his new location, Mustafa boasts an impressive collection of everything you might expect, but he doesn’t say no to the odd ‘90s hip-hop album or movie soundtrack. It’s more important for the owner to keep his collection tight than to be picky about genre. “I don’t want to sell records in bulk,” he says. “I don’t want to have thousands of records, where you step into the store and you can’t find what you’re looking for.” Instead, he carefully curates his selection, some of which he sells on the cheap, though especially rare titles can bring in much more. “I’m aiming for all kinds of crowds,” he says.

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Nederland, CO | Music and libations for Boogie’s anniversary: Five years ago Ryan Blackwell opened his dream store in his dream location. Nederland was, and in many ways still is, a hotspot of musical culture and creativity, and Blackwell could think of no better place to lay the foundation for Boogie Records. Over the years, Boogie Records has moved to a bigger space and has expanded its inventory to become a paradise for music fans and those addicted to physical media. Though Blackwell’s favorite part of the job is acquiring big collections from record enthusiasts, where flipping through someone else’s eclectic tastes can often yield some incredible results, he’s recently been focusing on expanding the merchandise available at Boogie. From expressive band logo T-shirts repping Nirvana and Wu-Tang Clan, to a variety of music-inspired toys, such as vintage Devo figurines and newer Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem dolls, with these new additions Boogie Records is constantly being enhanced.

Dundee, UK | How Dundee record store Assai became city centre success story: Its owner said Assai has built a community and embraces the power of the internet to encourage people to shop. Noah Kahan is one of the hottest stars in the world, selling millions of albums, attending the Grammys and selling out arenas. But when the Stick Season star wanted to give his album a charts boost, it was a Dundee music shop he turned to. He took the time to sign 500 copies of his album for a special numbered edition to sell through Assai. In the streaming age, a retailer being able to sell this number of physical copies can make all the difference to chart positions. A week after they went on sale, Kahan followed acts like Blur, Liam Gallagher and Green Day—who have also provided unique versions of their LPs to Assai—to have a number one.

Stroud, UK | End of an era—Stroud’s oldest record shop closes its doors for the final time: Saturday (3/9) will mark the end of an era as Stroud’s oldest record store closes its doors for the final time. Trading Post, in Kendrick Street, can trace its history back 47 years, and for the past 23 years has been run by Simon Vincent. On Friday afternoon friends Tom Berry, who runs Sound Records, and Sean Roe and his wife Ritsuko Hidaka from Klang Tone Records made a surprise presentation of a cake in the shape of a record player. “Simon’s the longest-serving record shop owner in town, so we wanted to mark his departure in style, so we thought a record player cake would be a fitting memory,” explained Tom. Simon said: “I’m absolutely blown away by it—and slightly emotional, as I’m sure I will be for the next 24 hours—but these guys are great, and Stroud is very lucky to have Tom and Sean doing what they’re doing, so Stroud’s going to be fine for records…”

How to have the best Record Store Day: Record Store Day (RSD) is an annual event that celebrates independent record stores and vinyl culture with limited editions and special releases. To make the most of this day, enthusiasts need a game plan. Here are some tips to ensure you have the best Record Store Day experience possible. Start Your Research Early: In the weeks leading up to RSD, check out the official list of releases and decide what you’re interested in. This list is usually released in advance on the Record Store Day website. Also, follow your favorite artists and labels on social media for any surprise announcements. Plan Your Route: Determine which record stores you’ll visit beforehand. Some shops may offer exclusive items or in-store performances, so prioritize them according to your wishlist. Remember to consider store opening times and distances between shops to maximize your time efficiently…

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St. Louis, MO | How Frenchtown Records turned a passion for physical media into a thriving business: David and Christine Boykin never planned on opening a record store. They just needed a place where David could store his vast vinyl collection – and a project to keep them occupied during the COVID-19 lockdown. That’s why the pair bought a 140-year-old building in LaSalle Park, right around the corner from St. Louis’ historic Soulard neighborhood. The married couple gutted the space and renovated everything from top to bottom. Although they planned to sell records in their spare time, the Boykins never envisioned their side project would evolve into something with regular shopping hours. …Although vinyl’s recent resurgence played a role in the store’s success, Frenchtown’s unique shopping experience is an accomplishment all on its own. “We didn’t want to be a snooty audio shop or record store,” Boykin says. “There’s too many of those already. We’ll help you buy a dollar record as quickly as we’ll help you buy a thousand-dollar record.”

Sunderland, UK | Vinyl sales have doubled compared to three years ago despite declining highstreets: According to the ERA (Entertainment Retail Association), 36.7% of total physical music sales last year were in independent shops. This rise is down to the big vinyl revival which last year had a 58% share of the physical market value which doubled compared to three years ago. This is down to the biggest artists such as Taylor Swift releasing their albums on multiple collectable editions such as her album Evermore coming out on four different coloured records. Reflex Records in Newcastle are taking advantage of this by having a dedicated part of their website for fans of Taylor Swift as well as selling exclusively to independent store editions of top 40 releases. When asked about this rise, Reflex did say that “a large amount of their sales are down to exclusive editions such as coloured and limited release vinyl.”

Glasgow, CA | Glasgow record shop Monorail Music is auctioning discarded backdrops from viral Willy Wonka experience: Long-standing Glasgow record shop Monorail Music is auctioning souvenirs from last week’s viral Willy’s Chocolate Experience. Three items are currently for sale via eBay—two original backdrops and the entire “Time Tunnel” fabric—with all proceeds going to Medical Aid For Palestinians (MAP). The auction ends next Thursday, March 14th, and at the time of writing 40 bids have been placed. The highest is £565. “Yes it’s real,” Monorail Music wrote on eBay. “A friend of ours has a workshop below the House Of Illuminati Willy’s Chocolate Experience and rescued these original printed backdrops from the bin following the globally reported Willy Wonka scam.” On February 27th, Willy’s Chocolate Experience went viral after photos circulated of the so-called “immersive experience” showing an empty warehouse with plastic props, a bouncy castle and animated backdrops pinned to the walls.

New Delhi, IN | The Record Store: This New Delhi Shop Features Rare Vinyl—and Cakes: Meet the cool owners behind Digging in India: Nostalgia is the driving force behind Digging in India, the New Delhi-based record store and cakery from DJ, archivist, and record collector Nishant Mittal and pastry chef Mallika Tandon. When you walk inside, you’re greeted by a glossy yellow and pink sign with the shop’s name, which is also Mittal’s Instagram alias. Tandon designed it and recruited a painter who makes signs for Indian trucks (which are often decorated with vibrant, instantly recognizable floral prints). On the walls, posters for magic shows and educational fliers that an Indian student would recognize from a textbook—guides to types of rocks and seed germination—hang in cherry red frames. “The store is very anti-minimalist,” Mittal says. “There’s stuff everywhere. It’s very much the Indian home aesthetic…”

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