This weekend down in San Diego—home of Rocket from the Crypt, Iron Butterfly, Eddie Vedder, RATT, Tom Waits, Waaves, Slightly Stoopid, and more—comes the Vinyl Junkies Record Swap.
Former M-Theory owner Eric Howarth is bringing the goods to San Diego (you know, that southern, beachy, more laid back, better looking second cousin of Los Angeles) this weekend for the San Diego Music Thing, a festival and conference in its 7th year benefitting the San Diego Music Foundation. We chatted him up prior to this weekend’s swap.
Please introduce yourself and give us some insight on the what the Vinyl Junkies Record Swap is.
My name is Eric Howarth and I’m the founder of the Vinyl Junkies Record Swap. People in San Diego also know me as the former co-owner/founder of M-Theory Music (the record store). Prior to starting Vinyl Junkies and after selling M-Theory (it’s still around and going strong), I was running my record label Hi-Speed Soul with vinyl releases by the likes of Afghan Whigs, Nada Surf, Swervedriver, Film School, and managing bands like The Black Heart Procession.
The Vinyl Junkies Record Swap happens every couple of months at the Casbah and we select a bunch of vendors from Southern California to sell. We also have 6 DJs spin…usually people in bands, on air DJs, or local music writers. So far we’ve had David J of Bauhaus/Love and Rockets, Dale Crover of The Melvins, Matt and Ken of The Bronx, Pall from The Black Heart Procession, Justin Pearson of the Locust and a bunch of well-known local SD band members spin. It’s always great to hear what they end up playing.
What’s the very first record you sold?
Hawkwind, Space Ritual.
What’s the last record your store sold?
Miles Davis, Bitches Brew.
With the resurgence of vinyl have you seen an increase in vinyl sales? If so, who comes in and buys more vinyl?
Yes, there’s definitely been an increase in vinyl sales. I see people of all ages buying records, but it’s great to see those who weren’t born yet when vinyl was still the primary format, getting into it. The move to everything digital has left a void that is filled by records. There’s just something unique about the experience of holding a record, looking at the artwork, and dropping a needle on your favorite record that you can’t get playing a digital file.
What is your prized piece of vinyl that will never make it to the bins and that we would have to pry out of your cold, dead hands?
Probably a signed copy of one of the albums I have when legendary bands came by M-Theory back in the day for a signing or to play a set. Public Enemy’s Fear of A Black Planet, Spiritualized’s Amazing Grace, or The Minutemen’s Double Nickels. Those aren’t my most expensive records, but pulling those out always reminds me of those special moments.
Besides that, I’ve got lots of great records I don’t ever plan on selling. I’m a vinyl junkie!
What was the most sought after record at the last Record Swap?
Not sure on the most sought after record, but I did trade someone a bunch of records for an original sealed copy of The Mothers of Invention’s Freak Out album. That’s a pretty rare thing to come across. Copies of Freak Out are usually quite worn. I have to assume most people were playing the hell out of that record back in the day while they were tripping on various mind bending substances. You tend to not care so much about handling your record correctly when you look over at your friend and his face is melting.
What is the most requested, hunted for, asked about record?
People are always looking for krautrock records, funky soul, rare jazz, and classic rock staples like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. But the one record that people always like to talk about is the Beatles “butcher cover” album. It’s not the rarest record of all time, but it’s pretty close to being a holy grail sort of find for most.
Music education is important. We think it’s so cool that you are going to be a part of San Diego Music Thing which supports the San Diego Music Foundation. Did you ever learn to play an instrument and if so what?
Yeah, I’ve played bass in a couple of bands over the years and I like to mess around on guitar.
Want to give us a sentence or two on why being a part of the San Diego Music community rocks?
There are just so many talented people in this city and there’s a rich history of musicians who have come out of this scene. Drive Like Jehu just reunited for a one time only event…to play with the Balboa Park pipe organ. It was their first time together in 19 years. Seeing 3,000-4,000 people out for this amazing event, many of whom are well-known musicians themselves, was quite the reminder of the great music scene this city has.
Feeling the urge to dig? Come down to San Diego Music Thing this weekend to dig through crates and watch the music go from vinyl to the stage with a stellar line up of bands. Check out the line up HERE and buy tickets HERE.
For more information or to buy or sell at the Vinyl Junkies Record swap: vinyljunkiesswap@gmail.com.
