Philadelphia, PA | Explore The Best Record Stores in Philadelphia: A Music Lover’s Guide: The city of Philadelphia is renowned for its music scene, from legendary musicians to contemporary artists. It is no surprise that the city also boasts a wide range of record stores to explore. With the resurgence in vinyl culture, Philadelphia has plenty of standout record stores for music lovers to find and explore. This article will explore the best record stores in Philadelphia, from vintage vinyl to latest releases. What Types Of Music Can Be Found In Philadelphia’s Best Record Stores? Philadelphia’s record stores offer a diverse selection of music, from classic rock, jazz, and soul to hip-hop, blues, and alternative rock. There are also specialty stores that focus on select genres, such as funk, disco, and punk.
Charlotte, NC | Your guide to finding the best new and used vinyl record shops in the Charlotte area. Records are making a comeback in Charlotte, as more people nationwide are collecting records and engaging in the retro hobby. The trend that started in the mid-1900s never quite went away, although it’s had ups and downs. According to a 2022 Music Industry Revenue Report, vinyl records revenue grew 17% to $1.2 billion, making 2022 its 16th consecutive year of growth. Releases include every genre of music that this planet has ever heard of. You’ll find famous rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Queen right along with talented hip-hop artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre, so there is something for everyone. Check out these independent record spots in Charlotte to find what you’re looking for. (Sorry, not sorry, Amazon).
Baltimore, MD | Baltimore record store hosts Young Thug album release party: Rapper Jeffery Williams, commonly known as “Young Thug,” from Atlanta, organized thirteen album release parties for his new album Business is Business with one of those gatherings at the renowned Baltimore record store The Sound Garden on June 29. The Sound Garden was formed in 1993 by Bryan Burkert in the heart of Baltimore and was ranked the number two record store in the nation by RollingStone. Bryan said he was ecstatic to host the event supporting the rapper, who was recently indicted on RICO charges. “Even though we host many events in the shop, this one was unique because Young Thug and his label contacted us to arrange it. It was enjoyable to host since it engaged the neighborhood and demonstrated support for the artist.”
Paris, FR | New record shop HARK opens in Paris: The shop’s launch party featured an Ed Banger Records showcase. Paris has a new record shop. Located in the 11th arrondissement, HARK aims to stock a combination of second-hand and new records, covering all genres. It will also prioritise local artists, and its launch party last month featured an Ed Banger Records showcase. Located on the same block, a second HARK store is a hifi repair workshop. …”We’re all sincere and invested music lovers.” Chen told Resident Advisor that she hopes HARK can be a space where the local scene thrives. “We’d love to eventually create a one stop shop for musicians, music lovers and young music-curious people alike,” she said. “The collective experience and transmission are the two big things that we feel are missing from digital/streaming offerings, making it harder and harder to produce a new common generational sound and vocabulary.”
Brighton, UK | It was ‘Rain Before Seven’ as Penguin Cafe play Brighton record shop: …On Sunday, Arthur Jeffes and two extra members of the Penguin Cafe (Andy Waterworth on double bass and Avvon Chambers on percussion), performed the second of two in-store performances, the first being at London’s Rough Trade East on Thursday. After enjoying many fruitful discussions about PCO, Kraftwerk and jazz with a gentleman in front of me in the queue, I eventually made my way into Brighton’s Resident Music (one of my favourite record shops, full stop), and placed myself as far into the front as I could, right in front of Avvon’s percussion kit, which was awash with cymbals and perfectly-placed drums. Before long, Arthur welcomed himself to the audience: “We are the Penguin Cafe rhythm section today… we’re going to play the vast majority of the new album for you.”
How one Iranian-American teen’s bootleg mixtape circuit ‘allowed us to mainline Western entertainment once again.’ In ‘The Life, Death, and Afterlife of the Record Store: A Global History,’ one Tehran-raised superfan reflects on how she kept her passion alive after the Islamic Revolution caused her neighborhood cassette shop to be shut down. Veteran music journalist and educator Lily Moayeri grew up at the cultural intersection of her birthplace, Washington, D.C., and her parents’ home country, Iran. The daughter of a diplomat, she’d spent her childhood living in various cities around the globe, and in her travels had become hooked on Western pop. But during a two-year return to Iran between her father’s assignments abroad, the Islamic Revolution broke out in 1979. This resulted in the banning of all music deemed Western or un-Islamic throughout Iran, and it became impossible for the budding music obsessive to get her hands on albums by her favorite groups. Most music stores, including the cassette shop across the street from the Moayeri family home in Tehran, had been shut down.
Atlanta, GA | The Atlanta Record & CD Show at the IAMAW Union Hall: One of the largest and longest running record conventions in the Southeast so please come and check it out! More LPs, 45s, CDs, DVDs, posters, t-shirts, and other collectibles than you can imagine under one musical roof! Vinyl has been making a big comeback the last few years and the hobby of collecting music continues to grow. “Vendors and vinyl collectors from across the South will all be attending the next Atlanta Record & CD show on JULY 16, 2023 (Sunday) at the IAMAW Union Hall – 1032 S. Marietta Pkwy, Marietta, Ga. A local institution for over 34 years, this event is the largest of its kind in the Southeast with (over 100 tables) loaded with records, CDs, DVDs and lots more for the music lover. All types of music can be found here in the Atlanta area’s best one day record store! Admission is only ($4). *Early Entry begins at 8:30am = $10
Petaluma, CA | Pair Wine and Vinyl at Pop-Up Record Sale in Petaluma: Avinage wine shop and Rain Dog Records will host an all-day event with thousands of used LPs for sale and live tunes from a DJ. Wine and vinyl make a fantastic pairing; just ask Damien Carney, the owner of Avinage wine shop. On Sunday, July 30, Carney is teaming up with Petaluma’s Rain Dog Records for VINYL, a pop-up record sale at his downtown Petaluma wine shop. Offering thousands of used LPs for sale, the event will also feature North Bay record vendors RadioThrift, Think Records, Spinning Threads, and Half Tone Sound. The all-day vinyl fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Avinage’s mezzanine level. A live DJ will spin records throughout the day as attendees comb through the music offerings. For Carney, the event is a chance to utilize the store’s upstairs space in a fun and interesting way while bringing new people into the shop. He’s also a bit of a record fanatic.
Reno, NV | Rock Flea Market To Make Reno Debut As Part Of Artown: The Punk Rock Flea Market, a two-day festival that has been held in Sparks for the last five years, will make its inaugural debut in Reno this year. It is happening Saturday and Sunday, July 16th and 17th at Great Basin Brewing on Rock Boulevard and will feature 14 bands, more than 100 local vendors, food trucks, kids crafts and a car smash, according to a press release. The event will feature a circus theme with a carnival midway, circus performers, mermaids, aerialists, clowns and face painters. It is an official Artown event for 2023. In a mission statement on its website, the Reno-based non-profit says it is dedicated to supporting the arts and music scene in Nevada through hosting public events like the flea market.
