Owensboro, KY | Displaced Pages book and record store opening May 17: Siblings Virginia and Josh Hardesty each have fond memories of spending time in independent book and record stores while growing up, and they’ll soon be offering that experience to area residents. On Saturday, May 17, they’ll open the doors to Displaced Pages at 1359 E. 4th St., which will offer new and used books across several genres, new and vintage records, and other book-themed merchandise. “It’s always been a dream to have a music and book store,” Virginia Hardesty said. “Seeing it all come together has been really cool.” Selling books and records won’t be new to either of the siblings, with both having sales experience. In fact, it was Virginia Hardesty’s success as a small bookseller—with her having a booth at T&T Vendors Mall—that convinced her the time was right to open a store.
Houston, TX | Vinal Edge Records still spinning in the Heights after 40 years: Chuck Roast, a former punk rock radio DJ and owner of Vinal Edge Records, said his record store gets more foot traffic now than it has in its last 40 years of operation. He said the yearning for more immersive music experience is only growing stronger. “I think [for] people who grew up just pushing buttons on their phone, when they’re introduced to the tactile element of a record player—and it’s this thing that spins and the diamond needle is sitting on it—it just creates an experience,” Roast said. “Now, you’re not just listening to music as a background. You are actively making this thing work.” Established in October 1985 in the Houston Heights neighborhood, Vinal Edge sells a collection of vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs, turn tables, t-shirts and stickers.
Bismarck, ND | Someone You Should Know: Rhythm Records Music Cafe: Hidden on the second floor of the L-J Anderson Building in Bismarck is Rhythm Records, stocked with shelves and sounds of music, old and new genres. “I’ve been very happy with how we’ve been doing in this building the last several years. We got interesting new records, affordable used records, live music and have a lot of fun with it,” says Gun Lindgren, owner of the store. He is the third person to own the record store. He moved to Bismarck two decades ago but has always had a special spot for vinyl music. “It’s neat to see that connection between a person and a piece of music. When you want the thing, want something for a collection, think vinyl offers a lot of special qualities and I would say the increase in sales for vinyl over the last 10, 15, 20 years has shown that a lot of people agree with that,” says Lindgren. He added, when he isn’t here in Bismarck, chances are he’s checking out other records.
Columbus, OH | Radiohead band member stops by Columbus record store: Imagine going about your work day, restocking inventory, answering questions from customers, then wait–is that a famous rockstar in our shop??! Spoonful Records on E State St downtown is a beloved spot for new vinyl records, CD, and even cassette tapes. Turns out the shop has an even bigger draw than us hyper-local music fans, as global rockstar Colin Greenwood of Radiohead walked in before his Columbus show. Touring with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Radiohead bassist Colin Greenwood (brother to Radiohead’s guitarist Johnny Greenwood) popped into Spoonful Records before their performance later that evening at the Palace Theater, delighting the record store staff and store followers alike. Greenwood posed for a photo opp for the record store’s Instagram at @spoonfulrecords, where the shop posted “We are still in disbelief!”
Rome, IT | The time Pope Francis visited a record store in Rome: The late Pope Francis may have been the leader of one of the most powerful organizations in the world, but he was also just like you and I: a lover of music. Classical music was his top choice. When asked about his favorites by Father Antonio Spadaro, editor of the Jesuit paper La Civilta Cattolica in 2013, he gave a detailed answer. “Among musicians I love Mozart, of course,” he said. “The ‘Et incarnatus est’ from his Mass in C minor is matchless; it lifts you to God! I love Mozart performed by Clara Haskil. Mozart fulfills me. But I cannot think about his music; I have to listen to it. I like listening to Beethoven, but in a Promethean way, and the most Promethean interpreter for me is Furtwangler. And then Bach’s Passions. The piece by Bach that I love so much is the ‘Erbarme Dich,’ the tears of Peter in the ‘St. Matthew Passion.’ Sublime…”
CA | Vinyl Record Distributors Canada: The 2025 Guide for Record Shops and Retailers. Vinyl record distributors Canada shops can rely on are more important than ever in 2025. The Canadian vinyl market is booming, yet many independent record shops still face major challenges when it comes to sourcing wholesale vinyl records. With tariffs and supply chain complexities adding pressure to costs, finding reliable Canadian vinyl record distributors has never been more critical. As of March 13, 2025, Canada has implemented a 25% tariff on select U.S. imports, including vinyl records. This move is in response to similar tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian goods. The Canadian government has imposed these tariffs on approximately $29.8 billion worth of U.S. products. For more details on tariff, visit Tariff Item. For Canadian record retailers, this means increased costs for U.S.-pressed vinyl records, which may lead to higher retail prices and potential supply chain disruptions.
UK | Little Simz announces intimate UK record store shows: They come in celebration of new album ‘Lotus.’ Little Simz has announced some intimate UK record store shows for next month. Check out the details below. The new live dates come in celebration of the UK rapper’s new album ‘Lotus’, which was announced in February and comes as the follow-up to 2022’s ‘NO THANK YOU’. It is set for release on June 6 and is available to pre-order here. Now, details of five upcoming shows have been shared, kicking off with a slot at XOYO in Birmingham on June 1 in collaboration with Rough Trade. Two more Rough Trade gigs are planned ahead of the album release, taking place at the record store in Liverpool on June 2 and at The Level in Nottingham the following night. From there, shows pick up again on June 9 with a slot at Crane in Bristol in partnership with Rough Trade, and a final stop at Pyrzm in Kingston in collaboration with Banquet Records.
Wake Forest, NC | Vinyl Record Giveaway Brings Our Classical Community Together: At The Classical Station, our mission is not only to share the finest classical music but also to build and nurture a vibrant community united by a shared passion for this timeless art form. With that spirit at heart, we were delighted by the wonderful response to our recent Vinyl Record Giveaway held at our Wake Forest, North Carolina station. The event attracted an enthusiastic crowd, reflecting the rich diversity and deep appreciation for classical music in our local community. Families, music collectors, and long‑time listeners—some of whom have been enjoying our broadcasts for years—gathered to explore a remarkable collection of vinyl records. Attendees browsed through shelves filled with beloved symphonies, chamber masterpieces, and rare recordings from legendary artists, eager to discover treasures to take home.
Kildare, IE | Anthem Vinyl launches ‘state of the art’ record manufacturing facility in Kildare: The new pressing plant will enable homegrown artists, independent and major labels, and a wide range of global customers to access premium and sustainable vinyl pressing. Anthem Vinyl, Ireland’s only vinyl pressing plant, has announced the official opening of its new sophisticated manufacturing facility in Kildare. Born out of a shared love for vinyl and a deep respect for its craft, Anthem Vinyl was founded in 2024 by a team of passionate music industry and business professionals. Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, in Clane, County Kildare, Anthem aims to honour the rich legacy of vinyl, while embracing new technology, sustainability, and accessibility, ensuring that artists and fans can experience vinyl at its best. “This isn’t just a manufacturing facility—it’s a commitment to all genres of music, creativity, and sustainability,” said company founder, Brian Kenny.
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