Caversham, UK | Pop Classics launches brick-and-mortar store in Caversham’s Church Street: A new record store is set to open in Caversham on Thursday, September 7, as an online music merchant is set to launch its first bricks-and-mortar branch. Vinyl vendor and merchant of musical memorabilia Pop Classics has announced that it is set to open in Church Street, Caversham. A post to social media in May said: “After 20 years of selling vinyl records and pop memorabilia online, we have decided it is time to take the plunge.” Now the store is set to open its doors to customers, including a launch day offer for its first batch of eager customers. Pop Classics has been based in Reading during its two decades of collection and selling of records, trading online. …“We had an international clientele prior to Brexit and many international problems since; afterward it shrunk to a much more domestic market. “So while we’re still doing our online sales, it seemed crazy to sell to so many people in Reading and not have a point of sale locally.”
Portland, OR | Portland’s Coolest New Record Shop Is Also a Cultural Hub: Beacon Sound, Musique Plastique, Super Electric, Lost Avenue, et al—the signage is going to be intense. Andrew Neerman had just moved his Beacon Sound record store and label HQ from one space to another when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived and significantly complicated running a retail operation. Almost immediately, Neerman shuttered the shop, even before the state of Oregon mandated the closure of many retail businesses. When he talks about it now, it’s clear that, while the timing may not have been ideal, the whole situation came as something of a relief. “I was burning out on retail already, and I was actually planning on selling the retail portion of Beacon Sound… and moving toward being a community space and show space,” Neerman said. “Luckily, I had not. So I just shut down and went full label.”
Ithaca, NY | Angry Mom Records: A Decade of Musical Diversity, Affordable Vinyl In Ithaca: Since its opening in 2009, Angry Mom Records has remained a sanctuary for Ithaca’s music enthusiasts, offering a wide range of alternative music and budget-friendly albums. Originally located in the basement of Autumn Leaves Used Books, the store moved to the upper floor of the bookstore in December 2022 for additional space. The record shop prides itself on its diverse offerings, including rock, punk, indie, soul, R&B, country, international, reggae, psychedelic, folk, electronic, metal and oddities. According to George Johann, the owner of Angry Mom Records, their inventory extends beyond the boundaries of alternative music. “We sell everything. I grew up as a punk rock kid in the 80s. That’s my first love. Then record collecting sent [me] down all sorts of crazy paths [such as] psychedelic music, old soul, R&B, reggae, jazz,” Johann said.
Washington, DC | DC record shop embraces old-school sound of vinyl: In an era dominated by digital streaming and instant gratification, running a vinyl record shop presents distinct rewards and challenges. For Charvis Campbell, who owns HR Records in D.C., it is all about passion. “In a lot of ways, for us, this is about us celebrating music and celebrating what we love,” Campbell said. HR Records (which stands for Home Rule Records) is on Kennedy Street in Northwest. Campbell has been at that location for about five years now. “There have been some collectors who have appreciated the sound of the vinyl and the experience that vinyl has,” Campbell said. “We have some loyal customers who I feel like come in almost every day, and that’s a wonderful thing.” …“I joke with people and say that you’re never going to get fat playing records,” said Campbell. “You have to get off your butt to flip the record eventually, especially if you’re trying to drop it and find a particular song.”
Richmond, VA | Expanding Sounds: Downtown record store Vinyl Conflict to commemorate 15 years with a show at the Broadberry. Vinyl Conflict has seen its share of pivotal moments. Another is right around the corner. The Richmond record store and pillar of the local punk and hardcore communities will mark 15 years stocking, supporting and selling with an anniversary concert at the Broadberry on Saturday, Sept. 16. That night, Vinyl Conflict owner Bobby Egger will break new ground when it comes to the scale of the shows he’s staged. “This is the biggest show I’ve ever booked,” Egger says. “While I’m nervous, I’m also excited, and I feel confident in it.” Hank Wood and the Hammerheads, Home Front, Chain Cult and other groups will perform as part of a bill that typifies Egger’s longstanding support for sub-genre and complementary appreciation for genre variety.
Glasgow, UK | A freshers guide to Glasgow’s record stores: To the person who has been holed up in their bedroom for the last 10 years, listening to Krautrock B-sides, awaiting the day that they can escape to a place where everyone will finally appreciate their eccentric tastes, every bar will play deep-cuts on the vintage radio in the corner, and every record shop will have maybe just one copy of Madvillainy. Well, if you’re moving to Glasgow this September, you’ve found it. Glasgow, as a global cultural hotspot, is an extremely welcoming place for the musically obsessed, and more importantly the vinyl obsessed. A study of vinyl collecting habits by the Royal Mint has declared Glasgow the UK’s vinyl collecting capital, with 32% of the UK’s vinyl collectors living in the city. This article is dedicated to the incredible selection of record stores which make Glasgow a vinyl collectors’ paradise.
Los Angeles, CA | The Roxy holding inaugural Sunset & Vinyl record fair: The famed Sunset Strip club is celebrating its 50th anniversary: The Roxy has continued to find new ways to celebrate their 50th anniversary this month, announcing the first Sunset & Vinyl Market record fair on September 17th and the addition of even more new shows to their illustrious fall lineup. Sunset & Vinyl Market will be open to the public adjacent to The Roxy at 9009 Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood from 8 am until 1 pm, featuring iconic West Hollywood vendors like the Rainbow Bar & Grill and Holey Grail donuts and coffee; alongside booths from Los Angeles vinyl leaders like Record Safari, Deadly Wax, Boogie Maru Sounds, AudioPhileUSA, Shattered Music, Galaxy Music, Str33trecords, and many more. Exclusive and limited edition merchandise for The Roxy’s 50th anniversary will also be available, curated by Oscar Adler and featuring the club’s classic “Rockin’ R” logo.
Haarlem, NL | Haarlem Vinyl Festival: Organising the world’s first city-wide vinyl festival: Haarlem Vinyl Festival runs from September 29 to October 1. This September, for the first time, “the world’s first-ever city-wide vinyl festival” will take over Haarlem, Holland. With a programme including a multi-day vinyl fair, talks from the likes of Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy and Coco Maria, live acts, listening sessions and exhibitions, the inaugural Haarlem Vinyl Festival is set to be a paradise for vinyl lovers all levels. We caught up with Haarlem Vinyl Festival board member Anouk Rijnders (Record Industry) to find out more about the birth of the festival and the event to come. “…Vinyl has always been quite an important thing in Haarlem because we’ve got quite a lot of history. Richard came up with the idea of organising a vinyl festival and then approached some people. He came to me and asked if Record Industry wanted to participate in the festival and we were very enthusiastic about it and said yes immediately.”
Peckham, UK | Peckham Record Fair returns to Peckham’s Copeland Park on Sunday 1st October 2023: Peckham Record Fair Returns to Unit 8, Copeland Park for a ‘Day of Vinyl Delights,’ offering popular and rare records. The event offers a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, where like-minded individuals can connect, exchange stories, and delve into the rich tapestry of the music world. The sound system will be carefully curated to enhance the experience, providing the perfect backdrop as you navigate through the crates of vinyl gems. Peckham Record Fair is not only a haven for music enthusiasts but also a gateway to Peckham’s vibrant culinary scene. Conveniently located next to a plethora of new local restaurants, food vendors, cafes, and bars, visitors can take a break from browsing, refuel with delectable bites, and then dive right back into the world of vinyl delights. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the music, savor the flavors, and create an unforgettable Sunday experience.
