Indianapolis, IN | Perform your original music once a month at Square Cat Vinyl: Sign-ups are first come, first served, and the order of participants is drawn at random. Once a month, Square Cat Vinyl allows 25 residents to perform one original song—no covers. It’s an opportunity for community members of all ages to share their creativity and practice performing in front of an audience. “The Square Cat open mic is a very special evening of music community, so we ask that you be respectful of the fellow performers and stick around after your performance to support the others,” according to the southside record store’s website. Sign-ups are first come, first served, and the order of participants will be drawn at random. There can only be three musicians per group and drums are not allowed.
San Francisco, CA | I Hate Records in SF’s Lower Haight a new community space for DIY punk: There’s a hefty dose of irony behind I Hate Records, the name of a store in San Francisco’s Lower Haight. But its owners are sincere in their mission to give DIY punk its own space. “Punk, as a subculture, is underserved in a lot of places,” says I Hate Records co-owner Cody Azumi. “We thought it was important to have punk in the city and promote it because it’s a way for people to have a lot of freedom of expression.” Azumi and co-owner Pretty Sims, both in their 20s, opened I Hate Records in June. Now celebrating six months in business, they are just as intent on having the store, a nonprofit venture, be a beacon for the punk community as when they conceptualized it.
Haverfordwest, UK | Haverfordwest record shop and bar granted official planning approval: An official application for a popular Haverfordwest record store and bar has been given the go-ahead by Pembrokeshire planners after it was previously overlooked despite being licensed by the council. In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Malcolm Herbert of Core of the Poodle sought permission for a retrospective change of use of 26 Market Street, Haverfordwest, in line with the mixed used of the commercial property for retail (record shop) and as a cafe/bar. Core of the Poodle, owned by Malcolm Herbert and his wife Cheryl, who were inspired to open the shop after visiting the former AW Jazz shop to look for records, opened in April 2021, and has since proved popular among residents.
Milwaukee, WI | Wiggle Room: Bay View’s New All-Vinyl Listening Lounge. The venue is an all-vinyl listening lounge and the perfect nightlife destination for record heads and music lovers alike. Combining the classic corner bar feel with a uniquely curated ambiance, Wiggle Room (2988 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.) in Bay View is an all-vinyl listening lounge and the perfect nightlife destination for record heads and music lovers alike. Opened in summer 2024, Wiggle Room is your go-to spot for eclectic DJ nights, with local and touring entertainers behind the decks every day of the week. Its vast library of thousands of records spans a wide range of styles and genres, including rock, jazz, hip hop, soul, funk, R&B, disco and lots more, plus niche items like soundtracks and compilations for specialty nights.
Pasadena, CA | Local Gift Guide: 15 shops to support this holiday season. As much as the holiday season is spending time with the family and getting into the festive spirit, it can quickly become stressful. Shopping for Christmas and Hanukkah quickly becomes difficult, and as concerns over shipping with tariffs remain, there are several benefits to spending money locally this holiday season. Canterbury Records: For the audiophiles in your life, Canterbury Records is the perfect place to shop. As LA’s oldest surviving record store in Pasadena, they specialize in both new and used vinyl and CDs across genres, catering to music lovers with deep selection and personal service. It is great for music lovers who cherish vinyl, CDs and expert recommendations. Its decades of service to the LA music community make it a go-to for collectors and newcomers.
Los Angeles, CA | VinylFest spins at the Farmers Market: The Original Farmers Market, corner of Third and Fairfax, invites music lovers, collectors, families and vinyl enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a weekend dedicated to record culture at the second annual VinylFest 2025 on Saturday, Dec. 6, and Sunday, Dec. 7. The large-scale VinylFest celebration runs from noon-7 p.m. each day and features a large collection of dealers selling vinyl records, along with a stage featuring popular DJs playing everything from funk to indie and soul. The free all-ages celebration transforms the Farmers Market into a vibrant hub of LP shopping, turntable culture and musical discovery, featuring rare and vintage vinyl records, new releases, collectible pressings and specialty finds from some of Los Angeles’ top record vendors.
Cherry Hill, NJ | Record Show Held In Cherry Hill: People from all over the region arrived at the Holiday Inn on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ, earlier today. A fairly large record show was held, and it was so packed with sellers that they spilled into the hallway. If you think people are not interested in records or CDs, you could not be more wrong. Folks of all ages perused bins of new and used vinyl, looking for something for a gift or something for themselves. From an obscure 1960s Rhino’s debut to the newest Rolling Stones album in purple vinyl, it was all there. The best part is that people can shop around. One dealer may have your item for $25.00, but someone else might list it for $15.00. Many dealers will negotiate on price or offer volume discounts.
Home Alone Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Vinyl Available for Pre-Order From Mondo: One of John Williams’ best soundtracks is a Christmas-themed one. Home Alone has a fantastic score that captures the spirit of the story and the spirit of the season. This soundtrack has been released on vinyl before, and now Mondo has it for pre-order for fans to order again. Along with the beautiful score from John Williams, it also includes songs like White Christmas, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. The soundtrack comes with two vinyl records, and there are variations for these as well. The album has artwork by Andrew Kolb. It can be pre-ordered on the Mondo website and is expected to ship in February 2026.
The xx release debut album deluxe edition with bonus tracks and covers: The release includes new covers of ‘Teardrops’ by Womack & Womack and Aaliyah’s ‘Hot Like Fire.’ The xx have released a deluxe edition of their self-titled debut album. Out digitally today, the expanded version of the group’s 2009 record comes loaded with bonus tracks and covers, including reworks of ‘Teardrops’ by Womack & Womack, Kyla’s ‘Do You Mind’ and ‘Hot Like Fire’ by Aaliyah. A special deluxe vinyl version of the album is also available to pre-order here for release on 5th December. In a statement on Instagram about the release, the band wrote: “Going back to 2009 has brought up so many memories—it really does feel like another world. This album means a lot to us, and we hope it still means something to you too. Thank you for being here, always.”
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