UK | UK recorded music exports hit record $1.05B in 2025, up just 0.8% YoY: UK recorded music exports rose to £800.3 million (USD $1.05 billion) in 2025. But the rate of growth slowed, rising just 0.8% year-over-year. According to the BPI, the trade body for the UK’s record labels, it was the first time the annual total had surpassed £800 million. The figure marked a 50% increase on the £533 million ($684 million) recorded in 2020, when the BPI began tracking export value. The US was the UK’s biggest export market, contributing around 40% of the annual total, followed by Germany, France, Australia and Canada. In total, 67 British artists each generated more than 1 billion audio streams globally during 2025, according to Luminate.
Chicago, IL | The 24 best record stores in Chicago: Discover new music at Chicago’s best record stores, where you can shop for vinyl, CDs, cassettes, merch and more. When you want some fresh tunes for your turntable, tape deck or CD player, there’s no better place to find them than at Chicago’s best record stores. Whether you’re trying to prepare for a concert coming up at a Chicago music venue or are feeling an old-school vibe, these shops have what you’re looking for. Many have been in business for years, selling new and used vinyl, CDs and tapes—and making recommendations when you need them. From the latest albums in indie rock, hip hop and contemporary R&B to vintage jazz, blues and Chicago house records, Chicago’s best record stores have it all.
East Kensington, PA | Vinyl Shop High Leverage To Open in East Kensington This September: Vinyl collectors will soon have a new place to rummage through crates for record finds this September when High Leverage opens a small storefront in East Kensington. According to a PhillyVoice report, High Leverage will open its doors at 2644-48 Coral St., led by Billy and Elizabeth Philhower. The husband-and-wife duo moved to Philadelphia last year and began selling records online, through conventions, and at flea markets and shows. …The Philhowers envision selling 2,000 records, including 7-inch and 12-inch formats. Many items will be for sale around $50 and feature a range of artists and rarities. The top genres represented are punk, hardcore, screamo, indie, and what Billy calls “weirdo” music.
Houston, TX | How Cactus Music’s listening parties are creating space for Houston music lovers: Fans are lining up to hear their favorite artist’s new album before anyone else. Record stores have a natural cool to them. Seeing rows of records and CDs meticulously organized, ready to be sifted through, is a tactile exercise that keeps people coming back. In some ways, it can be a solitary experience at Houston’s Cactus Music. Now, album-listening parties held at the historic record store are becoming its bread-and-butter events where music fans come together to listen to their favorite artists. Cactus Music is a Houston staple. The record store at 2110 Portsmouth St., right off of Shepherd Drive, opened in 1975 and has since become a legendary spot for all music fans. Their free album listening parties have become its way to bring people together, even more so than live shows.
Austin, TX | Antone’s joins vinyl take-back program: Antone’s Record Shop in Austin has joined a new nationwide vinyl take-back program that aims to give broken and unwanted records a second life. Why it matters: Vinyl has enjoyed a resurgence over the past decade, but there’s been little focus on what happens when records become damaged, beyond repair or owners no longer want them. Context: A May study by WMG, GZ Media and Abbey Road Studios found that unsold, obsolete records can be successfully reprocessed into new, high-quality pressings. How it works: Music fans can return damaged or unplayable vinyl records at any of the stores regardless of the artist, label or condition. The pilot aims to determine whether those records can be recycled into new products or have their materials recovered.
Los Angeles, CA | The Lego Group and Olivia Rodrigo Kick off Worldwide Vinyl Hunt After Surprising Fans in LA: The LEGO Group and Olivia Rodrigo surprised fans with an intimate one-day event at one of Los Angeles’ most iconic record stores, Licorice Pizza, transforming the historic music landmark into an impressive LEGO build to kick off an exciting worldwide fan challenge in celebration of the new LEGO Editions Olivia Rodrigo collection. The 23-year-old Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter made an unannounced appearance, delighting Livies as she chatted alongside fans and shared stories behind the recent partnership. The Studio City-based record store which is a pilgrimage site for vinyl collectors was reimagined in LEGO brick form.
Grand Junction, CO | Triple Play Records’ summer concert series gives local musicians a platform to rock: A different local and regional artist will be performing outside the store every Saturday as part of the record store’s free concert lineup. Every Saturday this summer, the sidewalk outside Triple Play Records will transform into a live music venue, giving local and regional musicians a chance to perform for the community while shoppers browse vinyl, CDs and cassettes. The free summer concert series features a different artist each week, including Grand Junction singer-songwriter Lexi Faye, who said the performances offer something social media cannot. “Live music, especially in the era of social media, people are always wanting to hear live music,” Faye said.
Naperville, IL | Comics, Cards & Vinyl Market. Sip. Shop. Collect. Repeat. Sip. Shop. Collect. Repeat. The hunt is on this Saturday. Join us Saturday, August 1, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Noon Whistle Brewing, 1748 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, for the second annual Vinyl, Comics & Cards Market. Whether you’re chasing that elusive comic, digging for the perfect vinyl record, searching for rare trading cards, or looking for incredible pop culture artwork, you’ll find something worth taking home. Every booth offers new discoveries, from vintage treasures to modern collectibles, handmade creations, original illustrations, toys, POP figures, custom dice, and so much more. …Bring your friends, bring your want list, and see what treasures are waiting for you.
Sony’s latest PR masterstroke is promoting vinyl records in the same breath it kills PlayStation discs: “If you can do physical for music, you can do it for games.” Fans are, you will be surprised to hear, not happy. A new promotion from Sony spotlighting its LX3 vinyl record turntable sparked renewed backlash from PlayStation fans frustrated and disappointed with the company’s move to end physical media on the games side. In January 2028, Sony will end support and manufacturing for physical copies for all new PlayStation games. Yet the love of physical media is alive and well in a new post from the company, which, like everything else Sony posts right now, has become a lightning rod for criticism. “Rediscover the warmth, detail, and ritual of vinyl with the LX3 Turntable,” Sony implores. “Drop the needle, press play, and enjoy music the way it was meant to be heard.”
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