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

Manchester, UK | Much-loved Manc music shop Tasty Records goes up for sale as owners calls on next custodians to take over local favourite. Who fancies being a hero? Much-loved Greater Manchester record and music store Tasty Records has officially closed, and the current custodian is putting the Trafford institution up for sale in hopes that someone will take over as worthy successors. What an opportunity for any budding entrepreneurs. The Alty record shop in its current brick-and-mortar form has stood for some time now, but popular owner Ben Molesworth has been selling physical media from 2012 onwards, and now his time at the helm of the hailed south Manchester spot has come to a somewhat bittersweet end.

Woodburn, OR | For the love of vinyl, new record store opens doors in Woodburn: Spinning vinyl on a turntable seemed like it might go the way of Dodo Bird, swept away in a tidal wave of technological advances. But that’s not what happened. Vinyl records are back, baby, and the proof of it is all around the musical landscape. Don’t believe it? Well, venture over to Frankie’s Records, a new used record store in Woodburn. They’ll fix you up. Opened the first of May at 2227 Country Club Road in a small space as part The Crossing mall behind Walgreens, the new venture offers that old record store vibe. And that’s just how owners Andy and Kerrie Lazenby like it. “We moved here about four years ago because we wanted to buy a house and this is where we could afford one,” said Kerrie. “We’ve both been vinyl collectors for a long time and it’s actually how we bonded when we were dating.”

Bangor, ME | Mumford & Sons visit Bangor record store ahead of show: It was a busy Tuesday night in Bangor as Waterfront Concerts hosted a show at Maine Savings Amphitheater. Mumford & Sons stopped in Bangor as they travel the U.S. and Canada on their Prizefighter tour. Supporting them on this stop is Dylan Gossett. The most notable support, though, can be seen in the droves of fans who have come out to see the band. …Before Mumford and Sons rocked the Amphitheater, they stopped by Bull Moose in Bangor. After waiting in the line that wrapped around the building, fans with tickets got to have some free face-to-face time with Mumford & Sons and get their records signed. Bull Moose employees say the turnout beat their Record Store Day numbers.

Albany, NY | Albany record store under new ownership after more than 36 years: The owner of a Capital Region staple for all things music is passing the torch to a fellow record collector. On June 1, Last Vestige Music Shop was sold to a long-time patron and on and off employee of the store. Jim Furlong, who opened the shop on Halloween in 1989, has sold the business to Jim Kaufman. Furlong describes him as a voracious record collector. Kaufman started shopping at Last Vestige when he was only 14 years old. He’s also a local drummer for the band Hot Cousin, and earned a music degree from The College of Saint Rose. He said he’s excited to step into the ownership role.

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Del Norte, CO | How a record and tinned-fish store has survived for three years in Del Norte: For the first couple of years living in the rustic, homestead cabin Paul Fennell had purchased in Rio Grande County, it was basically camping indoors. …It was time to move his life back in, from the shipping container outside he’d had shipped out from Silicon Valley, California. “I started bringing my furniture. I started bringing in the things I felt that I would need. The coffee maker and the record player,” Fennell said. “Then I looked at my records and I realized (the cabin) isn’t really going to afford the space of a record collection of a few thousand. “I knew I had to do something with it.”

Seattle, WA | ‘End of the line’—Wall of Sound music shop closing on Capitol Hill: For nearly 40 years, Wall of Sound has offered a mix of new and used cassette, CD, and vinyl releases covering everything from avant-garde to art rock, Japanese noise to neo-classical, alternative to ambient, folk to free jazz, and so much more. Unfortunately, the final track for this eclectic record shop, which has called Capitol Hill home for the past 23 years, will be playing out this summer above 12th and Pike. “It has been a joy to disperse so much fantastic music into the world over so many years and into so many ears,” co-owners Michael Ohlenroth and Jeffrey Taylor announced in a message to Wall of Sound customers.

Stroud, UK | Records shop in Stroud town centre to move location: A record shop in Stroud town centre will move location this summer. Klang Tone Records—currently at 7A Lansdown—will move a few doors down into the former home of Sew and So. The record store—which also sells merchandise—first opened in 2022, at London Road. The shop is open on Fridays and Saturdays at its current location. Sew and So meanwhile moved to the Five Valleys Shopping Centre earlier this year.

UK | Shop Talk: 3 indie records stores across the Central Belt: With the vinyl revival showing no sign of abating, Isy Santini rounds up some great record shops to boost your collection. Thorne Records: Since opening in 2022, Thorne Records has become an integral part of the Bruntsfield community. Owner Mark Thorne is determined to put people first, offering recycling services for vinyl shrink wrap, a store credit on all purchases and donating a percentage of every sale to MS Society Scotland. Not to mention, of course, the shop’s excellent range of indie records. Le Freak Vinyl: Step into the quirkiest record store in Dundee. Le Freak Vinyl’s walls are bathed in a myriad of colours, its ceiling dotted with vinyl and hanging CD decorations…

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Louisville, KY | Iconic vinyl retailer known for its Jimi Hendrix sign is spinning its last record after 48 years: A vinyl retailer known for its sign of the iconic guitarist Jimi Hendrix has confirmed its closure after nearly 50 years. Independent retailers have been closing across multiple industries, and music stores have also been impacted in the last few years. On Monday, Electric Ladyland in Louisville, Kentucky, said it would shut after 48 years of operation. The store will be open until the end of June. Electric Ladyland is most known for its bright, rainbow walls and large sign depicting Jimi Hendrix’s face. …The owner of Electric Ladyland thanked its loyal customers in an emotional post on social media. It read: “What began as a small business grew into something so much bigger than we ever could have imagined.

Princeton, NJ | A perfect weekend in Princeton, N.J., from record stores to ice cream and ivy-covered quads. …There are almost too many options to choose from, but the Princeton Record Exchange, or PREX, is a must-see. As the sign in the window attests, it’s one of the nation’s, even the world’s, best record stores with over 100,000 albums, cassettes, and CDs spread out over 4,500 square feet. James Murphy, of LCD Soundsystem, said PREX “saved his life.” Owner Jon Lambert said he has visitors from all over the world, and he’s found the average customer spends over an hour in the store. Sometimes they’re simply browsing and reminiscing, and Lambert said that’s just fine. “We want you to feel comfortable here, to have a tactile, sensorial experience,” he said. “We know you’ll probably be back.”

New York, NY | Openings & Closings: Sweet Peanut Records. Sweet Peanut Records, an independent record store, is opening this summer at 463 Amsterdam Avenue (between West 82nd and West 83rd streets). It will carry new and used vinyl records, some CDs, cassettes, and audio equipment, owner and Upper West Sider Hunter Brammer wrote to West Side Rag in an email. Brammer previously worked in finance but spent many years collecting and selling vinyl online as a hobby. “I have finally made the jump into doing this full time and hope to build a community and partner with other businesses in the area,” he wrote. Sweet Peanut will buy old record collections and will do house calls for collections.

Cape Breton, CA | In the groove: Cape Breton man spins passion for vinyl records into impressive collection. “It’s my addiction,” Stephen MacLeod said with a smile that was more prideful than joking about his vinyl record collection. With more than 13,000 records, the 60-year-old Sydney man has a record collection that might rival many radio stations in the 1960s-80s. A lover of 1960 and 1970s rock, British rock, and hillbilly, MacLeod has a vinyl musical library that spans more than seven decades and crosses multiple genres, including R ‘n’ B, doo-wop and rockabilly. Organized alphabetically on shelves that cover two-thirds of his basement walls, MacLeod’s collection is mostly 45s — smaller vinyl records with one song on each side. …Not only does he love the sound of the older music, MacLeod thinks music played off of vinyl records also has a better quality to it.

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Oswego, NY | Vinyl returns to downtown Oswego as new record store opens: ‘It just sounds pure and real,’ says Needle ‘N Groove Records owner Mike Ramirez. For Mike Ramirez, there’s nothing better than dropping a needle in the groove of a record. “That’s what makes the magic happen,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about. For me, it’s magic. It’s always been magic.” Ramirez recently opened Needle ‘N Groove Records at 17 Jefferson St. in downtown Oswego, directly across the street from the Oswego Public Library. The store had a soft opening on June 7, which was opening day of the Oswegoland Park District’s Oswego Country Market in downtown Oswego. He was happy by the number of people who walked into the store that day. “We had a ton of people.”

Altrincham, UK | Altrincham vinyl shop Tasty Records announces sudden closure: It had opened on Regent Road in 2018. One of Altrincham’s most-loved independent businesses has shut up shop, with Tasty Records announcing its closure after eight years trading on Regent Road. Owner Ben Molesworth broke the news to customers via social media, describing the decision as “complicated” but saying the shop “deserves more than I can give it” after 14 years of selling records in Altrincham – including his time dealing in vinyl before the shop opened. In a heartfelt message to supporters, he was at pains to stress the closure is not the end: “Tasty Records isn’t dead—only sleeping.” …He is now inviting offers to take over the business, telling followers: “Send an offer to tastyrecordsaltrincham@gmail.com if you want to take over my awesome little record shop.”

UK | Muse announce UK record store listening parties for The Wow! Signal album: The trio have announced the record store events, which will give fans the chance to listen to their 10th studio album before its released. Muse have announced istening parties for their new album. The trio took to their Instagram stories on Friday (11th June) to share the special events taking place in record stores across the UK for their forthcoming 10th studio album, The Wow! Signal. Fans were sent out to a link which shared listening parties in the likes of Assai Glasgow, Crash Records in Leeds, and various Rough Trade record stores around the country. The event takes place on Saturday 20th June, almost a whole week before the album is set for release.

Denver, CO | It’s Easy To Lose Hours Inside This Huge Colorado Music Store Filled With Thousands Of Records: Tucked along East Colfax Avenue in Denver, Colorado, Twist & Shout Records is the kind of place that makes you forget what time it is. With thousands of vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, and music memorabilia packed into one massive space, this indie gem has earned a legendary reputation among music lovers near and far. Whether you’re hunting for a rare pressing or just browsing for fun, this store delivers something special every single visit. Rated 4.7 stars by over 2,000 happy customers, Twist & Shout is more than a shop—it’s a full-on music experience. Some record stores have a vinyl section. Twist & Shout has an entire universe of it.

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Bryan, TX | Bryan’s local vinyl record store moving up the road: Curious Collections, Bryan’s only vinyl record shop, announced it is moving locations after 10 years in its current space. What’s new: Curious Collections posted an announcement on Facebook confirming the move, expressing graditudeadding that they are grateful for 10 years on Rosemary Drive. The owners said they’re keen on staying independent, while moving just one mile up the road and transforming a vintage service station into an outdoor garage setting. What they offer: Established in 2016, Curious Collections is Aggie owned and operated and sells vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs and other music and entertainment related items.

Lanark, UK | Independent Lanark record shop boss backs Scotland Loves Local Week: Ian McDonald, of Cosmic Grooves CIC in Lanark, is urging everyone in the region to fly the flag for local businesses as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which starts on Saturday, June 13. An independent record shop boss has highlighted the critical need for everyone across Lanarkshire to back local businesses. Ian McDonald, of Cosmic Grooves CIC in Lanark, is urging everyone in the region to fly the flag for local businesses as part of Scotland Loves Local Week, which starts on Saturday, June 13. The South Vennel store and music room, which supports community activities as well as selling vinyl records and other music products, has been open only a matter of months. But Ian, who has a professional background in community development, is in no doubt about the importance of local support to the future of Cosmic Grooves and all other local enterprises.

Melbourne, AU | Tributes flow for Radical Records founder: Scores of friends and customers have paid homage to the kindly, knowledgeable genius behind iconic Dandenong shop Radical Records. Mark Mannens died last month after a long illness—which has led to an outpouring of love and even a Spotify playlist in his memory. According to shop manager Dylan Lees, Mannens was “kind, dedicated and utterly selfless,” and not the type to mention his health woes. Lees posted the news on social media, stating that Mannens “would’ve absolutely f***ing hated” all of the fuss but “was the most universally liked person I’ve ever met.” “He was a person fortunate enough to be doing exactly what he wanted to do with his life. He’ll be sorely missed by everyone that he knew.”

St. Louis, MO | Euclid Records celebrates 45 Years with a blowout in Webster Groves: Discounts, DJs, and food and drink will fill the storefront this Saturday. In a world of digital downloads and instant media, Euclid Records (19 N. Gore) has transcended the traditional retail model to become a community hub for multiple generations of music lovers. After nearly five decades of business, the beloved record shop in Webster Groves is still spinning at 45 RPM. On June 13, the staff will celebrate the shop’s 45th birthday with an all-day event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. with DJ sets, deals, contests, and free food and drink. “I am so proud to have lasted 45 years,” says Euclid Records founder and self-professed music fanatic Joe Schwab. “I look at stalwarts like Streetside Records and Peaches, both of which I worked for as a teenager, which seemed to be around forever, and now we’ve outlasted them. It’s hard to believe the store opened when I was just 22 years old.”

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Albany, NY | Last Vestige record store ownership changes to longtime employee: In the sea of beige buildings and houses on Quail Street, a bright pink store catches the eye. Inside, vinyl albums line the walls, thousands of boxed records organized by artist and genre wait for searching fingers, and two cats prowl the aisles. Last Vestige Music Shop has been a Capital Region institution for over 36 years. Founded by Jim Furlong in 1989, the shop’s collection of vinyl, CDs, cassette tapes, as well as its atmosphere, has attracted a passionate music community to the store, from casual listeners dipping their toes into the world of vinyl to connoisseurs looking for hidden gems in a bargain bin.

Louisville, KY | Electric Ladyland announces closure after nearly 50 years on Bardstown Road: The longtime Highlands Douglass business announced the closure Monday in a post on its Facebook page. An iconic Louisville business will close its doors after nearly five decades in the Highlands Douglass neighborhood. Electric Ladyland announced the closure Monday in a post on its Facebook page. “After 48 incredible years, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of Electric Ladyland,” the post read. The smoke shop, record and metaphysical supply store opened in 1978 and is known for its bright Bardstown Road storefront, counterculture roots, and hippie-inspired decor and exterior, according to our partners at Louisville Business First. Named after Jimi Hendrix’s final studio album, the shop’s sign and logo feature the late musician’s photo.

Bristol, UK | Vinyl, canvas and card decks: The launch of Rough Trade’s listening bar: The traditional gallery space can sometimes feel clinical and detached, but the city’s best art thrives where people can actually talk to each other. This weekend, the new ‘listening bar’ at Rough Trade Bristol became the site of that exact kind of creative collision. Curated by the Loovre—what claims to be ‘Bristol’s smallest and most excloosive art gallery’ based in the toilet at the People’s Republic of Stokes Croft building—Akin was a mixed-media exhibition bringing together a diverse cohort of local creatives to map what community and culture meant to them. Amid the steady crackle of vinyl records and a stacked lineup of live music, the art on display functioned less like static decoration and more like a live conversation starter.

Olivia Rodrigo’s latest vinyl drop got fans complaining about draining wallet: Chances are, if you are a fan of Olivia Rodrigo, or music in general, you are waiting for for the singer-songwriter’s third studio album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” to drop on June 12. The 23-year-old singer has previously released the entire 13-song track list on May 26, after dropping the lead single titled “Drop Dead” on April 17. The music video, shot amid the picturesque walls of the Palace of Versailles, debuted as No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Safe to say, the hype around Rodrigo’s third album is at an all time high. It is not the end of it, as the songstress announced another surprise for her collector fans.

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Tallahassee, FL | Take a road trip to these top vinyl record stores: With summer and vacations in full swing, a road trip and stop at a vinyl records store could be worth the trip. Vinyl records are making a comeback, so much so that record collectors are digging through crates in search of the holy grail (a highly desired and/or rare record), as well as hits and good music that simply soothes the soul. Luckily for Tallahasseeans, there are plenty of record stores in the area, ranging in size and collection, if you’re willing to make the drive. Some are a day trip, others significantly longer. Here are a few…

Barcelona, SP | Yoyaku announces new record shop in Barcelona: Paris-based distributor, label network and record shop Yoyaku has unveiled a new Barcelona location. The store, located near Ciutadella Park in the Bridge 48 complex, will open on June 15th during OFFWEEK FESTIVAL. To celebrate, Yoyaku will host an in-store session available via raffle for those attending Yoyaku OFF Barcelona. The location arrives as the latest expansion from Yoyaku. Last month, the company acquired the assets of Berlin vinyl pressing plant OBJECTS Manufacturing. It also launched Kurtezy, a Berlin-based physical distribution and logistics platform operating within the factory.

Brandon, MT | Sunrise Records Coming Soon to Brandon’s Shoppers Mall, Now Hiring: Music lovers in Brandon will soon have a new place to dig through vinyl bins and discover pop‑culture favourites. Sunrise Records, Canada’s largest independent record store chain, is preparing to open a new location at Shoppers Mall, bringing its long‑standing passion for physical media to the community. …As the Brandon store prepares to open, Sunrise Records is actively hiring. The company has posted job opportunities for the upcoming location, including leadership and in‑store roles, signaling that opening preparations are underway. Those interested in joining the team are encouraged to apply online through Workopolis by searching Sunrise Records Brandon, MB. Or visit sunriserecords.com for company info and career links.

Brighton, UK | Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum visits Brighton record store: Hollywood A-lister Jeff Goldblum charmed and thrilled more than 500 fans when he dropped in at Resident Music in Brighton to launch his new album. Fans queued for up to 90 minutes on Friday to get a picture with him and collect a copy of his classic jazz album Night Blooms, on which he sings and plays piano. They’d paid £16 or £34 for a copy of the album on CD or vinyl and to meet the star of Jurassic Park and The Fly, and demand for tickets was so high an extra session was hastily arranged. The queue to get into the store snaked the length of Kensington Gardens but those in line were given a treat when the star came out on to the balcony to wave to passers-by.

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Los Angeles, CA | Vinyl records are back, but they’re polluting the planet. These labels are trying to help: …there’s an inevitable downside to anything that’s partially made of liquid dinosaur bones. Modern vinyl records are crafted with PVC resin, which makes up more than 75% of an average disk The synthetic polymer itself is made of chlorine and fossil fuel-derived feed stock. To put its harm in perspective, a first-of-its-kind report from Vinyl Alliance, published in June 2024, found that 50% of a record’s carbon emissions come from this resin. The carbon footprint of a single LP was estimated to be roughly equal to the pollution a gas-powered vehicle emits over a 3-mile trip. It adds up quick, considering that 46.8 million new records were sold last year.

Auckland, NZ | ‘We exist to meet a need’: Real Groovy turns 45, surviving five moves and the changing habits of music fans. It has survived five moves, multiple economic downturns, and the changing listening habits of music fans, but Real Groovy is arguably experiencing one of its best eras as it celebrates 45 years in business. Having first opened in 1981 on Mount Eden Road, the Auckland record store moved onto Queen Street in 1987, firstly on the corner with Turner Street before settling into what became its spiritual home for 25 years at 438 Queen Street. Further moves followed in 2016 and 2019, before they finally settled in their current spot on Victoria Street in 2023. They have now been there for three years and, in 2026, are celebrating their 45th birthday, making them one of the oldest remaining retail stores in the downtown area.

Siouz Falls, SD | What keeps the record industry spinning: In a world where streaming is everywhere, one industry hasn’t gone away. In fact, it’s been gaining new interest. Among the rows of records at Crosstown Vinyl in Sioux Falls, owner Steve Zastrow is keeping the past spinning. “You have to have a wide variety of stuff because people have such varied interest in music styles,” Zastrow said. From vinyl records to DVDs, cassettes, even old record players, Zastrow says demand for the so-called “old-school” media hasn’t skipped a beat, even in the age of streaming. “I’ve kind of got a theory that a lot of the younger people, they’ve probably grown up with screens in their face their whole life, and they really want something that’s more of a tactile experience or something you can actually hold,” Zastrow said.

Secretly Group, Ninja Tune, Beggars Group partner with Music Declares Emergency & The Music Climate Pact for recycled vinyl campaign: …Launching in tandem with World Environment Day on June 5, and dedicated to driving awareness around sustainability practices and transparency across both record stores and consumers, the inaugural campaign will feature a series of special edition album releases available at retail in the US, Canada and UK, each pressed on 100% recycled vinyl material. From Bon Iver to Bonobo and many more, every LP was made with material that has been reclaimed from production and distribution: manufacturing trim, quality rejects and unsold stock, meaning that no new virgin, fossil fuel-delivered plastic was used. Through this process, each individual record looks completely unique, while still sounding as fantastic.

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Gen Z is having more of an impact on physical sales than you might think: The first generation of digital natives have started spinning wax. The resurgence of physical media is starting to sound like old news. We’ve been reporting on the artists and trends behind rising vinyl sales for almost a decade, while 2024 was, according to Music Week, the first year in more than two decades to see overall physical sales register year-on-year growth. In the same year, a survey by Key Production showed that a greater proportion of Gen Z was listening to music in physical formats than any other age group. Since then, physical revivals have blossomed in the strangest of places.

Berks County, PA | From Nostalgia to Sound Quality: The Modern Vinyl Revival: Vinyl records have made a resurgence over the past decade, and both collectors and artists have taken note. “The comeback started probably 20 years ago and then picked up steam about 15 and started to really go like crazy around 10,” said Chris Holt, who opened Young Ones Records in Kutztown 35 years ago. Record Store Day is a huge part of that resurgence, he said. Launched in 2008, the semi-annual event held the third Saturday in April and every Black Friday in November draws collectors and fans to thousands of independent record stores around the world. Many records are pressed specifically for the occasion, making that limited pressing highly valuable.

Fullerton, CA | Record Store Recon: Rating White Rabbit Records in Fullerton, California: This clean and bright record store has high-quality used records at a fair price. A fun store that really does a lot with limited space. They stock LPs — new and used —CDs, 45s, some cassettes and even a few shirts. You will find most genres of music, and they do a great job of staying on top of the new stuff. The store often will have some amazing Japanese pressings. …When I was there, I met Tracy, the manager. He has been selling records for over 35 years. The man knows his stuff, and he has some great stories to share. He has been with the store since it was reb White Rabbit. He has seen the store change and adapt to meet the needs of the customers.

Falmouth, UK | Falmouth record shop Jam premises licence bid approved: Falmouth record shop Jam has had a premises licence bid approved – but a dispute over building repairs means the lease for the High Street shop has still not been signed. In April record shop owner Mandy announced that she was selling the business as a going concern to an unidentified business, which was later revealed to be Verdant Brewery. However at the end of May she posted on Instagram that the deal was on hold for an undisclosed reason, which wasn’t known until now. …Alex Morrell, representing Verdant and Green Spaces Cornwall, told the hearing the plan was simply to add a drink to the existing record-shopping experience. “It’s just basically to apply for a premises licence to be able to add an option of people having a little beer while they’re browsing records in a record shop,” he said.

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Brandon, MB | New Record Store Set to Spin Into Brandon Shopping Scene: Music lovers and collectors will soon have a new destination to explore as Sunshine Records prepares to open its doors at Shoppers Mall in Brandon. The new store is expected to offer a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, movies, collectibles, and pop culture merchandise, bringing a unique retail experience to shoppers in the city. The addition comes as Shoppers Mall continues to attract new tenants and diversify its mix of retailers. The mall is home to more than 80 stores and services and remains one of western Manitoba’s largest shopping destinations. Sunshine Records will provide a welcome opportunity to browse both new and classic albums without leaving the city.

Altadena, CA | Rebuilding Their Collection: Altadena Record Shop helps fire survivors build music catalogue. Altadena Musicians, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals affected by natural disasters replace lost instruments, has opened the Altadena Record Shop, giving fire survivors who lost record collections an opportunity to rebuild them for free. The record shop, located inside the Altadena Music Center, officially launched with an open house on May 30 and will offer monthly shopping sessions beginning Saturday, June 27. “We don’t have the ability to replace everybody’s entire record collection but at least we can give people a little bit of joy and let them have the experience of shopping without the price tag on top of it,” Brandon Jay, founder of Altadena Musicians, said.

Tempe, AZ | Gritty Tempe record store saved from shuttering. What’s next for store. Michael Pawlicki was pretty sure he’d have a buyer lined up for a smooth transition by the time he spent his final day behind the counter at The Ghost of Eastside Records, also known as Double Nickels, on June 30. Now he does. Darren Skarecky, who owns Grace Records in Gilbert, is buying the business. “We’re firming up details and hoping to take possession on July 1 to expand Grace Records into Tempe,” Skarecky says. The plan is for the Tempe store to retain the Double Nickels name for now. “Mike has done an amazing job of being very connected to the overall music and record culture in Tempe, so we want to try to retain that vibe and the history of record culture in the state of Arizona with the Ghost of Eastside,” Skarecky says.

UK | Qobuz And Rough Trade Announce Global Co-Promotion Partnership: While vinyl records continue to thrive, like all physical media, record stores have to work harder than ever to compete with streaming services. As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them, which explains why Rough Trade, the famous independent record store, has announced a deal with Qobuz, the France-based streaming service. As part of an initial two-year deal, Qobuz will be the music service playing in Rough Trade’s nine stores across the UK, US and Germany. The two companies will also collaborate on in-store events and live performances.

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Bend, OR | Stereo Planet returns to downtown Bend with grand reopening celebration: A longtime Central Oregon audio destination is making its return to downtown Bend, aiming to reconnect the community with a deeper, more intentional way of listening to music. Stereo Planet, a Bend business with a 45-year history, will officially reopen its doors during First Friday on June 5 at its location on NW Bond Street. The reimagined space is designed to offer more than just equipment—it is built around creating an immersive, shared music experience. The reopening comes through a collaboration with Patrick Smith, owner of Smith Rock Records and a longtime Central Oregon music figure, along with his team. Together, they are blending decades of audio expertise and record-collecting culture to create a destination for both longtime audiophiles and newcomers.

Brussels, BE | Dua Lipa recommends Brussels record shop to her fans: British-Albanian pop star Dua Lipa has named a record store in Brussels as the “must-visit for any vinyl lover” in her list, with over a hundred favourite locations around the world. Known for her taste in culture, fashion, and travel, as well as her chart-topping hits, Dua Lipa has had her own weekly lifestyle newsletter and website—called ‘Service95’—where she gives tips on culture, travel and fashion, among other things. In collaboration with Google and her ‘Service95’, Dua Lipa has shared her personal travel list for go-to places. In Brussels, she spotlights Tropicall Records as a must-visit place for record lovers. Tropicall Records is an independent record label located in Marolles—one of the hippest, most bohemian neighbourhoods in Brussels—which supplies locals with “extraordinary gems.”

Mandeville, LA | From Passion Project to Community Staple: 22 Sound Records Keeps Louisiana Well-Versed: Most industries must adhere to strict rules. Construction sites comply with safety regulations, financial advisors must be wary of illegal trades, and corporate offices must follow the guidelines of a well-documented chain of command. A record store, though, has always been more than a business. It is a community hub for the music-minded, a place for your taste to grow, and an extension of the ones running it. Products are sold, but the tangible goods are art itself, and dealing in art is not for the faint of heart. It seemed to be the perfect fit for Manuel and Kimberly Gemperli.

Glasgow, UK | Huge queues of 500 fans line up outside Glasgow record shop to meet top movie star: Hundreds of fans braved the Glasgow rain and snaked along Argyle Street today as a Hollywood star drew huge queues outside HMV for a rare in-store signing. Jeff Goldblum visited the HMV on Glasgow’s Argyle Street at 12.30pm to meet fans and sign exclusive artcards, prompting crowds of around 500 people to gather outside the store despite the wet weather. The 73-year-old actor and musician is promoting his new album, Night Blooms, which will be released on June 5 and supported by a world tour. These include his Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo, singer Charlie Puth, British artist Dodie, and jazz musician Melody Gardot. Erivo joins Goldblum on a duet of “If I Only Had a Brain,” the classic song from The Wizard of Oz.

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Phoenix, AZ | After 43 years, iconic Phoenix record store is getting a fresh start: Joshua Briese was vacationing in Spain when a bit of music news from The Arizona Republic caught his eye. “Phoenix record store for sale after 43 years,” the headline noted, going on to quote the owner, Timmy Stamper, who said he was “burnt out on being a stool jockey.” As Briese recalls, “My wife’s from Spain and we were sitting in her parents’ house. They live outside Madrid in a little place called Campo Real. I saw the post for Tracks in Wax and I was like, ‘Oh my God, are you kidding me? This is crazy.’” Briese had often spoken with his wife, Maria Carmona Butista, who owns Tile Resource and Design, about his dream of one day opening a record store. “Once I saw that, I was on a mission,” Briese says.

Sydney, AU | 12 Best Record Stores in Sydney for Vinyl Lovers: The last decade has seen a significant and surprising rise in the popularity of vinyl. Luckily Sydney is known for its music and because of this, there’s no shortage of places to get your hands on some quality new and second-hand vinyl. With such a wide range on offer, you’ll be able to get your hands on pretty much any genre of music you’d like. To help guide you on your vinyl-hunting journey, we’ve found the best record stores in Sydney for vinyl lovers.

SC | Step inside these charming South Carolina record stores and discover rare vinyl you won’t find anywhere else: South Carolina has a hidden world waiting for music lovers who still believe that nothing beats the warm crackle of a vinyl record. From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, independent record stores are keeping the spirit of physical music alive and thriving. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting your vinyl journey, these shops offer something truly special. Pack your curiosity and get ready to flip through some seriously incredible crates.

Los Angeles, CA | A record store guide to L.A.: Find the perfect record store for you with our list of the best vinyl shops across the Los Angeles area. Streaming music is convenient and efficient, but it can feel soulless and one-dimensional. For those who value the spirit of discovery that makes IRL music shopping so special, Los Angeles has never offered more places to flash back, flip through and fill up the crate. Analog music junkies never abandoned vinyl, but a whole new generation has also discovered the thrill of buying physical music media in a brick-and-mortar environment. From revisiting classic album cover art and packaging (which has only gotten more interesting with annual Record Store Day drops and special edition colored vinyl releases) to the visceral pleasure of bringing cool finds home and placing them on a turntable or inside a boombox, music shopping as an experiential activity is alive and well.

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McMinnville, OR | Flat Foot Records celebrates official ribbon cutting in downtown McMinnville: Flat Foot Records officially cut the ribbon Thursday morning with the McMinnville-Warren County Chamber of Commerce. The record store, located at 102 W. Main St. in downtown McMinnville, opened in October and has been serving up LPs, CDs and cassettes to local music lovers ever since. …Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Woods welcomed ceremony attendants and introduced Flat Foot Records as the newest chamber member and thanked the owners for their continued investment in the community. “Local business owners like Matt and Anna help McMinnville be a vibrant and welcoming place to live, work and visit,” Woods said. “Their passion, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit are truly appreciated.”

Los Angeles, CA | Free record shop for LA fire survivors to celebrate grand opening: A new free record shop for survivors of last year’s Eaton and Palisades fires is celebrating with a grand opening party Saturday night. After losing his home in the Eaton Fire, Brandon Jay founded Altadena Musicians to get instruments back into the hands of musicians who lost their gear in fires. Now he’s doing that with vinyl records, too. “We want to be here to help replace those items and support music in people’s lives that can’t necessarily afford it right now because they’re saving all their pennies just to live and also just to rebuild their homes,” Jay told LAist. Jay says they’ve seen roughly 3,000 records donated so far. Now they have a dedicated space on Lincoln Avenue where fire survivors can sign up for time slots and shop for up to 10 records a month.

Memphis, TN | Joe’s Records drops the needle on new Memphis store: The wait is over for music lovers in the Mid-South. Joe’s Records officially opened its doors Friday at Wolfchase Galleria, welcoming its first customers and dropping the needle on its newest chapter in Memphis. The store marks just the third location for the independent record chain and its first shop outside of Missouri. Owner Joe Smith told WREG earlier this year that Memphis stood out after he spent time scouting malls throughout the Mid-South and Midwest. “We like Memphis big time as a market,” Smith said. “There’s several really good record stores down there that are awesome, but per capita Memphis, I was surprised there is not more independent record stores, and we think there is a real opportunity, especially on the east side of Memphis in the Germantown area.”

Rainford, UK | Sunflower Records set up a store at Inglenook Farm Rainford: A new record shop is opening its doors at a village venue to vinyl enthusiasts. Sunflower Records will welcome customers on Saturday, June 6, at Inglenook Farm in Rainford, offering a curated mix of new and pre-loved vinyl. The shop is the brainchild of 53-year-old Rainford resident Paul Clark, who launched the business online in November 2025 after taking voluntary redundancy from his job as a lecturer. In addition to the physical shop, Mr Clark has been selling vinyl online and at record fairs across the region. He believes the farm is the perfect setting for the business, not just because of its proximity to his home. Mr Clark said: “Given that one of the main products the farm grows is sunflowers, it seemed perfect for our venture.”

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San Antonio, TX | Longtime South Side record store closes its doors amid financial struggles: Flipside Records has served music lovers on the South Side for generations. This week, the doors closed after its owner said he was locked out after rising rent costs pushed the business into a financial crisis. Owner Roman Cuellar said he was unable to keep up with increasing operating expenses, so the property management locked him out. Cuellar posted a sign notifying customers on the business’ front door and social media. “Right now, FSRP is going through an incredibly difficult financial crisis. I know many of us are feeling the squeeze of the current economy and rising costs of living, and it pains me to share that our shop is facing those same harsh realities,” Cuellar wrote in the post. “Everything that we make goes to rent now.”

Carrollton, GA | The Vinyl Frontier Keeps Vinyl Spinning After 10 Years in Carrollton: After a decade in business, The Vinyl Frontier in Carrollton is still spinning strong and continuing to grow in new ways. The business was started in 2016 by co-owners Trey Carter and Nick West, opening during Mayfest after months of preparing inventory and getting the store ready. What began as a passion project has since grown into one of Carrollton’s most recognizable independent businesses, now holding an estimated 40,000 records packed throughout the shop. West recently reflected on the store’s 10-year journey, calling the milestone hard to believe. One of the biggest changes over the past year has been expanding into online sales, something the store had avoided for years outside of occasional eBay listings. Since launching online ordering, their business has surged, bringing both new customers and new challenges.

UK | Qobuz launches global streaming partnership with indie retailer Rough Trade: High-quality streaming platform Qobuz has launched a new global partnership with independent music retailer Rough Trade. While digital and physical music might once have been at odds with each other, the two sides are increasingly complementary as both streaming consumption and vinyl sales continue to rise in tandem. …The two-year initial partnership will integrate Qobuz directly into the in-store experience across all Rough Trade locations in the US, UK and Germany. “Aligned since day one on their commitments to the independent music community, best quality sound, expert-led music discovery, and emphasis on human curation over algorithms, the deal will establish Qobuz as the official streaming service of all Rough Trade stores worldwide through 2028,” said a statement.

Portland, OR | Music Millennium Opens a Call-In ‘Thought Line.’ Owner Terry Currier hopes people share memories and messages about the longtime record store. Music Millennium wants to know what you think of it. And the venerable record store has teamed up with advertising agency Wieden+Kennedy to find out. Music Millennium’s “Thought Line” is a toll-free phone number that anyone can call to leave a memory, a message or anything at all about the Portland record store that originally opened in 1969 on East Burnside Street. Owner Terry Currier announced in February that he plans to retire and is seeking a buyer for the record store. When a small group of Wieden+Kennedy employees—and Music Millennium fans—heard this news, they reached out to Currier to see what they could do to ensure that the culture of the record store carried on. The idea for the Thought Line was born.

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Carmarthen, UK | Beloved Welsh record shop to close original home after 26 years: A record shop worker has spoken of his heartbreak over the closure of a long-running Welsh music store, describing it as a “chosen family” for customers across generations. Tangled Parrot was established in 2000 as a stall at Carmarthen’s market by Matt Davies, and soon expanded to a shop in the town, a location at Alleyway Coffee in Swansea, and a space in Hay-on-Wye. The record store sells both new and second-hand items that “cater to the fringes—and sometimes extremes of music whilst also not being snobbish!” Matt explained. However, on 8 May 2026, Tangled Parrot announced on their Instagram that the original Carmarthen and Swansea locations were to close.

Dance/Electronic Vinyl Variety: From Belfast to Vegas Fergie Runs Down His Favourite Record Stores: DJ Fergie shares his favourite record stores from Belfast to Las Vegas in this globe-spanning edition of Vinyl Variety. Fergie shares six record stores and platforms that have shaped his experience as a collector, DJ, and lifelong music fan. Spanning Germany, Portsmouth, London, Belfast, Las Vegas, and the online marketplace Discogs, each selection reflects a different side of modern vinyl culture, from specialist techno outlets and community-driven independent stores to high-end listening spaces and global online digging. …Whether it’s sourcing exclusive techno releases from Decks Records in Germany, revisiting formative tracks at Underground Records in Belfast, or crate-digging alongside world-class sound systems at Echo Taste & Sound in Las Vegas, Fergie’s selections showcase the importance of independent record shops and the communities built around them.

San Antonio, TX | One of San Antonio’s oldest record stores says it was locked out over rent: The record store has served the South Side for 54 years. An iconic 54-year-old Texas record store, Flip Side Record Parlor, faces an uncertain future after its San Antonio store was locked out due to rent hikes. The beloved record store posted about its hardships on social media on Friday, May 22, saying it’s facing an “incredibly difficult financial crisis.” “I know many of us are feeling the squeeze of the current economy and rising costs of living, and it pains me to share that our shop is facing those same harsh realities,” Flip Side Record Parlor wrote in its post. “Recently, our rent was drastically increased.” Flip Side Record Parlor said it has made consistent efforts to make partial payments and show property ownership, and that the business is doing everything it can to catch up. However, the landlords have locked the staff out of the store until the balance is paid in full.

Las Vegas, NV | Vinyl Room to open at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas this summer: Vinyl Room, inspired by intimate 1970s Japanese listening bars, will open on the top floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas in August. The music-forward venue, where vinyl and high-quality audio are the stars, is a partnership of Live Nation and MGM Resorts International. It replaces the Foundation Room, which closed last year. “We wanted to create a space that feels more connected to music and community,” said Kurt Melien, president of Live Nation Las Vegas. “The inspiration from 1970s Japanese listening lounges was a natural fit because those spaces were built around the experience of really listening to music, spending time with other music lovers and enjoying the atmosphere that celebrates the music.”

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