Vinyl Alliance Says “US Vinyl Sales Have Not Dropped 33% in 2024” as Luminate Dramatically Reverses Its Earlier Data — So What’s Going On Here? Yesterday, Digital Music News reported on a severe year-over-year drop in US-based vinyl sales, based on data provided to Billboard by Luminate. Now, Luminate has clarified that sales have not dropped 33.3%, but are actually up 6.2%. So what the heck is going on here? For nearly two decades, the music industry has been witnessing a steady comeback in vinyl record sales. But is that Cinderella story ending? Now, a confusing and conflicting slate of new data from Luminate, a leading music industry data company that powers Billboard’s charts, is throwing matters into doubt. …According to the Alliance, the decision to exclude physical indie record retailers makes accurate year-over-year sales comparisons impossible because of the changed models. The move apparently excludes more than 1,500 independent record stores in the United States, though it appears that Luminate’s estimates are no longer forming an accurate picture of total US-based physical sales.
Mercer Island, WA | Rocking out at MI’s new Volver Records: Owner Packer is a long-time record collector. At first, the task seemed simple. But then it got tougher as John Packer literally spun the vinyl in his mind while attempting to reveal his top-three desert island albums. That’s the way of the ardent record collector, and while accessing a dual role of newly-minted shop owner, in Packer’s case. After glancing around his new Mercer Island store, Volver Records, Packer nailed down his trio of favorites (which may change at any instant): Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Ride on Time,” U2’s “Achtung Baby” and Mötley Crüe’s “Shout at the Devil.” Packer gushed that side A of Yamashita’s album is especially stellar, the U2 record is his all-time fave and the Crüe’s metal ripper forever changed his life upon first spin at age 12. Those three albums sit in vastly different areas of the music spectrum and represent Packer’s taste pretty well, he said. Packer, now 32, will bring those sounds—plus copious others—to Islanders when he unwraps his music and movie store with a grand opening at 10 a.m. on October 18.
Eau Claire, WI | Revival Records celebrates 15th anniversary: Local record store commemorates a decade and a half of patronage in Eau Claire. One of Eau Claire’s premier music vendors, Revival Records, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month. Opened in 2009, the downtown record store is home to a wide selection of physical media, including new and vintage vinyl, CDs, DVDs, cassettes and VHS tapes. Stepping through the doors at Revival, patrons are greeted with a scene straight out of movies like “High Fidelity” or “Empire Records.” The store is a kaleidoscope of funky, retro decor amidst an ornately curated selection of music. In celebration of the shop’s anniversary, Revival Records will be running several deals throughout the month of October. Customers can buy one, get one free on all used CDs, cassettes and VHS tapes as well as buy three, get one free on used LPs. Additionally, all $1 records are now free.
Dallas, TX | Josey Records To Mark 10 Years in Business With Day-Long Celebration: One of the country’s largest independent record stores turns 10 on Oct. 19. Waric Cameron can always spot the first-time visitors to Josey Records. They walk into the now-more-than-25,000-square-foot space located a stone’s throw from the dull, persistent roar of Interstate 635, take a few steps, and stop. “Normally, I’m in the back office,” Cameron says. “But there are times where I’m in the front, and I’m doing something, I’ll see people come in the front door. … They literally take three steps in, stop, their eyes go wide. They look around — left, right. They’re not quite sure where to go. They’re in awe. ‘Where do I start?’ “If I’m up there [in front], I always kind of go, ‘Hey, is this your first time?’ And, you know, nine times out of 10, yeah, it is.” It’s a scene that has probably played out countless times over the first decade of Josey Records’ existence.
Wilmington, NC | Wilmington record store rolling up its sleeves to help storm-ravaged western N.C.: Communities in western North Carolina continue to deal with the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and residents across the states are doing what they can do show support. People are lending a hand through concerts, supply drives and fundraising. That includes a record and book store in based in Wilmington that’s not only trying to help raise funds for the mountains, but shine a light on the region as well. Community is the backbone of The Fuzzy Needle, a Wilmington book and record store Tim Jarman opened four years ago. “Fuzzy Needle just like essentially was an opportunity for me to combine my interests and explore my interests in a new way and share with other people,” Jarman said. “And build a community around books and music.” That community extends far beyond Wilmington. Jarman has built his network of bookworms, music lovers and artists across the state. In fact, it was a record store in the mountains that helped Jarman get The Fuzzy Needle off the ground.
Los Angeles, CA | Wax-on Hi-Fi mixes beats and flavors in downtown Los Angeles: The recently opened vinyl listening café and restaurant hosts live DJs and serves a tasty Japanese-Creole infused menu. A new restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles isn’t just a melting pot of flavors. It’s a remix of taste and sound. Wax on Hi-Fi is a vinyl-listening café and restaurant that opened in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles in June. Created by DJ, chef and owner TJ Johnson, the kitchen-vinyl concept dishes up Japanese-Creole cuisine while paying homage to Southern comfort foods. All plates are served with an atmospheric curated vibe of R&B, soul, jazz, and ’90s hip-hop tunes via vinyl records. On location, the restaurant features a high-fidelity audio system comprising two Technics turntables and a unique made-to-order hand-crafted rotary mixer shipped from England. DJs are invited to perform live on select nights, but in the interim, guests can enjoy the daily curation of the staff’s vinyl picks or put in at request while they kick back, wait for food and drinks or hang out and enjoy the vibes.
Isle of Wight, UK | Ventnor record store to host local musical talent: Ventnor’s Independent Record Store, Reggie’s Retro is preparing for a special celebration of National Album Day on Saturday (19th October) with live performances from Isle of Wight up-and-coming musicians. To honour this year’s theme “Great British Groups, Ventnor duo Daysi and Luca, and Island singing sensation Ruby with a special guest will all feature in-store with special sets in keeping with the theme. National Album Day was first launched in 2018 to celebrate the album format, and this year’s offerings include special album releases on vinyl from artists across the decades including All Saints, Simple Minds, The Slits and The Chemical Brothers. Reggie’s Retro owner, Sharon Holloway is proud to support and promote the next generation of Great British artists, and in particular, the young artists that will be playing in store.
Reviving the Analog Sound: Must-Visit Vinyl Record Stores in the Middle East. Doesn’t a vinyl record add its own special touch to music? The record scratches, the vintage vibes—it’s no wonder the Middle East is embracing this revival. From Cairo to Dubai, record stores are thriving, offering everything from rare vintage albums to fresh new releases. Whether you’re a serious collector or just want to enjoy some nostalgic tunes, these spots are perfect for your vinyl exploration. Sherry’s Vinyl (Cairo, Egypt) Sherry’s Vinyl has been a haven for vinyl lovers since 2007. It offers a multifaceted mix of records, from international rock legends to rare classical Arabic pieces. A new branch recently opened in Maadi, making it even easier to access its unique offerings. This spot was founded by Sherry, who aimed to preserve the charm of vinyl, and now her son Khaled carries on her legacy with the same passion. Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures or modern releases, Sherry’s Vinyl delivers an engaging experience…
Berlin, DE | Objects Manufacturing is hosting a listening session in Berlin this month: Taking place on 24 October at Anima, the event will showcase a selection of vinyl records pressed at Objects. Vinyl record pressing plant Objects Manufacturing will host a listening session on Thursday, 24 October from 8.30pm at Berlin’s riverside hangout, restaurant and listening bar Anima. The event will spotlight three records made locally and pressed at Objects: Red Largo’s three-track experimental project Transmitting, Berlin-formed band’s Kulku’s latest Reset To Be, and Isaac Haze’s evocative project Eslamano 2. Bringing a sprawling range of sounds into one room along with a group of like-minded people, the night will make space to celebrate innovative artists and to focus on each of their projects in full. Spaces are limited with a first come, first served policy.
Pendleton, OR | Record Swap spins into third year at Pendleton Center for the Arts: The Pendleton Record Swap & Audio Expo is gearing up its third annual event. Vinyl record junkies can get an early bird head start on Friday, Oct. 18, 4-7 p.m. at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St. Admission is $20, which includes an event tote bag (while supplies last) and free entrance during the event’s second day. The Record Swap continues on Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entry is $5; kids 12 and under are free. Vinyl enthusiasts can peruse vendor tables and make purchases. In addition, they can bring records to trade. A free after-party for adults 21 and older is Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m. at The Rainbow Cafe, 209 S. Main St. Pendleton. It features music by Smoker Dad of Seattle and Pendleton’s own DJ Whisky Ginger.
