Author Archives: TVD HQ

FL | Say goodbye to $1 vintage records: Thrift store chains are cashing in on vinyl resurgence: These are sad days for thrift store record bin divers in South Florida. The region’s major thrift store chains are cashing in on the vinyl resurgence, leaving weekend collectors to pay more for used records through the chains’ online sites or find alternative marketplaces. For years, Gulfstream Goodwill, a division of Goodwill Industries International serving Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee and Indian River counties, carried used records. Not anymore. Since March, records have been missing from the charity’s 25 thrift store locations. Instead, donations of records, books, CDs and DVDs are sent to an online distributor called ThriftBooks.com. The new arrangement helps Gulfstream Goodwill focus on its mission of providing job opportunities and training to members of the disabled community…

Bury, UK | Bury St Edmunds business Vinyl Hunter explores vinyl’s surge in popularity: Vinyl records once looked set to go the way of wind-up gramophones … spinning slowly but surely into the musical history books. Cassette tapes, CDs, then the digital download revolution did their best to bury the iconic format. But just like some of the stars whose vinyl albums are now prized by collectors, it was not destined to trudge wearily off the stage. Vinyl never went away and the comeback is now stronger than ever with devotees driving a growing surge in popularity. Vintage records as well as new issues are in demand … and not just with those who loved them in their youth. Whole new generations are learning to appreciate the sound and feel of the 12” disc and value the experience of getting their music from something tangible. They also get to own a work of art, with some historical covers now almost as iconic as the music inside.

Dorset, UK | Vinyl distributor and record store Unearthed Sounds will close this month: The Dorset-based electronic specialist has blamed Brexit, COVID and the Cost of Living crisis for its closure. Dorset-based vinyl distributor and record store, Unearthed Sounds, has announced it will be closing at the end of the month. In a statement sent to customers, the electronic music specialist cited Brexit, COVID and the Cost Of Living Crisis as contributing factors to its closure — noting that the challenges were “not unique” and that “various players in the music industry” are also affected by Brexit, COVID and the cost of living crisis. The statement continues that the cost of living crisis was “the final straw” as the distributor explains: “When the cost of living rises, individuals have less disposable income available for non-essential purchases like vinyl. Retailers and distributors alike face challenges in convincing consumers that the value and experience of physical media justify the price. Unfortunately, as shops feel the pinch so do we.”

Erskineville, AU | Revolve Record Fair owner Jon Ordon shares tips on what makes vinyl valuable: There’s something about playing and listening to a vinyl LP that’s hard to beat. It’s a feeling Jon Ordon has known ever since he first dropped a pin on a track as a boy. So much so that he has made a career of buying and selling records for more than three decades. His business, Revolve Records, has been operating since 1991, initially as Discovery Records on Sydney’s north shore before moving to Erskineville in the city’s inner west. Today Jon has a busy life selling records from his home in the Blue Mountains. He also takes vinyl to the people at record fairs he holds. His best-known is at Glenbrook, west of Sydney, but he also travels to cities like Orange, Bathurst and Newcastle, as well as Canberra, Queensland and SA. Jon said he enjoys “whole warm analog sound” of vinyl and having a good-quality player to amplify it.”

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Everett, WA | Meet The Owner – Bargain CDs, Records & Tapes: When you’ve been doing something for more than three decades and people keep coming back, having a huge smile when they walk through your door and bring their friends, you must be doing something right. For 33 years Gordy Arlin has been doing things right. “We’re an old school used record store,” Gordy told me last week during our visit. “There were six competitors when we started who’ve since fallen to I-Pods, Downloads and CDs.” Gordy worked in two different used record stores before opening Bargain CDs, Records & Tapes thirty-three years ago at the corner of Hewitt and Rucker in downtown Everett, Washington. The store operated there for 18 years until moving to 2501 Broadway where it’s been since. “We believe we have the largest inventory of DVDs, LPs and CDs in the northwestern United States,” Gary said. “We’re treading water to keep a bricks and mortar shop open.”

Fenelon Falls, ON | Travel back to the 1970s at Fenelon Falls’ new Instagrammable retro record shop: EastEnd Electric Records also offers regular live music performances and sells home décor, clothing, artwork, jewellery, and more from independent artists. A new record shop in Fenelon Falls is taking visitors back in time to an age of big hair, groovy bellbottoms, and soulfully good music. Not only is EastEnd Electric Records the new go-to spot for used and new records, it’s also a ’70s photo op, performance stage, and celebration of independent artists. Even from the outside of the building, the vibrant orange brick and rainbow logo tell customers that EastEnd Electric Records is not like any other music store. Described by co-owner Cody Valliant as an “Instagrammable, experiential, destination record shop,” with swanky blue walls adorned with movie posters and a ceiling tiled with album covers, EastEnd Electric Records is a retro blast from the past. “We really have a fondness for retro culture and design…”

Bury, UK | Bury record shop and café pays tribute to ‘much loved’ colleague and friend: A record shop and café in Bury has paid tribute to a “much loved” close friend and team member who has died. Wax and Beans on Market Street is raising funds to support the family of Dennis Wise, who worked in the shop alongside co-owners Ben Soothill and Louise Jackson. In a message alongside the fundraiser, Ben and Louise said Dennis had supported the business since before it opened its doors four years ago, and that he had also worked with them in their staffroom helping to pack and send their online orders. Dennis had recently taken some time away from the shop with a chest infection. They are now aiming to raise as much money as possible to support his family, including his son James, and to assist with funeral costs. Ben and Louise said: “On hearing of Dennis’ passing, we were both shocked and devastated.

Dublin, IE | ‘Vinyl is a thing of beauty’ – HMV returns to Ireland after eight years: HMV has opened its first store in Ireland – eight years after closing its doors and going online. The new store on Henry Street is the British retailer’s first outside of the UK since it was rescued by Canadian businessman Doug Putman in 2019. The chain now has flagship outlets in Birmingham, London and Dublin. There were long queues at the store this morning as the outlet made its return to Ireland. HMV spokeswoman Patrizia Leighton told Newstalk the excitement outside the shop was palpable. “It is so great to be here in Dublin,” she said “I mean, the people have been amazing and the teams are really up for it, so yeah, it’s really good. “And obviously, the amount of people that were here this morning, it was great.”

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What the new rise of vinyl sales means for artists in 2023: Vinyl sales are rising yet again, which means some change is coming for many independent artists and labels. …This question has had analysts and writers scratching their heads for years. Why is vinyl making a comeback? It seems counterintuitive. After all, CDs offer longer-lasting sound quality and portability. And music streaming gives you almost every album ever recorded in the palm of your hand for free or for very little money. So what explains this rise in sales? It’s not nostalgia. The numbers show that it isn’t Boomers driving vinyl sales. It’s Gen-Z, with artists favored by Gen-Z — Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Harry Styles, etc. — leading the way in vinyl sales. Honestly, when you read interviews with Gen-Zers, it comes down to intangibles.

UK | Major New Project to Document the Cultural Impact of UK Record Stores & Black Music: A major new project that explores the cultural impact of UK independent record stores, specialising in Black music from 1950 onwards, has been launched. 2Funky Arts has been awarded a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, to explore this fascinating subject. ‘The Record Store & Black Music, A UK History’ will link in with Black History Month 2024. The project is being rolled out in the Midlands by 2Funky Arts, an organisation that celebrates Black music, develops new artists, and runs festivals & events that showcase talent in the community. This ground-breaking, national initiative will work in partnership with the Sound/Image Research Centre (University of Greenwich, London) and Brighter Sound (Manchester). For the Windrush generation and Black diaspora, the early independent UK record store was a music-fuelled vehicle for resistance against systemic racism.

Toronto, CA | Kissa: New vinyl listening lounge opens next week in Toronto: A new vinyl listening lounge has arrived in Toronto, and it’s got major speakeasy vibes. Inspired by 1920s-era Japanese teahouses, Kissa has taken over 619 King Street West, a spot formerly occupied by Goldie and The Hartly. Split into two spaces, the new lounge is in soft opening mode and features a downstairs listening hub, perfect for tuning into a classic record. While the locale is decidedly jazzy and moody with stacked shelves of vinyl records, vintage sconces, suspended disco balls, and velvet furniture, it’s not the first lounge of its kind to open in the last few years. Kissa will join the likes of 915 Dupont, The Little Jerry, Boxcar Social Laneway and other “listening lounges,” all offering a space to tune in and tune out to your favourite vinyl. Here, the venue is decked out with a vintage sound system, and there’s even a built-in DJ booth to keep the party going long after the album’s finished.

Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal Launch New Label, RumbleStrip Records: Celebrated singer-songwriter Rosanne Cash alongside six-time Grammy Award-winning producer John Leventhal, has announced the formation of a new record label. Today, the pair shared details behind RumbleStrip Records, a project resulting from three decades of partnership and collaboration. …RumbleStrip Records joins stalwart Thirty Tigers for distribution. “I have listened to Rosanne Cash’s music ever since Seven Year Ache came out, and I was working in record stores,” offered Thirty Tigers founder David Macias. “She has continued to grow and push the boundaries of her creative powers. I respect her immensely. She is a vital artist, and I am so thrilled that she has agreed to team up with Thirty Tigers.” Cash added, “John and I are excited about starting our own label, and we are tremendously grateful to be partnered with Thirty Tigers, who know how to get it done!”

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Bakersfield, CA | World Records: Where all sales are vinyl. It’s the jars of almond butter behind the counter. It’s the cardboard boxes, some opened, stacked into little towers between the aisles. It’s the Onkyo TX-903 Stereo Receiver, original to their first location in 1982, playing Rhonda Vincent in the background. And it’s Pat Evans, at the center sitting serene, latching onto his left shin when he talks, that gives his longtime shop World Records a bespoke quality rare among even the most intimate music outlets in California. His life’s work sits around him in sorted stacks: rows and rows of vinyl, from every genre — jazz, bluegrass, classical and alternative, to name a few. In total, Evans holds a cache of 85,000 records there, most of which are stored away in the basement. “My wife says we’re in the music peace corps,” Evans said. World Records’ story of origin is not a difficult one to find. It was founded by Evans and his friend turned business partner Scott Schwebel in June 1982, after a trip to the city’s five record stores proved lackluster.

Shepherds Bush, UK | Legendary Shepherds Bush reggae record shop and label gets new blue plaque: Iconic Shepherds Bush reggae label Greensleeves Records is set to be honoured with a blue plaque at the site of its former shop. Hammersmith & Fulham Council in conjunction with the Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT) will unveil the new blue plaque inside Shepherds Bush tube station on Saturday 1 July at 11am. Everyone is invited – the event is free. Live music and guest speakers will also perform, with former Greensleeves artist General Saint expected to attend. Cllr Sharon Holder, H&F Cabinet Member for Public Realm, said: “Greensleeves is one of those labels that define a genre – like Blue Note, Motown or Chess. It was an important part of Shepherds Bush’s musical history and contributed a huge amount to the popular culture of west London during reggae’s brightest period. “We’re blessed that so many labels and shops called H&F home – such as Peckings, Island and Trojan records—while helping to advance the music of Black artists from both Jamaica and wider afield.”

Wrexham, UK | Phase One Records team enjoy ‘amazing day’ at fair: The team behind a once hugely popular vinyl record store in Wrexham enjoyed an ‘amazing day’ as they brought it back to life over the weekend. Phase One Records was based on King Street in Wrexham for over 20 years before closing in 2005. Established in 1982, the business was run by a group of friends and passionate music fans; Mike Scott, Alan Hughes, Dave Cole and the late Colin Huxley. Over the weekend, Mike, Alan and Dave teamed up to bring the business ‘full circle’ as they hosted a vinyl record fair. Dubbed ‘The Last Phase’, the event was held at the Bridge End Pub in Ruabon on Saturday (June 24) and was a celebration of the vinyl record industry. Mike hailed the event as an ‘amazing day’, adding that there was a ‘lot of love’ shown for the Phase One Records business.

Lancaster, PA | Local vinyl record and memorabilia expert to appear on MeTV’s ‘Collector’s Call’ this week: Thomas Grosh has spent a lifetime building his reputation as an authority on vinyl records from his Lancaster County base. Now, with his appearance on this Sunday’s edition of MeTV’s “Collector’s Call,” he’ll get a nationwide audience. Grosh got the call from his friend and fellow collector, Larry Leibowitz, whom the show picked to highlight his vast collection of Rolling Stones memorabilia. Since 2019, “Collector’s Call” has showcased a variety of pop culture collectors with “The Facts of Life” star Lisa Whelchel serving as host. At show’s end, the collector and expert attempt to make a trade, with it being the “collector’s call” if the trade goes through or not. When the details of the taping were confirmed by show producers last year, Leibowitz made the call to Grosh, who has been in the business of buying, selling and collecting records and related memorabilia from around the world for over 50 years.

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Leicester, UK | New record shop owner ‘completely overwhelmed’ after flying start: Vinyl Shakedown Records was opened in Burbage by a friend of the Nervous Records owner: A Hinckley musician who opened a vinyl record shop earlier this month says he’s been “completely overwhelmed” by the support of the local community and beyond. Singer, former DJ and avid record collector Grant Decker launched Vinyl Shakedown Records in Burbage, in the hope of continuing the legacy of his friend, Nervous Records owner Gordon Hayes, who died in January this year. Grant, who lives in the town with his young family, had known Gordon for 10 years and said he was a great friend. “He did so much for music in Hinckley and around the Midlands. People travelled for hundreds of miles just to go to his shop. I can only imagine that he would want a record shop to continue in our area.” Having started spinning the decks in 1998, Grant spent a number of years DJing, and during that time amassed a huge collection of thousands of records.

Ocean View, DE | Shock Vinyl expands inventory: Since opening in early February, Shock Vinyl Record & Music store, tucked inside a corner building in downtown Milford, has continued to increase its inventory. Customers who came into the store to browse have returned to see their own personal record collections on consignment. That’s boosted inventory for store owner Marc Clery, a longtime photojournalist who retired from the industry last year to pursue his retirement dream of selling music and collectibles. The record selection includes The Beatles, Rolling Stones and jazz performers who were recorded on first pressing Blue Note and Impulse record labels. Clery said he is delighted to have these incredible albums in his bins alongside his own impressive collection. “Most of the records are excellent to mint condition, which is great for customers purchasing vintage vinyl,” he said. “I’ve also purchased hundreds of new and vintage albums from classic pop and rock bands since opening in February this year.”

Annapolis, MD | The Annapolis play inside a vinyl record store: In 2023, there’s a certain romance to stepping inside a vinyl record shop; turn back the clock, turn on the turntable, connect with folks in your town, and play the music you love. At Ka-Chunk Records in Annapolis, there’s another kind of ‘play.’ Bob Bartlett teaches theater at Bowie State University. He likes to write plays meant to be viewed and acted in unorthodox places – like in a laundromat and in the woods. The record store will be the site of his romantic comedy, Love and Vinyl. “There’s a history of families passing down vinyl, generation after generation. That’s part of the heart of the play, that this means all so much to so many,” said Bartlett. The setting, actors say, adds to the intimacy of the production.

Toledo, OH | Toledo’s Culture Clash Keeps The Art Form Of Collecting Alive: From the furthest corner of Ohio comes a record shop dedicated to diversifying not only their shelves but everyone who walks through their doors. Culture Clash is located in the heart of Toledo and has withstood the test of time and continues to grow and expand its reach with every passing day. The shop has become a favorite among locals through the in-store concerts and meticulous curation process that lines their store with a fantastic selection of LPs. Along with selling everything from stereo equipment to vinyl cleaning supplies, Culture Clash has dedicated its space to true collectors and newcomers all the same while keeping the music at the center of it all.

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Columbus, GA | Blue Canary Records coming to Broadway in Columbus: Spinning forty fives, listening to the latest singles on CD or vintage vinyl sounds like the good ole days, but it’s also the focus of a new used record store on Broadway in Columbus that’s opening soon. Blue Canary Records has used records dating back to the 1940s. With lots of rock, country and jazz – the owner, Brian Cook, says the store will have over a thousand records for customers to buy and you can even sell the ones you have. He says Columbus is lacking in record stores, which was part of the reason why he decided to create Blue Canary Records. Cook is looking to expand his collection of records to improve the diversity of his collection. “If people of Columbus have records or you know they’ve got stuff that’s been sitting in the attic for a long time or they have something that they just want to show me – bring it, I’d love to see what Columbus has,” said Cook.

Grand Rapids, MI | Vinyl Alchemy elevates the full musical experience: A new record shop has opened in Grand Rapids’ Eastown neighborhood. Located at 1505 Wealthy St. SE, Vinyl Alchemy purveys vinyl, CDs, and art and pop culture collectibles. Rapid Growth recently chatted with Vinyl Alchemy’s owner, Kevin Romanyk, about his new music store. Kevin Romanyk: Why vinyl? Why not? What is it that draws us to it? Ultimately, it comes down to you’re creating an experience. There’s something to the ritual. The anticipation of putting on that album, the planning that’s involved, and sitting down and enjoying that quality time whether you’re alone or with a loved one. You want to enrich the experience as much as possible — because we work hard all week. When we have a moment to ourselves or with loved ones, we want it to be the full experience.

Birmingham, AL | Local vinyl store owners seeing rise in sales: Vinyl record stores everywhere have seen an increase in traffic and interest as many people have taken up collecting. More than just a method of listening to your favorite artists, Blue Moon Records owner Neal Watts explains the thrill of collecting. “I won’t say it’s a cult but it’s the closet thing I think you can get with a product those of us that like vinyl will always like vinyl it’s not something you get into and then decide well maybe that’s not for me.” Vinyl enthusiasts like Watts from all the way out in Hanceville just like those in Birmingham are seeing a surge or interest for their favorite music format as many people have their own different reasons for collecting. Along with enjoying the art, sound or even the search for new additions to their collection, Dan Drinkard, owner of Seasick Records explains why people may be buying more vinyls today.

Indianapolis, IN | Dead Formats convention brings together tape and vinyl lovers: Music and movie lovers young and old gathered at the Black Circle Music Hall Saturday in Indianapolis, bonding over their love of everything retro. “There is a lot going on in the world right now and I kind of enjoy the simplicity of my phone. Make calls and I can stick this in a VCR,” said 16-year-old Joseph Knebel, as he clutched a handful of VHS tapes, including “Back to the Future” and “Short Circuit”. Knebel was hoping to sell or trade the tapes at the annual Dead Formats convention. “It started out as a mainly VHS convention, but it sort of expanded into vinyl betas and CEDs (Capacitance Electronic Disc). Indianapolis has a tight knit relationship with RCA, who developed the CEDS,” said Black Circle owner Jesse Rice. Rice opened Black Circle as a brewery, but then converted it into a retro-themed bar and music venue. “We only play VHS at the bar. Black Circle is reference to a vinyl record, so we only play vinyl and VHS here.”

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Edinburgh, UK | Taylor Swift UK tour 2023: Remembering when Taylor Swift gave a small Edinburgh record store a helping hand: Signed CDs sold out within two hours, providing a huge boost for store during lockdown. Taylor Swift announced this week she will be playing two gigs in Edinburgh next year when her Eras tour arrives in the UK – and the news will have brought back happy memories for a local independent record store, who once received a helping hand from the global superstar. In September 2020, when the shop was struggling during lockdown, Assai Records on Grindlay Street received a surprise when they got a ‘very finite’ amount of the singer’s album Folklore. Believed to be a show of support for independent record stores, a select few shops across the UK also received a delivery of the signed disks. After announcing the shop had stock of the limited signed CD, copies of the album had sold out in less than two hours, which was a huge shot in the arm for the business during tough times for trading.

Local Natives Announce California Record Store Tour Ahead Of New Album: ‘Time Will Wait For No One’ is set to arrive on July 7 courtesy of Loma Vista Recordings. To celebrate the release of their new album Time Will Wait For No One, Local Natives have curated a series of special in-store performances at some of the most storied independent record stores around southern California. Moreover a special Los Angeles edition of their album with lemonade colored vinyl will be available at these in-stores, in addition to exclusive posters for each date. To celebrate the special run of dates and the new album (which will arrive on July 7), the band has unveiled a live performance video of the record’s recent single “NYE.” Time Will Wait For No One showcases the band’s seminal SoCal harmonies and was recorded across historic LA recording studios with Grammy award winning producer John Congleton (Angel Olsen, Death Cab For Cutie, St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten), Michael Harris (Lana Del Rey, Feist), and Danny Reisch (Sun June, Other Lives).

Sacramento, CA | As vinyl sales soar, business is booming for one Sacramento record café: When it comes to music, what’s old is new. Soaring vinyl sales just set a record, and business is booming for one Sacramento record shop. Pressed Coffee & Records is the place people go for a mocha and a side of music. “They come in for a coffee and they’re like, ‘Hey, oh, whoa, records are here,’ ” said owner Dean Bardouka. It’s the business model that has kept the shop open for more than two years now. For Bardouka, the timing couldn’t be better. “Music is what brings us together,” he told CBS Sacramento. “It’s universal.” Specifically, vinyl. …”There’s something about that physical medium and having that physical artifact in your hand and being able to look at a cover and read through the liner notes and all that stuff those things that people jus nerd out on,” Bardouka said.

Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA Drops Exclusive Record Player With Ballantine’s: RZA’s Ballantine’s x RZA Crosley record player drops at month’s end. Hip-hop legend RZA is spinning a fresh tune. The Wu-Tang Clan frontman unleashes a branded Crosley vinyl record player, the first product drop through his new collaboration with whisky brand Ballantine’s. Designed and signed by RZA, the Ballantine’s x RZA Crosley deck comes with a Montero Bluetooth speaker, and is available from next Friday, June 30. The timing is sweet. RZA”s limited-edition C6 wheel-of-steel arrives as hip-hop celebrates its 50th anniversary, and as Wu-Tang Clan welcomes the 30th anniversary of their landmark debut Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). The special record player, built by Crosley Radio, the Louisville, KY specialist in audio electronics products, is the first in a wave of product releases, from music to food and fashion, say reps.

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