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.
AU | The Music Searches For Australia’s Best Record Store: Not all heroes wear capes. The Music is launching a new project to shine a light on the front line of Australia’s music industry: the record store! While everyone’s been talking about streaming and digital, there has been a quiet revolution happening across the suburbs, regions and towns of Australia. With well over 200 independent record stores now operating across the country, each has developed their own culture, community and vibe, all celebrating music and helping connect the general public to songs and artists that can make their lives better. So, The Music is launching a series over the next three weeks to discover the stories and people behind these stores and give our readers the chance to vote for their favourite store. We’ll be revealing our readers’ favourite stores in each state as well as looking at innovative and niche operations and, of course, crowning 2025’s favourite shop.
Decatur, GA | Wuxtry Records: Local shop pets bring joy to customers. Podushka the long-haired corgi is often found siting on the counter at Wuxtry Records greeting customers or asking for treats or pets. She is about 6 years old and has been coming to work since she was a puppy. “She’s stubborn, food-motivated, and really cute. She’s really sweet when she isn’t barking too much” Wuxtry Records Owner Mark Methe said. Podushka will even give you a high-five for a treat. The staff agreed that Podushka runs the shop. Methe’s wife, Xenia Zed, got Podushka from a friend from college who had a litter of corgis in Tennessee. When she brought the pup home, Methe said she looked like a podushka, which means pillow in Russian. One of the record store employees, Richard, has a special bond with Podushka and plays with her throughout the day. He noted that she has fans who stop by to see her at the store. Methe added that he enjoys seeing young kids interact with Podushka while their parents are browsing the records.
Conroe, TX | Vinyl afternoon at Fass Brewing: Music lovers and beer enthusiasts alike are invited to enjoy a unique blend of craft brews and classic tunes at Vinyl Afternoon, happening June 22 at Fass Brewing. This laid-back, interactive event celebrates the art of vinyl and the community it creates. Attendees are encouraged to bring a vinyl record, play a side, and in return, receive their first beer free, courtesy of the Fass Groove Crew. Whether your taste is funk, folk, hip-hop, or heavy metal—all music genres are welcome. Fass Brewing, known for its welcoming taproom and quality craft beers, continues to support local music and creative events like Vinyl Afternoon. This event is perfect for those searching for vinyl events near me, free beer events in Conroe, or Sunday events in Conroe TX—a perfect pairing of music, beer, and community.
Take a bite out of Amity Island with Mondo’s 50th anniversary Jaws Capsule Collection: The Jaws celebration continues with music, vinyl figures, and posters inspired by the original summer blockbuster! The 50th anniversary celebration of Jaws’ continues to swim along…well, swimmingly, as Mondo officially joins the shark-infested festivities. …In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the original blockbuster, Mondo worked with Backlot Music, Universal Pictures, and, most importantly, John Williams to hand-select two alternate tracks for this commemorative record, never before released in any format and pulled from the archives by Williams himself. The music for JAWS 50 – Selection and Studio Rarities From the Motion Picture 10” was restored and mastered by Mike Matessino, in conjunction with his work on the complete score’s 50th Anniversary Reissue. This die cut shark bite 10″ is pressed on Chum Red Vinyl in a 3 mil clear polyethylene sleeve.
New Britain, CT | Why Gen-Z loves vinyl: …The final reason you should consider buying vinyl is because it can help support artists and local record stores. Artists make fractions of a cent from steaming services, with Spotify giving them $0.00318 per stream, which their label gets a cut of. Vinyl royalties are complicated, but artists can make from nothing to $3 per record or CD sold, and this number can be even higher depending on the deal they have with their label. If they are independent and handle their own record sales, that gives them an even larger cut. This also helps local record stores keep around 35% of the cost of the records for themselves, which helps support a local business. But most of all, vinyl offers a unique sensory experience in an age in which everything seems locked behind a screen.
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