Toledo, OH | ‘Our 20th year in Toledo has been our toughest’: Culture Clash asking for support: Culture Clash Records moved from west Toledo to downtown in August 2020. Culture Clash Records is seeking support from the public after what it said has been its toughest year since opening 20 years ago. In a Facebook post Tuesday, Culture Clash listed a number of ways the public can support its operations. In a linked GoFundMe, store owner Tim Friedman said the store faces mounting costs incurred from expenses related to a building zoning issue after the business moved downtown in 2020. …”The future of Culture Clash has ignited a fire in me for years, and I still believe we are and will be a hub in Toledo’s community for live music, unique events, and the arts,” he said in the video. In the social media post, Culture Clash listed for supporters the ways they can help the business…
UK | I’m travelling to every record shop in the UK—here are my 10 favourites: From Orkney to Brighton, independent stores are treasure troves for vinyl hunters and a great way to while away a holiday afternoon. I still remember the excitement of buying my first vinyl aged 11, Duane Eddy’s great 1962 single (Dance With the) Guitar Man, and that bug has been with me ever since. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of digging through the racks and finding that elusive wishlist record. …lately my focus has been on visiting every record shop across the UK—and to buy something at every stop. Established shops close and new ones open on a regular basis and, according to the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), the number of independent record stores in the UK has reached a 10-year high. Last year there were 461, compared with 339 in 2014.
Boise, ID | Historic Idaho music shop keeps rollin’ (and rockin’) with the times: As Idaho’s largest independent music store, The Record Exchange has been tickling the ear drums of music enthusiasts of all kinds since 1977. The company’s founder, Michael Bunnell, worked as a logger in McCall in the mid-1970s and when an accident on the job left him severely injured, he used a small settlement from the logging company to open a record store which was inspired by the store of his youth: The original Tower Records in Sacramento, California. The Record Exchange was born. There are rows of vinyl records and CDs, funky T-shirts and socks, turntables and audio equipment, posters and much more. And what’s coming from the sound system varies from day to day—ranging from R & B, jazz, rock and everything in between.
Charlotte, NC | Charlotte: Some Cool Record Stores: In today’s day and age, we don’t have to go to the store to buy music, records, or anything like that. You can pretty much listen to any song ever online. I grew up in an age where vinyl records were the thing you bought or maybe a cassette tape of an album. I’m a little too young to have purchased 8-tracks, but I will tell you I still buy vinyl records. I sometimes buy new versions of vinyl records that I already have. I love the remastered versions with new liner notes. And I’ll admit it: I like it when they reissue vinyl in a different color. There’s something special about vinyl records. I don’t know if it’s the beginning of the record or when you hear those little pops and ticks before your song starts to play. It’s something I have always loved and continue to love as I listen to those vinyl records. …I did a little digging and found some of those wonderful brick-and-mortar record stores right here in Charlotte.
Fayetteville, NC | Record Stores With Vinyl in Fayetteville: In today’s day and age, we don’t have to go to the store to buy music, records, or anything like that. We can get it all online or if you have a subscription to a music service you have it all at your fingertips. I grew up in an age where vinyl records were the thing you bought or maybe a cassette tape of an album. I’m a little too young to have purchased 8-tracks, but I will tell you I still buy vinyl records. I sometimes buy new versions of vinyl records that I already have. I love the remastered versions with new liner notes. And I’ll admit it: I like it when they reissue vinyl in a different color. There’s something special about vinyl records. I don’t know if it’s the beginning of the record or when you hear those little pops and ticks before your song gets started. It’s something I have always loved and continue to love as I listen to those vinyl now colorful records. …I did a little digging and found some of those wonderful brick-and-mortar record stores right here in Fayetteville.
Liverpool, UK | Man steps up for record store gig—then fans realise he’s a Liverpudlian legend: The frontman was almost unrecognisable as he played a selection of songs – but moments later, people then realised who he actually was and it left them rather amazed. An impromptu performance at a record store left attendees in awe after recognising the performer. Vanishing Point Records, in Chesterfield, hosted the famous frontman, who looked unrecognisable during a rare public gig that had fans buzzing about the possibility of a larger return to the stage for the legendary songwriter. Liverpudlian legend Lee Mavers, the voice behind The La’s, treated fans to a selection of tunes. The There She Goes songwriter’s appearance was a special treat, given The La’s last took the stage in Liverpool back in 2011. The record store has since posted of their shock on social media, with members of the public also stunned by the sudden performance. The record store expressed their disbelief at the performance on Instagram: “Still can’t quite believe what I/we witnessed tonight. Lee Mavers and band played in the store and it was an absolute privilege to host them.”
Newtown, CT | Record Riot Fundraiser for Edmond Town Hall Set: After a successful 2023 Newtown Record Riot, Friends of Edmond Town Hall announced they are going to “run it back” with promoter Record Riots this fall. The second Newtown Record Riot takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, October 6 in the Edmond Town Hall gym, 45 Main St. Vinyl album sales in the United States have grown for the 17th consecutive year in 2023. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, 43.2 million EPs/LPs were sold in the United States last year, up from less than a million in 2006, when the vinyl comeback began. Attendees may shop at over 40 tables of LPs, CDs, 45s and more from dealers from all over New England and beyond. All types of music, from punk, funk, country, classical, blues rock, hip hop and more. There is a fee. Regular admission starts at 9:30 a.m., with early admission kicking off at 8:30 a.m.
Johannesburg, ZA | Lucky Rodrigo Vinyl Record Fair—Saturday, 5th October. Are you a vinyl enthusiast looking for your next treasure? Well, mark your calendars because on 5 October, Lucky Rodrigo is hosting a vinyl fair that you won’t want to miss! Get ready to dive into a sea of groovy tunes and rare finds. What’s in Store? At the fair, you can expect to find four vinyl record dealers showcasing their collections. Whether you’re into classic rock, jazz, or indie gems, there will be something for everyone. Who knows, you might stumble upon that elusive record you’ve been searching for! Food, Drinks, and Good Vibes But wait, there’s more! In addition to the vinyl extravaganza, Lucky Rodrigo will also be serving up some delicious food and drinks. …So, gather your fellow music lovers and make your way to Lucky Rodrigo on 29 June. It’s going to be a vinyl paradise with great tunes, good food, and a whole lot of fun. See you there!
