Spokane, WA | New record store Entropy draws on inspiration from modern architecture and the ever-changing nature of music: When he drove drove past the Parkade last December, JJ Wandler wasn’t planning on opening another record store. But the “For Lease” sign had a mind of its own. “I almost caused an accident pulling over to call the number,” he says. The space itself was a mystery to Wandler. He could see the midcentury-style arched windows and could make out faint bits and pieces of a spiral staircase leading up to a second floor inside, but the windows had been covered up for as long as he could remember. Even then, he knew enough to take a leap of faith. The Parkade, the iconic parking garage in downtown Spokane, was designed by one of Wandler’s favorite architects, Warren Heylman. From the Riverfalls Tower Apartments to the public health building on the Spokane County campus, some of his creations rank among the most well-known pieces of architecture in Spokane. Wandler knew that this particular space adjacent to the parking garage used to be Heylman’s office. “If it was good enough for him, it was definitely good enough for me…”
CT | At CT music stores, vinyl records are back in a big way: What is this, 1978? Vinyl is the hottest thing in music, and the young and old alike scouring record store bins across Connecticut can’t get enough of it. There aren’t many places people go to lazily stroll the aisles anymore, to take in the ambiance, strike up conversations with the like-minded, chat with the owner, happily kill the better part of an afternoon shopping for what they’ll realize they wanted when they happen to find it. Most of us want things quickly and we want them dropped at our door. But at Connecticut’s record stores, it’s the experience that brings vinyl enthusiasts as much as the music. Young people are discovering the sound quality and the pleasure of listening to music on vinyl with an enthusiasm that rivals the love their parents and grandparents had for the medium decades ago. And older aficionados are digging their vintage stereo equipment out of the attic, and going in search of the albums they wore out in their high school and college days.
Hattiesburg, MS | T-Bones: Music lovers in Hattiesburg prefer vinyl records over CDs: Music lovers across the country are reminding us what’s old is new again. For the first time since 1987, vinyl records are outselling compact discs, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. The staff at T-Bones Records & Cafe in Hattiesburg aren’t surprised. The music store said record sales have been increasing every year since 2016, while CD sales are down 95% from their peak in 2000. They say music lovers are choosing sound quality over convenience. “Now, the listener wants (to) sort of a captive experience to it, so when they’re listening to it off of the record, they’re enjoying the environment it creates, as opposed to the convenience of what everyone hears through streaming or even through CDs for that matter,” said Mik Davis, record store manager at T-bone’s Records & Cafe. Davis said nearly 44 million records were sold last year. T-Bones will also welcome record buyers for the annual Record Store Day, which will be held on April 22
Glasgow, UK | Assai Records has opened a store in Glasgow: Glasgow is the store’s third Scottish branch. Assai Records has opened a store in Glasgow this week. The Scottish record store, owned by Keith Ingram, opened its first store in Dundee back in 2015 with an Edinburgh location quickly following in 2017. Assai has developed a reputation for its wide range of genres and in-store events such as live performances, signings and artist Q&As. The Glasgow location, based on Sauchiehall Street, is open Monday to Thursday from 10.30am to 5.30pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5.30pm. The store will host a listening party for Melanie Martinez’ new album Portals on March 23.
Salt Lake City, UT | Vinyl records outsell CDs for the first time since the ’80s: In the late ’90s and early 2000s, it looked like vinyl records were a thing of the past. 20 years later, that’s far from the truth. More vinyl records were sold than CDs in 2022 for the first time since 1987, according to a report by the Recording Industry Association of America. The news: After 16 consecutive years of growth, vinyl records now dominate the physical music industry, with 41 million albums sold, as compared to 33 million CDs. Vinyl grew 17% last year, rising up to $1.2 billion, while CD sales fell 18% to $483 million. Details: The majority of listeners are using streaming services to listen to music, with streaming making up 84% of recorded music revenue, the report said. However, other digital methods of listening to music — such as downloading songs to a device — have decreased significantly, falling 20% in 2022. The RIAA states that digital downloads only accounted for 3% of the United States’ recorded music revenue.
Isle of Weight, UK | Last chance for young musicians: Apply now to perform live at Ventnor Exchange on Record Store Day: Young musicians can apply for a coveted live performance slot at Ventnor Exchange on RSD 2023—but don’t miss the deadline. There are just a few days left for young musicians to apply for the opportunity to play live at Ventnor Exchange on Record Store Day (RSD) – 22nd April 2023. Megan Stisted from Brave Island explains, “On Record Store Day, Ventnor Exchange hosts a day of live music in their record shop and bar, and we’ve got a slot for a band/solo artist up for grabs. “The performances are usually in a stripped back style, so this wouldn’t suit a full band performance, however we welcome you to adapt your music to suit a daytime cafe/shop vibe.” What is Record Store Day? Record Store Day is an annual celebration of the culture around independent record stores. Megan continued, “Many artists put out limited edition releases especially for the event, so for many vinyl enthusiasts it’s an important day for the year. “Ventnor Exchange has been celebrating Record Store Day for eight years and this year was selected as one of just 12 stores in the country to be spotlighted.”
Bryan, TX | Vinyl records outsell CDs for the first time in three decades: Vinyl records have made a resurgence over the past few years but at the end of 2022 the once dominant medium reclaimed its crown. According to reports from National Public Radio and British Broadcasting Company, vinyl records have outsold CDs for the first time since 1987. Stores like Curious Collections Vinyl Records & More in Bryan saw the popularity of vinyl records growing and figured it was only a matter of time before it surpassed CDs in popularity. “To see it actually happening now with me working in the industry is really exciting,” said manager Hollye Rush. Vinyl records have had higher revenue sales than CDs for a number of years. 2022 was the first time in more than three decades that they sold more physical copies than CDs. Curious Collections owner Mary House really saw popularity grow during the pandemic in 2020. She thinks people can have more of a connection with vinyl records that they may not be able to get with music from a streaming service. “When you sit and listen to a vinyl record you actually feel like the artist is playing a personal concert for you in your living room,” said House.
