Category Archives: A morning mix of news for the vinyl inclined

Los Angeles, CA | Los Angeles record store Chapter One reopens in new location: The new space in the city’s Arts District opened its doors last Saturday, May 17th. Los Angeles record store Chapter One Records has a new home. Located in the city’s Arts District on S Anderson St., the store opened the doors to its new space with a soft launch last Saturday, May 17th. The opening party featured music from locals Max Coletto, Jackson Algeo and SPEK—Hazy and HUdL went back-to-back. The shop stocks a range of vinyl with a particular eye towards house, minimal, techno and electro. ….Open by appointment and for in-store events, the space originally launched during the pandemic. Speaking to Resident Advisor, organisers said the shop has since grown into “a creative project that allow[s] us to network with the community and dive deeper into artists on vinyl and the craft of collecting.”

Chilliwack, CA | New records store coming to Chilliwack, hiring employees: A Canada-wide records store selling records and other physical media plans to open a new location in Chilliwack in 2025. According to an email of confirmation from the company itself, Sunrise Records will be coming to the Cottonwood Centre Mall in the coming months. “Hi Mike, we are coming to Chilliwack in the coming months. Any confirmation and updates/timeline can be found on our Facebook or Instagram pages,” Sunrise Records wrote in an email. Mark Davis, general manager of PCI Warrington, the company entrusted with leasing space at Cottonwood, told Fraser Valley Today in an email Monday morning that Sunrise Records will open in the vacant space next to Shoe Company. In the “About Us” section of its website, Sunrise Records says it is a proud Canadian record store chain that was founded in Toronto in 1977.

Hastings, UK | Remembering the lost record shops of Hastings: Hastings had some amazing independent record shops that have now long since gone and I am old enough to remember them all. This was in the days when CD’s still belonged to the world of science fiction and there was no internet, never mind streaming services. It was the golden age of black vinyl platters, gate fold sleeves with iconic artwork. Cassette tapes were seen as quite advanced technology, even if you did have to use a pencil to stop them unspooling. In the late 70’s and 1980’s most casual music fans locally were buying their records from Woolworths in Hastings, but those with more serious tastes, would head to shops like Disc Jockey, Stylus, The Record Shop or Masons Music. These were more than shops. They were entry points to music culture.

Conway, AR | Full Moon Records, Crash Cast Podcast reveal lineup for 2025 Full Moon Fest: Recently Full Moon Records and photographer Kurt Lunsford, co-founder of the Crash Cast Podcast, have been revealing the lineup for the 2025 Full Moon Fest. The festival will run from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. on Saturday July 19, and features a lineup of up-and-coming artists from central Arkansas and surrounding areas. Little Rock-based Go For Gold has gained national acclaim with their catchy pop punk, including the song “Let Me Go,” which has been streamed over a million times on Spotify. Jonesboro’s Tiny Towns has played several sold out shows around the central Arkansas area following the release of their debut full length Deadweight in 2018. Full Moon Records’ owner said that the purpose of the event is to support and uplift the local music community.

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Shropshire, UK | 7 beloved record shops no longer on Shropshire’s high streets: Record stores were once the epicentre of Shropshire high streets for music lovers, but with the onset of downloads and streaming services, many of the have since closed their doors for good. However, an online archive is ensuring that many of these “remarkable emporiums that sold us the music we love” may be gone but are not forgotten. The British Record Shop Archive is an online database of all those high street record shops that have since shut. The online archive is a collaborative effort, with various individuals contributing their memories, photographs, and other materials to build the online resource. “From shellac shops through vinyl dealers to CD megastores and back to vinyl, we aim to document as many record shops as possible over the 20th and 21st Century—the legendary, the lost, the infamous and your forgotten favourites,” The British Record Shop Archive (BRSA) said. “The BRSA is a labour of love…”

Owensboro, KY | Owensboro’s newest book & record store is open and it’s awesome: Saturday was so beautiful that my husband, Michael, and I went out for a little day date. We be-bopped around town playing music with the windows down, and before hitting up the Big Dipper for lunch, we went to check out the newest store in downtown Owensboro. My friend Virginia Hardesty has opened up a book and record shop. It’s a whole family affair, actually, shout out to her awesome brothers! Displaced Pages is in a little spot on E. 4th Street across from Dee’s Diner. Apparently, but not surprisingly, we weren’t the only folks excited about the grand opening, because the parking lot was PACKED! We walked in to find lots of smiling faces, music playing, friends chatting, and immediately fell in love with the vibe. Well-organized, unique and colorful decor, great music playing, and a comfy hangout area that felt like we were visiting a really cool friend’s house.

Miami, FL | Here’s How You Can Meet Joe Jonas at Sweat Records This Weekend: Fans who want to meet Jonas face to face will need to pre-order his latest album through Sweat’s website. Fresh off his recent visit to Caracas Bakery Biscayne, Florida Man Joe Jonas will stop by Sweat Records this Saturday, May 24, for a meet-and-greet with fans. The Little Haiti record store, which recently celebrated its landmark 20th anniversary, announced this weekend that the eldest JoBro (JoeBro?) will visit the shop to promote the release of his new album, Music for People Who Believe in Love, due out this Friday, May 23. The record is his first solo release since 2011’s Fastlife. Fans who want to get up close and personal with Jonas at the all-ages event will need to pre-order a CD or LP via Sweat’s website and select “free local pickup.”

Staten Island, NY | Vinyl collectors flock to Staten Island for annual record fair: Hundreds of vinyl connoisseurs and budding collectors once again descended upon Flagship Brewing Co. in Tompkinsville Sunday for Maker Park Radio’s fourth annual record fair, looking to add to their collections and help support the non-profit streaming radio station. Tom Ferrie, who co-founded the station with Kristin Wallace in 2017, said the fair has become an extremely important fundraising event, as grants for the arts have become much more difficult to acquire over the last several years. Dropping the needle at 11 a.m., 14 vendors were spread over 26 tables, the most in the fair’s history, Ferrie noted. The vendors offered recommendations and talked music with attendees who could be seen leaning over thousands of bins, flipping through tens of thousands of 45s, LPs and 78s, as well as a smaller assortment of CDs and cassettes.

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Freehold, NJ | People are excited about this new record shop opening in Freehold, NJ: Vinyl records are making a big comeback right now. People are fed up with streaming services increasing their prices year after year while still making you sit through commercials, and also not paying artists for their music, and streaming music at a lower quality than it was recorded at. …This shop seems like it’s going to be really neat; it’s a small, little mom-and-pop record store that’s just getting ready to open in Freehold. They feature records from all sorts of different genres, and their merch is really fun-looking. On top of that, they buy old vinyls, cassettes, and CDs so if you’re looking to clear out some room in your attic or basement, Boro Record can probably help you out. Boro Records also runs a pretty detailed online shop, and they ship across the United States, so if you have an vinyl head in your life, this is a great local shop to check out.

Poole, UK | Red Rock Records thriving in Poole with young customers: Young people are keeping cassettes and video tapes alive, says a Poole record shop owner. After running Red Rock Records for nearly three decades, Wayne Hopkins said it is an “ever changing business” and that shops must adapt to survive. “It’s sink or swim, you have no choice, you just have to get on with it,” said Wayne. He took over the shop, just off Poole High Street on North Street, 27 years ago after the founder returned to the building trade. “In those days it was just a different world. “Now there’s online and ordering, but back then if it was a quiet day he would just be sat around bored.” Wayne said he started buying and selling his own items in the 1980s, adding “it was the glory days before the internet.”

Worcester, UK | How record shop reopened after owner’s six month Covid battle: The one-man band owner of a record shop has reopened after a six-month health battle which put him in hospital as he fights to get back into the groove. Mick Bishop reopened Market Hall Records in The Shambles in Worcester yesterday (Wednesday) for the first time since last November. He was forced to close the business for six months because he developed health problems which led to him being hospitalised three times. The 60-year-old said he was now looking forward to welcoming back his loyal customers but confessed he was ‘still suffering.’ He said: “I’ve just got to get some strength back. The main issue was long term Covid.” After becoming ill in November, Mr Bishop said he had been in Worcestershire Royal Hospital for stays of one, two and three weeks and had also suffered from bronchitis and other respiratory problems, delaying his return to the job he loves.

Tarpon Springs, FL | Stay Tuned Records in Tarpon Springs is a fun, funky tribute to glorious vinyl: Open 7 days a week, the shop is a perfect fit on eclectic Tarpon Avenue. Whether you love Sabrina Carpenter or dig Ozzy Osbourne, the new Stay Tuned Records in Tarpon Springs has what you’re grooving for. This charming tribute to glorious vinyl and delicious album art is open 7 days a week on fun, funky Tarpon Avenue in the downtown district. It’s owned by Doug Lanza and Aimee Brigmond, a young couple with music in their blood. “Whatever you like, we’re trying to get it for you,” says Doug. “We want punk in here. We want pop. We want jazz, blues, rock.” They also sell new and used vinyl and offer great, affordable deals. They have CDs, cassettes, T-shirts, and more.

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Phoenix, AZ | Phoenix record store to close after more than a decade: A haven for music shoppers and record collectors is saying goodbye to Arizona, but it’s not the end for this vinyl destination. Sorry, crate diggers and music shoppers. After 13 years in a couple of different Valley locations, The Record Room will close at the end of May. However, it’s not the end for the vinyl destination. Store owner John Rose and his wife Holly left Phoenix three years ago for the beachy Carlsbad, California, and have had a revolving staff running things since, with him returning as much as possible. However, that kind of back-and-forth travel has its challenges, and Rose decided that he’d like to keep the store going, just close to his Cali digs. …Rose says he is thankful for everyone who has worked in the shop, every band who has come to do an in-store show, and all customers who have come to trade and shop. He’ll be open through May 31, and on that final weekend, look for a sale or two to happen.

Dallas, TX | Chris Penn’s Memorial: Alex Montenegro, Joshua Ray Walker, Rhett Miller and More Celebrate His Life. His memorial brought out the best in Dallas, just as Penn always did. His closest friends also share their favorite memories. On a cloudy Thursday, May 15, the pavilion at Old City Park hosted the official memorial for Good Records co-founder and fixture of the Dallas music scene, Chris Penn. Penn, beloved by many, died in April, after a monthlong stay in the ICU due to spinal injuries sustained in a fall. Penn was 54. Several hundred Dallasites piled into the park for a program that included 10 speakers and three solo musical performances. The room was packed to the brim with essentially the entire Dallas arts community, all there to honor one of the most influential figures in its history. Good Records employee Alex Montenegro began the program with a performance of “Teaching Elvis,” an original that she wrote in the wake of Penn’s injury. She was followed by fabled Dallas writer Robert Wilonsky, who gave a short introduction to the proceedings.

Urbana, OH | Broken Melody Records cuts ribbon: Broken Melody Records, the newest addition to Urbana’s vibrant downtown scene, officially opened its doors with a celebratory ribbon-cutting on Saturday, May 10. The event marked the grand opening of the record shop located at 122 Miami Street East, drawing music lovers, community members, and local leaders together to welcome this unique business to the area. Specializing in buying, selling, and trading new and used vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes, Broken Melody Records offers a nostalgic and curated music shopping experience. The shop also features a small selection of retail items for collectors and music aficionados. To kick off the store’s event calendar, Broken Melody Records will be participating in the Midwest Record Crawl on May 24-25, inviting crate diggers and audiophiles from across the region to explore local record stores and celebrate music culture.

UK | 20 lost Black Country record shops that we sorely miss: See 20 of the most loved record stores that have sadly closed down over the years. Records are coming back, whether you collect them as nostalgia or as an investment, more and more people each year are choosing to take up vinyl collecting as a hobby. As an avid record collector myself, it’s a joyous experience that gives you a sense of nostalgia with every drop of the stylus. However, one thing I never got to experience was the dedicated golden-age of the record shop, when millions of people would rush to their local store on release day to grab the latest albums of singles. …So, with the idea of nostalgia in mind, and using the music shop archive website British Record Shop Archive, we have compiled a list of 20 much-loved record shops that sadly closed down over the years.

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Eau Claire, WI | Backstroke and punk bands play at Abraxas Wax: ‘Eau Claire’s Record Store’ hosts three hardcore bands from three different cities. A lot of punk noise could be heard coming out of a small business building on Graham Street, downtown Eau Claire on Friday night. Abraxas Wax, one of Eau Claire’s record stores, hosted a music show on April 25 featuring three bands: Smoke Free Home, Popstar and Backstroke. Even though the venue was small, the show had about 70 attendees. In between sets people could browse records or band merch, and Seth, the shop’s owner, handled the sound for the show. The show started at 7 p.m. with Smoke Free Home. Hailing from Oshkosh, Smoke Free Home delivered a set inspired by classic punk, complete with socially critical song lyrics and ear-splitting sound. The band includes lead singer Jesse Tubeszewski, bass player Kevin Sonnleitner and Alex Lautenschlager on drums.

Miami, FL | 8 Incredible Record Stores Every Music Lover In Miami Should Visit: Looking for new vinyl? Find your favorite album or discover one you’ve never listened to at these local record shops! Many would argue that there’s no better way to listen to music than by spinning a classic record. It has a much crisper sound, you can hold the iconic album art in your hands and there’s something to be said about the rush of spotting a rare find. Because vinyl is still a superior way of enjoying music, there are tons of stores in a city as big as Miami to get your retro fix. Whether you’re a vinyl collector or looking to start your collection today, support your local record stores by visiting one below…

Lincoln, NE | Vinyl: Lincoln’s 70s-esque vintage bar. Vintage chairs line the bar, and retro lights shine through the room. Music plays from a record player as hints of laughter echo. Cocktails are being sipped as bartenders stand behind the counter mixing drinks. Vinyl is a vintage-vibe lounge bar in the Haymarket owned by Tony Young and Mike Martin. They have finely crafted cocktails from the classics of the 70s to creative riffs on modern staples and elevated alcohol alternatives. It’s a 70s-inspired hangout that celebrates the art of mixology. “People have said, ‘oh, this reminds me of my grandma’s house, but not in a stuffy way,’” Jessica Powell, director of operations for Vinyl, said. “I think we want people to come be themselves again, not feel like that pretension that can come from craft cocktail bars sometimes.” The idea of Vinyl formed when Young was thinking about what to do with an open space in their restaurant, Fleetwood.

Staten Island, NY | Maker Park Radio’s annual record fair returns to Staten Island this Sunday: Casual collectors and obsessive crate diggers alike are going to want to find themselves a really big bag, as Maker Park Radio’s fourth annual vinyl record fair spins its way back into Tompkinsville this weekend to help support the non-profit community station. The highly anticipated gathering returns to Flagship Brewing Co. located at 40 Minthorne St., Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tens of thousands of records will be for sale with many vendors hawking 45s, LPs and 78s. Started in 2017 by Tom Ferrie and co-founder Kristin Wallace, Maker Park Radio is a community streaming radio station broadcast from MakerSpace NYC in Stapleton to create a hub for artists and music lovers. DJs from Maker Park Radio will also be on hand to mix it up live with hourlong vinyl-only sets both indoors and outdoors as a way of showcasing the wide variety of music played at the station

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Minneapolis, MN | A Music Lover’s Guide to Minneapolis: Twin Cities musical landmarks, concert venues, record stores, festivals and more. If you’re a music fan, you probably know at least a little something about the musical history of Minneapolis. (After all, there is an entire subgenre referred to as the Minneapolis Sound.) …But if you’re visiting – or hell, even if you live there—it might be hard to know what to do as a music lover. Concert venues, record stores, landmarks and museums, festivals—there’s a lot going on, and it’s not always easy to figure out what’s worth your time. Here, we’ve put together a guide for music lovers in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul). It’s by no means definitive, but as someone born and raised there, there are hopefully enough decent recommendations to keep music fans happy and occupied in the North Star State.

Edinburgh, UK | Edinburgh record store given precious copy of The Cure’s new album—one of only 24 in world. A record store that was previously named one of the world’s best has been given a rare copy of The Cure’s newest album. The acetate copy is one of just 24 that exist worldwide and is said to decay as it plays. Bruntsfield’s Thorne Records was chosen by remix duo Daybreakers to hold the record. The album, Mixes of a Lost World, is a remix collection made up of tracks from the band’s 2024 album Songs of a Lost World. Thorne Records posted on social media announcing the news yesterday: “This is a big deal. “We’re incredibly proud to be one of only 24 indie record shops worldwide to have been sent a ‘Mixes of a Lost World’ acetate from The Cure. “We will be spinning this lovely precious thing every day from now until May 26th when we will be auctioning it for War Child UK. “You are all welcome to pop in for a listen anytime. “The more we play it, the more it decays. Very on brand for the Cure.”

Edinburgh, UK | Plans for abandoned Edinburgh shop to become coffee lounge and record store: The ground floor unit would incorporate indoor seating with space for records and plants, according to a website created in anticipation of consent being granted by planning officers. An abandoned Edinburgh shop could be transformed into a record store and café if plans are granted. An application to change the use of 373-375 Leith Walk from retail to food and drink has been submitted to the council. It would see the unit renamed Lounge 33 – a coffee shop and record store hybrid. The ground floor unit would incorporate indoor seating with space for records and plants, according to a website created in anticipation of consent being granted by planning officers. A supporting statement also confirms the café would sell cold food only, including sandwiches and pastries as well as hot drinks.

Los Angeles, CA | The L.A. video store that has become a retro-cool attraction: Even Frances McDormand and her husband once received a surprise recommendation from the 70,000 titles at Vidiots, a film landmark that hosts daily screenings. If you ask Vidiots executive director Maggie Mackay why the video rental store and theater is a buzzy hive of activity in the age of streaming and megaplexes, she’ll respond with a story. This being Los Angeles, it obviously stars celebrities. The setting is Santa Monica, 2016. Vidiots, a cultural cornerstone for more than 30 years, was on the brink of closing because of changing tastes in entertainment. One June day, a note scrawled on a scrap of paper appeared in the store like a critical plot point in a Hallmark movie. “Dear Vidiots,” the note read. “Please tell Jack we loved his recommendation La Chienne!” It was signed “Fran and Joel McCoen,” short for actor Frances McDormand and her husband, one half of the Coen brothers. Jack was an unhoused regular customer and kindred cinephile.

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Dallas, TX | Same date, but new venue for Good Records co-founder Chris Penn memorial: Good Records co-founder Chris Penn, who died in April weeks after a life-altering injury, will be memorialized Thursday at Old City Park in Dallas, his wife, Jenn, announced. The public event, running from 5 p.m. through sunset, will feature food, surprise acoustic performances and “nuggets of nostalgia” drawing from Penn’s past. Dickies coveralls, a go-to outfit choice for Penn, according to Jenn, are suggested for the dress code. Penn opened Dallas’ Good Records with The Polyphonic Spree frontman Tim DeLaughter in 2000. The record store, now located on Garland Road, has grown into a beloved haunt for vinyl-seeking music lovers and a cozy pseudo-concert venue for countless native-grown talents such as St. Vincent and Erykah Badu.

Syracuse, NY | The Sound Garden marks 30 years in Syracuse with new storefront mural in Armory Square: Bryan Burkert, owner of The Sound Garden in Armory Square, isn’t precious about how hard it is to run a 30-year-old business. Since its 1995 opening, the Syracuse record store has weathered finicky customers wanting their music on cassettes, then CDs and LPs, then digital downloads and streaming, and back to physical media. We’re still living through the vinyl revival. “We’ve been in crisis mode for 30 years,” said Burkert, in a call with syracuse.com. “We’re constantly evolving.” But 30 years of business is worth celebrating too. To commemorate its anniversary, The Sound Garden will team up with Syracuse artist Tommy Lincoln to paint a new mural on its front wall this summer, facing the MOST in Armory Square.

East Midlands, UK | 16 record fairs coming to East Midlands in 2025 for vinyl and CD collectors to visit—and find hidden gold? The enduring allure of vinyl continues to captivate physical music collectors, fuelling a huge 21st-century revival for the once-dismissed format. While some might satisfy their craving with a visit to a nearby record shop or a major music retailer in the region, the truly dedicated often dedicate their weekends to the immersive experience of digging through crates at community halls and market events. Driven by the thrill of discovering a sought-after 7-inch rarity or an elusive live bootleg, record fairs have transformed into more than just marketplaces. They’ve become vibrant hubs for enthusiasts to connect, share their expertise, and offer guidance within the collecting community. So, for those in the East Midlands eager to explore a curated selection of pre-loved and rare vinyl, where should their search begin?

You’ll go nuts for this Peanuts-themed record player: Based on the Pro-Ject T1 BT. Pro-Ject is known for its special edition turntables, but its latest is possibly its most adorable yet. The Pro-Ject Peanuts Turntable celebrates the 75th anniversary of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic comic strip, featuring Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Technically, it’s a rebadged T1 BT—a Bluetooth model that we haven’t reviewed, but that is closely related to the five-star Evo model (which made our list of best Bluetooth turntables). Which bodes well. Of course, most people won’t be buying this limited edition model for its audio chops alone, but for the charming artwork, which is something it has plenty of. It’s all Peanuts-themed, featuring music-inspired moments from the comic strip, and even comes with an acrylic record plate in the form of Charlie Brown’s head. (No wonder Snoopy refers to him as “the round-headed kid.”)

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Berlin, DE | Berlin record store Sound Metaphors to close next month: The popular shop, treasured for its curation and deep crates of obscure dance music, can’t extend its lease. Berlin is losing one of its prized record stores. Sound Metaphors, located in the city’s Kreuzberg neighbourhood, will close its doors on June 30th this year, the shop revealed via social media today, May 9th. “People use decades for classifying contemporary music styles, periods in fashion and design, but sadly, a decade is also a standard rental period for commercial contract in Berlin, and landlords aren’t interested in the extended versions of tenancy, (especially not the faceless ones headquartered in Luxembourg type),” the shop wrote in a statement posted on Instagram. “We’re sure we’ll find new shapes and forms for sharing our obsessions with the physical world, hopefully in Berlin, if the current real-estate landscape so permits,” it continued.

London, UK | Vinyl record shops in London: The ultimate guide for crate diggers and music lovers. Few cities deliver the record shop experience quite like London. Whether I’m chasing rare soul 45s, digging for deep house 12-inches, or just soaking up the vibe with a coffee in hand, this city always hits the right note. London’s vinyl culture is alive, diverse and constantly evolving, offering everything from dusty basement crates to polished listening bars filled with underground gems. From iconic institutions to hidden neighbourhood gems, here’s my guide to the most essential spots to visit. Whether you’re a touring DJ, a collector, or a weekend browser, these shops will fuel your music passion.

Will Record Stores Resurge Like Bookstores? As Barnes & Noble opens dozens of new locations across the U.S., could an increase in record shops be far behind? …The record business followed a pattern similar to that of the book business. Major labels sold their vinyl pressing plants and let go of their manufacturing employees, and many of the pressing machines were sold for scrap (Bertelsmann alone reportedly scrapped 150 machines). In 2006, record store chain Tower Records closed all of its 89 U.S. stores and filed for bankruptcy, as did Sam Goody (which at one point had approximately 800 U.S. locations). …Bookstores and record stores are part of a breed of what are called “third spaces”, a term originally created in the 1980s by sociologist Ray Oldenburg. Third spaces refer to “a physical location other than work or home where there’s little to or no financial barrier to entry and where conversation is the primary activity.”

Christchurch, NZ | Vinyl store said it’s ‘great’ to see young people buying records: A vinyl store has said that it’s ‘great to see a young audience’ buying records. Castle Sounds, located in Christchurch, is Trader of the Week. Selling CDs, vinyl and records, the store is located in Castle Street, Christchurch. Alan has had the store for around 12 years now, after starting the business around 14 years ago. He said that he started the business as a hobby as he had a passion for music. He said: “It was just a hobby, I opened it as something to do. “It’s a labour of love.” …Alan said that it is a ‘luxury’ to be able to have the store, as he describes the businesses as ‘a niche.’ Alan said that Christchurch has a ‘very old demographic’ and that he sees a lot of customers buying records of music tracks they used to listen to when they were younger. However, Alan said that there has been a slight increase in younger people buying records. He said: “It’s great to see a young audience.”

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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!”

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Chicago, IL | Chicago’s Miyagi Records broken into, records stolen: The Washington Park store confirmed that the records have since been returned. Chicago’s Miyagi Records was robbed earlier this week. The Washington Park store broke the news on Instagram on Monday, April 5th, revealing that five boxes of records and the cash register were stolen during the break-in. The post also included CCTV footage of the incident. Miyagi then published a second post the following day, confirming that the records have since been returned thanks to Chicago house veteran Emanuel Pippin. “Long story short, the thief did exactly as expected by trying to offload at a nearby shop, and Manny was right there on the spot,” the post read. “For all those asking how they can help, you already did just by offering. Knowing that this little shop has the support of so many has made these last 24 hours go by a hell of a lot easier. Thank you all again and again.”

Dallas, TX | Good Records Co-Founder Chris Penn’s Memorial Set for White Rock Lake: ‘Dress code is whatever you would like, but Dickies coveralls are strongly encouraged,’ wrote Penn’s wife Jenn. Chris Penn’s friends, colleagues and loved ones will have an opportunity to come together to pay their respects to the Good Records co-founder and beloved member of the music community who passed away last month. Penn’s wife, Jennifer, shared information on her Instagram about a public memorial at Winfrey Point, located at White Rock Lake, on Thursday, May 15. “We will be memorializing Chris, aka ‘The Master of Ceremonies,’ on Thursday, May 15, from 5 p.m.-Sunset at Winfrey Point (White Rock Lake),” Jenn wrote. “Parking is extremely limited, so we ask that you Uber or Lyft to the location. Dress code is whatever you would like, but Dickies coveralls are strongly encouraged.” She also shared that the memorial would be streaming live for people who can’t make it.

Pharr, TX | The record store that resurrects Rio Grande Valley’s lost grooves: In the middle of the 20th century, the South Texas border region became the epicenter of influential, international musical styles. Labels like Falcon Records, in the farming community of McAllen, and Rio Grande Music Company, in San Benito, the birthplace of Texas music legend Freddy Fender, put on vinyl genres that mixed musical styles from across Mexico with those of local performers and European immigrants. There flourished Tejano Conjunto, small groups that prominently feature the button accordion from central Europe and the bajo sexto, a stringed instrument popular in Mexico that provides a bass line. There sprouted the orquestas tejanas, larger groups that incorporate horn sections. And there took root norteño, a blend of genres with a more prominent bass and percussion. …Then vinyl records started to fall out of favor. The original recordings of culturally important musicians disappeared into garages and attics.

Waynesville, NC | Full circle: Astro Record Store opens in Waynesville: One recent afternoon, while wandering the Historic Frog Level District in Waynesville, the sounds of hard rock act AC/DC drifted out the front door of 24 Commerce St. The retro sign on the window states Astro Record Store. The friendly face behind the counter is Kevin “Lippy” Mawby. “There’s enjoyment and there’s convenience,” Mawby said. “As things become more and more convenient, I think people look for ways to invest their time and find enjoyment.” One of those ways is collecting and listening to vinyl records. Once disregarded as dusty, scratched relics of a bygone era in the music industry, the tangible, yet incredibly intrinsic product that is an actual record has roared back to life over the last decade. “The thing about these records—Led Zeppelin, Queen, Steely Dan, Fleetwood Mac—they’re all supremely well-recorded,” Mawby said. “And you absorb those records—you listen instead of just hearing.”

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Manchester, UK | Manchester record shop Haunted Dancehall moves to new location: The electronic music-focused shop now operates out of a larger space at Wellington House. The electronic music-focused shop now operates out of a larger space at Wellington House. Manchester record shop Haunted Dancehall has moved into a new location. Last month, the shop moved to a larger space in Wellington House, the creative mill where it opened back in 2022. It’s still located on the same floor at the same address, just a few doors down. The shop, which draws its name from the 1994 album by London trio The Sabres Of Paradise, stocks a wide range of electronic music spanning reissues, new and used pressings. “We’re super excited to use this bigger space to support the local scene more than ever and we’re open to any suggestions on how to make that happen,” the Haunted Dancehall team shared in a statement.

Hyattsville, MD | The many layers of Red Onion Records: Red Onion Records owner Josh Harkavy didn’t listen to vinyl much growing up. A native of Long Island, N.Y., Harkavy said his earliest experiences with music came secondhand from his older sister — Pixies, Nirvana (she would play “Nevermind” a lot), garage rock and grunge—all on CDs and cassettes. “Records, not so much,” Harkavy said. “I feel like they were going out of style mid-’90s, late-’90s for sure.” Harkavy is soft-spoken, like a foil to the music that plays in the background—John Prine giving way to Ornette Coleman and free jazz. His store Red Onion, on Gallatin Street, is in its third (and he believes final) iteration, having climbed its way out of the original basement location that Harkavy opened in D.C., back in 2006, right on the precipice of the 2008 vinyl boom.

Ann Arbor, MI | Media store that sold tapes, records closing in downtown Ann Arbor: Fans of vinyl records, cassette tapes and other media will soon lose a place to shop in downtown Ann Arbor. Your Media Exchange, 319 S. Main St., is closing and will have its last day on Sunday, May 25, according to a social media post. Everything in the store will be 10% off starting Tuesday. The Toledo-based company opened its Ann Arbor storefront in June 2022 to sell physical media like music, movies, books, video games, vinyl records, VHS tapes and cassette tapes. The store is closing after dealing with a “significant sales drop” in July 2024 after an “extremely busy and prosperous” first couple of years, according to the announcement. Ownership could not be immediately reached for additional comment. “We kept thinking it would be temporary, but even through the holiday shopping period sales were down,” the post stated.

Los Angeles, CA | The Los Angeles Music Center to host vinyl fair at Jerry Moss Plaza: The third annual event features over 16 vendors, plus DJ sets from KCRW hosts Wyldeflower and SiLVA. Los Angeles performing arts organisation The Music Center is hosting its third annual On the Record: Vinyl Fair. Taking place on Saturday, May 17th, the daytime event will feature over 16 vendors curated by In Sheep’s Clothing Records and Beat Swap Meet. The day will be soundtracked by DJs Wyldeflower and SiLVA from local station KCRW. LA Commons and South Gate Museum and Art Gallery will also present a series of interactive activities, including a sound bath lounge hosted by the Dance Resource Center and Dexter Story, a vinyl sampling session with the Young Producers Group and a zine making workshop with LA Emerging Arts Leaders.

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Seattle, WA | 3 small WA businesses voted most worth a 1-hour drive: Easy Street Records. Which small businesses in western Washington are worth a one-hour drive? This is the question a new survey sought to answer. Easy Street Records on California Avenue in West Seattle made the top of the list this year. Shops in Bellingham and Seattle rounded out the top three. “More than a record shop—it’s a culture hub. With live shows, diner food, killer coffee, and a stacked vinyl collection, this is where Seattle music lovers feel at home. Loyal fans always return for a browse, a pancake, and a Pearl Jam sighting,” read the study results from Advance Funds Network, in part.

SG | Over 1,400 records and rare Oasis gems: CNA938’s Melanie Oliveiro shares her 37-year vinyl journey. From autographed records to rare misprinted vinyls, CNA938’s radio anchor Melanie Oliviero took us through her record collection that began in 1988. A fellow British rock band Oasis lover, she tells CNA Lifestyle her passion for music and how she even met the band members. Stepping into CNA938 radio presenter Melanie Oliveiro’s apartment feels like walking into a collector’s dream. The walls are decked with band and movie posters, and the cabinets are brimming with records, figurines and books. But the real showstopper? Her vinyl collection, which boasts a sprawling archive that tells the story of a lifelong obsession with music in all its formats and forms. She’s even got an entire room devoted to her prized record collection—a true nerd cave in the best sense.

VN | 50 years after fall of Saigon, cherished Vietnamese music plays on: …In 2023, Tân co-founded SEA Vinyl Society, a crew of crate-digging disc jockeys celebrating “music from across the Asian diaspora.” Tân first started collecting records 15 years ago, mostly American rock and soul, until she came across the “Saigon Rock & Soul” compilation released by boutique Seattle label Sublime Frequencies. The album captures a vibrant Saigon music scene from 1968 to 1974 that was heavily influenced by the presence of American troops during the war. The irresistible funk grooves, garage rock riffs and soulful ballads from artists like Hùng Cường and Mai Lệ Huyền sent Tân down a YouTube rabbit hole, where music that was once banned by the communist regime from North Vietnam—which took control of the South once the war ended—had resurfaced thanks to a crowdsourced community of collectors.

Devon, UK | Famous bands’ lost songs rescued by Plymouth record label: Early tracks from The Status Quo and The Sweet have been given a new life. A Devon record label has rescued singles by two of the 1970s biggest bands from the scrapheap of obscurity. In A Spin Vinyl, based in Exeter and Plymouth, is giving new life to early efforts by The Status Quo and The Sweet. It has re-released the 45s in new sleeves with a welter of new information about the bands – including an exclusive interview with Quo founder Francis Rossi. In A Spin Vinyl co-founder John Griffiths, also of Exeter’s record fair business HDR Music Group, tracked down Rossi and original Quo drummer John Coghlan and included the interviews in the lavish colour insert that comes with the reissue of the psyche single Technicolour Dreams, backed by Paradise Flats. “It came out in 1968 but was quickly withdrawn,” said John. “So it was the obvious choice to bring back out and get people to experience it.”

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Nashville, TN | Legendary Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway to be Restored: When Bryan and Jamie Kenney first stepped into the former Ernest Tubb Record Shop space, they were taken aback by the significance of the venue and its longstanding impact on Nashville’s music history. In late 2023, alongside the Tubb family, the brothers embarked on the massive, yet exciting project of rebuilding the landmark, telling Ernest Tubb’s story, and fostering a sense of shared purpose with the Nashville music community. …“We’ve been entrusted with such an important piece of Nashville history, and feel that we’ve become stewards of Ernest Tubb’s story and legacy,” said Jamie Kenney, Co-founder and Operator of Tusk Brothers. “Through the Nashville Music Collective, our intent was to carve a path for members of the community to claim a little piece of it as their own—whether they feel a special kinship with the shop, or simply want to be a part of its ongoing story.”

Berlin, DE | Vinyl hub Sound Metaphors reflects on a decade in Berlin: We spoke to Sound Metaphors founders about a decade of shaping Berlin’s music scene, the challenges of running a record store and the future of the city’s nightlife. …Founders Nemo Ripoll and Castro Moore, both DJs and party promoters, have spent the past decade shaping its identity. It has become an extension of their refined taste and love of good dance music – something that has brought them behind the decks of some of Berlin’s biggest clubs and across the world. As Sound Metaphors marks 10 years, it faces an uncertain future. In a city where cultural spaces are increasingly under pressure, the store’s next chapter is unclear. Fresh off an EMIL Award for being one of Germany’s best record shops, Ripoll and Moore sat down with The Berliner to reflect on their journey and discuss what comes next.

Northamptonshire, UK | Opening date set for new vinyl shop in Northamptonshire village as former Post Office to become ‘shelter’ for vintage music: A sign has gone up in the building formerly the Earls Barton for The Vinyl Shelter’, a new shop tailored to all things vinyl and throwback music. The shop that was once the Post Office was turned into The Vape Store some years ago, and on June 1 it will become The Vinyl Shelter, with a range of used and new vinyl LP’s, and accessories needed to maintain the retro records. Barry Ratcliffe, who will man the shop when it opens in the summer, chose the name ‘The Vinyl Shelter’ as he’s hoping to mimic a dog shelter, taking in old records and giving them a new lease on life. He said: “I came up with the name 10 years ago while selling records online, and it was akin to a dog shelter, I was going to take in unloved vinyl records that needed a new home finding, clean them up, and pass them on.”

Chicago, IL | Spin Me ‘Round like a Record: The Cycling Popularity and Origins of Vinyl Records in the 21st Century. “I’ve been getting interviewed about the resurgence of vinyl for the last 20 years,” says Rick Wojcik, one of two founders of Dusty Groove. Established in April 1996, the record-selling company started as an online Chicago business. Because of its popularity, they opened their business in Hyde Park and Wicker Park and finally opened to their present location in 2001. …Founded in 1996, this record store, founded by Rick Wojcik and JP Schauer, sells CDs and vinyl records. They buy them from individual sellers and record companies locally and nationwide. The store also has a downstairs bargain section with 99-cent deals on records and CDs. They sell all genres of music, from hip-hop to jazz to Latin music. They specialize in Brazilian music, soul, Latin, and jazz genres.

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San Diego, CA | Vinyl grooves set the mood at Nómade Tapas and Records: Spanish small plates joined by Japanese and more at Adams Avenue listening bar. Don’t tell the tech bros, but I’ve found a new bar and restaurant in North Park that gets me better than the algorithms ever have. Nómade Tapas and Records has an intimate vibe, decor styled around warm wood grains, and a soundtrack governed by individual music lovers. The restaurant’s discreet sound system means there are no blaring speakers harshing the vibe. Everyone can hear the music, yet nobody has to shout to be heard. It almost gives a second meaning to “listening bar”—I’m hard pressed to think of a better place to practice the lost art of conversation. Vintage vinyl LPs fill shelves behind a long bar that’s bracketed at one end by two turntables and a mixer. DJs might step in to provide fresh evening jams, but on a mellow weekend afternoon, Nómade’s management may simply drop the needle on Side A of something classic from off the shelf, and let it play.

Petaluma, CA | Montagne Russe moving its tasting room (and vinyl record shop) to Petaluma: Named for a French term for a roller coaster, this fun-forward winery is bringing great Pinot and an awesome record collection to downtown Petaluma. The wine industry can seem a lot like a roller coaster sometimes, which is part of the reason that winemaker Kevin Bersofsky named his winery Montagne Russe, translated as Russian Mountain, the original name that the French gave to roller coasters. Bersofsky—who once designed roller coasters while studying engineering in college—started making his own wines in 2006, experimenting in his tiny garage until he got busted in 2013, and finally emerged as a legally acceptable wine-making business in 2015. Almost immediately, Montagne Russe wines—affectionately made from grapes grown in places like as the Petaluma Gap—began winning fans. The operation’s Healdsburg tasting room quickly became a popular spot for visitors eager to check out offerings like its Dragon’s Back Pinot Noir and Poet-Laval White Blend, and also for its Vino & Vinyls Record Shop, featuring over 2,000 vinyl records ranging from $5 to $40.

Denver, CO | Record pressing plant is thriving in Denver after Vinyl Me, Please debacle: The owners of a 14,000-square-foot record plant in the River North Arts District have finally found their groove. After two years of delays, and a surprising breakup with their former partners at Denver’s Vinyl Me, Please record club, Paramount Pressing and Plating expects to be pumping out 1 million vinyl LPs per year once it hits full capacity, ranging from major-label reissues to boutique pressings of 200 copies for local artists. But even as the company nears its first anniversary in July, it can already claim success in its mission to create some of the highest-quality vinyl records in the world. Its exacting standards are meeting a growing market of not just turntable audiophiles, its owners said, but younger fans who have made vinyl records the top-selling music media in the world for three years straight, beating out CDs and bringing in $1.4 billion in revenue last year, according to the Recording Industry Association of America, the highest amount since 1984.

AU | DJ Muro joins Kirin & Deus for vinyl launch: As vinyl culture explodes in Australia, Kirin Ichiban has collaborated with Deus Records and renowned Japanese hip hop pioneer, DJ Muro to release a limited edition ‘first press’ album, short film and exclusive Deus ‘record hunting’ jacket and t-shirt. Known by those who know vinyl, Takayoshi Murota or “DJ Muro” is a legendary Japanese DJ, recording artist and record producer, and is considered a cultural expert on anything vinyl related – earning him the title, ‘The King of Diggin’. DJ Muro is returning to Sydney and Melbourne for the first time in 12 years to activate the partnership with a series of curated events open to all audiophiles over 18. Launching in March, the collaboration between DJ Muro, Kirin Ichiban and Deus Records celebrates craftsmanship, precision and the undeniable quality of the art of the ‘first press’. Kirin Ichiban (which means first and best in Japanese), unlike other beers, is made using the ‘first press’ of the wort.

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RSD 2025 was good to Soul music fans all across the globe: From the U.S. to the U.K., Record Store Day 2025 produced a great selection of soul music releases. Goldmine explores some of the best. …This Record Store Day holiday, there was a surprising amount great soul music offering to be had, mainly in regions that count soul music as part of their national lexicon of music history. Obviously, the U.S., Canada and the U.K. have received the most attention with regard to RSD soul music releases; nevertheless you can bet that mostly all of Western Europe (Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany and others) and even Japan got their fair share of soul picks. There were some impressive RSD soul finds worldwide this year, and for dedicated aficionados of the genre, this was a more than pleasurable year to be excited about RSD.

Waupaca, WI | More music on Main Street: Record shop relocates. From 200 square feet to 1,500 square feet, Back to the Vinyl grew out of their first storefront on Water Street as music aficionados continue to support the classic music mediums of vinyl, compact discs and cassette tapes. Marty and Jennifer Milner opened Back to the Vinyl over Labor Day weekend in 2023, and since then they have carved out their spot amongst the retro music community in the area. Milner said he grew up with an affinity towards music, with his father being a disc jockey while he was growing up and music was a big piece of his house hold. A diesel mechanic by trade, Milner said he finally decided to open up a record store when the opportunity for his original store space went up for rent, the store front was across from Danes Hall in Waupaca. Milner and his wife decided if not now, it may never happen and they decided to take the leap.

Marshall, NC | Marshall businesses to reopen after recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastation: …Abigail Guyton, co-owner of Oasis LTD Records, and her husband operate a store specializing in records and games. They are currently running their business out of a shipping container while they rebuild their downtown Marshall location. “This is our temporary record store; we were down the street in our location, which was unfortunately impacted by the flood,” she said. “While a lot of businesses will be open next week, not everyone will be there quite yet, and there are still buildings that are very early on in the process of rebuilding and re-opening, and we really hope that people will be respectful.”

Bowling Green, OH | Finders Records still on the market: Finders Records, a local record store that has been permanently closed since July 28, 2023, has been in vacation/retirement mode as owner Greg Halamay awaits a potential buyer for the business. Finders Records was an independent music retailing store, where customers could look at and purchase vinyl records, CDs, DVDs and import and domestic releases. The store had been open since 1971 and was loved by many members of the BG community. “I really liked to go to Finders because all the people that worked there were super nice,” said Jarrett Jimenez, a BGSU alum. “They had a wide range of records and posters that you could get, and it was a great store.” When the store announced it was closing on social media, many residents were sad to see the store go, but they only had positive things to say about their experience. “Thank you for all the music you brought to those who walked through your doors through the years!” a community member said.

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