Bloomington, IN | Unbound – Vinyl revival: Why vinyl records are here to stay. In this episode of Unbound, we dive into the world of vinyl records and explore the surprising resurgence of physical media in an increasingly digital world. Vinyl has made a comeback in a big way, with sales reaching levels not seen since the 1980s, and we’re here to unpack why this analog format continues to captivate new generations of music lovers. We talk to collectors, industry insiders, and local record stores about what makes vinyl so special—its warm sound, the tangible connection to music, and the ritual of flipping through records. …In this episode, we discuss how vinyl has evolved, the rise of niche collectors, and why owning a physical copy of music is more meaningful than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong vinyl enthusiast or a curious newcomer, you’ll come away with a renewed appreciation for the art of vinyl records.
Dallas, TX | Dallas record store chain Josey Records spins new location in Garland: Dallas music maker Josey Records has extended its reach east: The record store chain, whose empire includes one of the largest single independent record stores in the U.S., has opened a location in Garland, at 1005 Northwest Hwy., at the intersection of Centerville Road, where it’s selling its trademark assortment of vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, turntables, music posters, new releases, and music accessories. This is the sixth location and the third in the Dallas area, joining the original in Farmers Branch which owners Waric Cameron and Luke Sardello opened in November 2014. They’ve since opened locations in Plano, Tulsa, Kansas City, and Vidalia, Missouri. The original location is a giant place with 16,000 square feet devoted to vinyl, 45s, CDs, and turntables.
Bristol, UK | Beloved record store reopens after two-year closure: A beloved record store that specialises in local music has reopened, two years after shutting its doors. Chris Farrell who runs Idle Hands in Bristol, announced in 2022 that his shop on City Road would have to close due to pressures around Covid, Brexit and the cost of living crisis. After operating out of a storage unit since the closure, Mr Farrell has now opened in a new location on Lower Park Row, near the Christmas Steps. He said he feels “really lucky” and is “very grateful” to see that people were excited for its reopening. “I had a couple of false starts and properties that fell through, it was never my intention to close for two years, but that’s what happened,” he said. “A month ago I was offered this new location, I feel quite lucky, it’s a nice way to round off 2024.”
Cincinnati, OH | Alien Records becomes Cincinnati’s latest music destination: The new Over-the-Rhine record shop intends to be a music enthusiast’s pastime paradise. Timothy Henninger’s predilection with records began as a child when he bought Michael Jackson’s Thriller LP from a Thriftway in Western Hills. By high school, art and record stores were his sanctuaries. With enthusiasm, he recollects how the record players at his Catholic school had a quarter taped to the tone arm for weight, and how when he taught art, he used the same model in his classroom and at the gym. (Believe it or not, the self-proclaimed gym rat toted a portable record player and LPs to workouts instead of a Spotify playlist.) Earlier this month, Henninger bid farewell to coworkers at Hard Rock Casino to open a record store. After a successful soft launch on November 8, he and his partner, Aaron, officially opened Alien Records at 1207 Vine Street in Over-the-Rhine.
Danville, IL | Chart Records to be displaced by demolition of its downtown Danville building: The pending demolition of its current home has the owner of a downtown Danville record store re-evaluating the future of his business. Chart Records owner Greg Wilson said he will at least be continuing his business online and plans to finish out the year at 131 N. Vermilion St., where he moved the store in 2003. He said he hasn’t set a closing date yet or found another location for a physical storefront, adding rents have gotten more expensive. Chart Records was founded in 1981 in downtown Danville, then spent about 20 years farther north on Vermilion Street before returning downtown. When he moved back in 2003, Wilson said, “I feel it’s a viable move. With what’s being done in the downtown, it’s going to be a good place to be. I was ready to be part of a real retail community again.”
London, UK | New record shop Shake The Foundations opens in London: London barber Huckle will operate the new vinyl shop from the basement of its Lambs Conduit Street location. London hair cutting destination Huckle has launched a new record shop, Shake The Foundations. Located in the basement of Huckle’s shop on Lambs Conduit Street, Shake the Foundations was opened in collaboration with NME electronic music editor Graham Sherman. The shop’s inventory includes both used vinyl and music memorabilia—Sherman’s own collection includes vinyl acquired from Andrew Weatherall, Richard Norris and Sean Johnston. To celebrate the launch, Huckle hosted an opening party on November 28th from 7 to 10:30 PM featuring DJ sets from Johnston (ALFOS, Hardway Bros), Harri Pepper and Sherman At The Controls.
Berlin, DE | Berlin record shop 60waves to close physical site: The store will continue operating online and via Discogs. Berlin record store 60waves is closing its physical site next month. Announcing the news this week on Instagram, 60waves confirmed that the Herrfurthplatz 8 store would shut from December 1st. “We came to this hard decision after operating for over five years,” the post read. “However, with a new concept the place will be completely transformed. Someone near to us will take over… more info soon.” Launched by Dana Ruh, 60waves will continue selling vinyl online and via its Discogs page, operating out of the back office of its current Neukölln site. The team plans to host a “soft” closing party at the store—the date and other details are still TBA.
Los Angeles, CA | Inaugural VinylFest To Premiere At Original Farmers Market In L.A. The celebration of vinyl music, DJ culture and rock ‘n’ roll takes place on Saturday, December 7. The inaugural VinylFest, celebrating vinyl music, DJ culture and rock ‘n’ roll, takes place at the Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 7. The free event marks the culmination of the Original Farmers Market’s 90th Anniversary celebration. KCRW DJ Jeremy Sole will perform vinyl sets alongside When the Needle Hits the Groove host Geoff Hanson and other DJs curated by dublab. AlphaTheta (formerly Pioneer DJ) will provide equipment for the performances and showcase their latest turntable and mixing gear. KCRW will host a vinyl listening station and offer exclusive merchandise, with gift wrapping available.
Music-Loving Husband Surprised With 30 Vinyl Records For 30th Birthday: A music-loving husband was left in shock when friends and family surprised him with 30 unique vinyl records for his 30th birthday. Gregory Castel, 30, from Atlanta, Georgia, is a huge music head, his wife Abigail, 29, said, with “truly impeccable taste.” It was Gregory’s love of music that Abigail noticed when she met him 11 years ago, as she discovered he had a Coldplay desktop wallpaper and liked music ranging from Lupe Fiasco to Etta James to The Marias. Given his eclectic taste – and the wide range of Spotify playlists he’s created – Gregory always likes to discuss music with people he meets, as well as check out their record collections. …With Gregory’s 30th birthday approaching, Abigail wanted to do something special for the big milestone, so took inspiration from a friend’s birthday where they did not want to ask for gifts, but if guests were to bring something, a vinyl record would be much appreciated.
