Devon, UK | Record shop to reopen in new location this weekend: Newton Abbot’s independent record store is turning the page on an exciting new chapter as it prepares to relocate to new premises in the town. After 20 years on Queen Street, Phoenix Sounds is relocating just a short walk across town to East Street. The store will reopen on June 21. The move marks a significant milestone for the stores owners, who have spent the last three years growing a loyal community of vinyl lovers and music fans from across Devon and beyond. The new premises promises the same great mix of new and second-hand vinyl, friendly expertise, and passion for music—just in a fresh new space, designed to offer a different, modern, shopping experience which concentrates more on vinyl, the Mid-Devon Advertiser understands. ‘We have loved being part of the Queen Street community, but this move gives us the opportunity to continue doing what we love in a location that works better for our future financial needs’, Roger Cox, co-owner of Phoenix Sounds, said.
US | 11 Black-Owned Record Stores You Need To Visit This Month: Whether you’re into jazz, hip-hop, or old school soul, these establishments offer more than music—they offer an experience. Black music has long been the heartbeat of American culture; creating soundtracks for every generation. This Black Music Month, we’re celebrating the spaces that keep that heartbeat alive—Black-owned record stores. These aren’t just retail shops; they’re cultural institutions, gathering places, and hubs for sonic discovery. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual listener, these shops invite you to slow down, dig deep, and listen intentionally. …From the gritty boom-bap echoing through Norfolk’s Freshtopia to the soul-drenched crates at Serious Sounds in Houston, each store is rooted in purpose, pride, and passion for Black sound and self-expression. Here are 11 Black-owned record stores to visit this month—and beyond.
Bristol, UK | Tacos and vinyl coming soon to Bristol: A record store and eatery that’s been teasing its new space for over a year might finally be on the verge of opening. Alta Loma first announced their store in May 2024, with plans of opening by the end of summer that year. While talks of opening dwindled off in 2024, the team behind Alta Loma have recently begun sharing updates about the store’s progress with an opening date hopefully around the corner. The site on Upper Maudlin Street within the Christmas Steps Arts Quarter was previously home to jewellery store and art gallery, Flux, who have since moved to Cotham Hill. Talking about the store’s opening, a member of the Alta Loma team said: “At the moment we’re at the final stages but can’t commit to an opening date quite yet. “Looking at the next couple weeks though.” Visitors at the new store—which is only a stone’s throw away from the BRI—will be able to shop for vinyl records in the basement before heading upstairs to feast on delicious Mexican street food.
New Orleans, LA | Louisiana Music Factory to celebrate its 33 and 1/3 anniversary with day-long free concert: Kermit Ruffins, the Tin Men, Little Freddie King, Corey Henry and Cyril Neville all scheduled to perform at the Frenchmen Street store on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The 30th anniversary of the Louisiana Music Factory came and went with little fanfare in February 2022, thanks to the lingering effects of the pandemic. Owner Barry Smith’s brother Bruce, a hard-core music fan and retired petroleum engineer, suggested the store mark its 33 1/3 anniversary instead. That number, of course, corresponds to the rpm—the revolutions per minute—of most 12-inch vinyl albums. “We all thought that was funny,” Barry Smith said. So on Saturday, June 21, the independent music store at the corner of Frenchmen and Decatur streets will celebrate its “33 & 1/3rd” anniversary with an afternoon of in-store performances.