Category Archives: A morning mix of news for the vinyl inclined

UK | Record Store Day takes a turn for the better this year: It may only be February but Record Store Day fever has already taken hold with the announcement of this year’s releases available from independent record shops on Saturday April 12. When I was asked what the biggest possible release could be I had said a seven-inch single of Taylor Swift covering Chappell Roan’s Good Luck, Babe! Unsurprisingly that hasn’t happened, but Taylor will issue an exclusive seven-inch white vinyl of her Post Malone collaboration Fortnight, which is the first time that the Fortnight [BLOND:ISH Remix] will appear on vinyl. …As a founder member of Record Store Day in the UK I’ve not been a big fan of the way things have developed over the years and certainly record companies have been scraping the barrel looking for things to release for some years now, but this year’s list is a big improvement on previous years, though I’m afraid the cynic in me sees the involvement of many of the current artists as more to do with their career choices than supporting independent record shops.

Chicago, IL | Artifact Records Opens In Logan Square With Rare Vinyl, VHS And Cassette Tapes: The record store carries items largely pulled from owner Jonathan Rakstang’s personal collection, plus a listening station shoppers can use to preview vinyl before buying. Music lover Jonathan Rakstang considers each record in his collection to be an artifact — “a man-made object with cultural or historical significance.” “The music contained on every record tells a story that reflects the culture at any given time,” he said. That belief helped inspire the name of Rakstang’s new store, Artifact Records, which opens Saturday at 3423 W. Fullerton Ave. with hundreds of new, used and rare vinyl records, cassettes and VHS tapes. The shop features a listening station for customers to test out an album before purchasing and Bluetooth headphones for customers to enjoy music on a Hi-Fi audio system while they browse. About 60 percent of Artifact’s records are from Rakstang’s personal collection, which he’s been growing over the past 30 years.

Kildare, IE | Kildare business is ‘not just a record shop.’ This Naas record shop has a different approach to retail: Vinyl fanatic and store owner Rob Garvey opened The Record Rack on Main Street, Naas more than a year ago with the intention of making it both a shop and a social hub. The shop is one of the most unique and wonderful recent additions to Naas town, bringing together people of all ages who want to buy and sell records, often expanding into chats about vinyl and music in general. Rob wanted to create a laid-back and sociable atmosphere with The Record Rack, noticing that people tend to relax more in the store when they realise that he is “not going to jump on them to sell them something.” He said: “I like the idea of bringing people together. It’s not just a record shop, but also people come here and meet people and get chatting.” Rob believes that having public spaces such as The Record Rack is important for connecting the local community. “It creates more interest than it just being a shop.”

Washington, DC | Meet the magic of ‘Love and Vinyl’ right inside Byrdland Records: James J. Johnson and Rachel Manteuffel talk about acting in Bob Bartlet’s immersive ‘backstage pass into the love of records.’ As playwright Bob Bartlett’s Love and Vinyl makes its DC premiere, this play about finding love in a record store in a digital age will perform at a record store, Union Market’s Byrdland Records. It’s about best friends Bogie (James J. Johnson) and Zane (Carlos Saldaña, who also directs), who visit a local record store and meet the “magic” of store owner Sage (Rachel Manteuffel). DC Theater Arts caught up with Johnson and Manteuffel about the process, their relationships to record stores, and the community-building that comes with site-specific work. Manteuffel originated Sage in Love and Vinyl at KA-CHUNK! Records in Annapolis, Maryland; Johnson portrays Bogie for the first time.

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Norwich, UK | Fine City Sounds Norwich record shop closure anniversary: This day marks the third anniversary of the closure of the Fine City Sounds, a beloved record store in Norwich, after 30 years in business. The shop, located on Pottergate, had been a haven for music lovers with its vast collection of vinyl and CDs spanning multiple genres. Owner Mark Long, who had run the store for 18 years after taking over from Paul Fisher, cited rising costs and ill health as the reasons for the closure. “It has been absolutely fantastic, and I’ve met some amazing people and made some amazing memories,” Mr Long said at the time. “It is really sad we are having to close, but it came to a point where there was no other choice.” Due to health issues, Mr Long had been unable to work in the shop for the previous two years, with business partner Andrew Watson taking over.

Chicago, IL | Evergreen Park couple opens a heartfelt record haven on 95th: Jeff and Jessika Law have been together for 27 years. Music has brought them together and is what has kept their marriage going strong. “Music is everything,” Jeff, of Evergreen Park, said. “It doesn’t judge you. It picks you up and it pushes you. It’s truly your best friend.” Jeff, 54, is a native of Evergreen Park, who attended Northwest, Central and Evergreen Park Community High School. During his teenage years, he could be found at Beverly Records, adding to his growing vinyl collection. At 21, he decided to open his own record shop in Joliet. After that shop closed, he moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he again found his calling in music at a mom-and-pop record store. Little did he know this endeavor would lead him to meet his future wife.

Kochi, IN | This vinyl record place in Kochi is more about community building than business: JD’s Jukebox in Kochi’s Kaloor has thousands of long-playing vinyl records, collected from homes of people within the country and internationally. The idea is to bring people together. With only minutes left for closing time, Sujit Ponoth still entertains the last three people who rush in, drenched from the pouring rain, scrambling through the thousands of LP records (long playing vinyl records) he has placed on racks spread across the cosily set up space in the ground floor. This is home, he tells those who call it a store, for this collection of music is as personal as it can get for him. He does not even have a board hanging outside the house, located a few metres into the Ponoth Lane in Kochi’s Kaloor, for this is more a venture for community building than a business. He calls it JD’s Jukebox.

London, UK | The rise of listening bars in London: where to drink to the vinyl revival: Drinks expert Neil Ridley—also an audiophile and vinyl junkie—explores the growing trend for high-end listening bars in London and shares his favourite spots. As a life-long vinyl-lover, trapped in a world where the likes of Spotify and low attention-span streaming habits have transformed how we consume music forever, there’s no better moment for me than opening my record cabinet, taking out an album, carefully dusting it off and slowly placing it on my turntable. The anticipation as the arm moves into position followed by the gentle thud as the needle hits its groove has become a ritual for many a like-minded vinyl junkie: it’s an experience that requires patience and demands the listener to appreciate a body of work, rather than idly skipping through a few selected tracks, like an over-excited toddler.

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Record Store Day 2025 Lineup: Vinyl Exclusives From Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, Charli XCX, Post Malone, Wu Tang, John Lennon, ‘Wicked’ and Hundreds More: For vinyl aficionados, the rollout of the Record Store Day lineup each year, with 350-plus titles revealed all at once, can prompt a paralyzing case of information overload. There’s no hurry to absorb it all; the day in question is April 12, which leaves plenty of time to peruse the full list — which you can find here. But if you want a quick overview of what are bound to be some of the most covetable titles among the (mostly) vinyl exclusives, Variety is here to help. We’ve broken down some 2025 list highlights by categories, to give you a head start if classic rock, hip-hop, jazz, country or contemporary pop is your primary thing, even if it’s just scratching the surface of the whole list.

Coeur d’Alene, ID | Meet Major Tom, The Long Ear record store’s resident feisty feline: Amid the stacks at the Long Ear record store in Coeur d’Alene, you’ll find the usual fare: used Neil Young records, shiny new Taylor Swift releases, hundreds of CDs and plenty of groovy trinkets. But, if you’re lucky, sometimes you’ll be greeted by an adorable, furry face betwixt the vintage discs. That would be Major Tom, the Long Ear’s store cat. Named for a character in the opening line of David Bowie’s iconic song “Space Oddity,” Major Tom was rescued by longtime Long Ear employee Ben Schoelen just over a year ago. “We found him behind my house,” Schoelen says. “There are a lot of stray cats in my neighborhood up in Garwood. He was a kitten, teeny tiny, and we happened to become well-versed in cat trapping to give them to the local shelter.”

Dayton, OH | Dayton Record Fair 2025: We are excited to bring back the Dayton Record Fair to Eudora Brewing Company on Sunday, February 9th 2025! Come browse thousands of new & used records, CDs, tapes, and music memorabilia for sale from some of the best vendors in the midwest. Eudora Brewing Company and local record stores Skeleton Dust Records, Omega Music, Blind Rage Records, Catacomb Records, and Resignation Records are teaming up to co-sponsor the event and we’ll be giving out $20 gift cards to six lucky winners that attend the fair! Come ready to eat & drink as Eudora will be offering a full food menu from their kitchen, as well as their excellent selection of in-house brewed craft beers. Live all-vinyl DJs will be providing your shopping soundtrack for the day as well!

Kingston, UK | Music sales hit a 20-year high but what about CDs? It’s been the biggest year for music purchases since 2001 with market growth for streaming and vinyl. But CD sales have remained flat. The UK music market boasted a new record in 2024 – the nation’s most successful year in music consumption since the peak of CD sales in 2001, figures from the Digital Entertainment and Retail Association (ERA) show. While CDs continued to sell more than vinyl, a look the compact disc’s rapid decline over the years shows increased competition between the two physical formats. While vinyl sales grew by 10.5% to £196m, CD album revenue remained flat at £126.2m. …“Physical music is definitely coming back into fashion,” said Dan Burton, who works at local record shop Banquet Records. “People are not completely sacking off streaming, but realising I own my music, this is mine,” Burton added.

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New York, NY | 5 record stores near Washington Square Park for discovering new and old music: Replace doomscrolling and fall in love with physical media again by exploring these record stores near campus. With 2025 off to an unnerving start, it’s hard not to fall into an endless pit of doomscrolling. There is no time like the present to enter a time capsule — to travel back in time to when the state of the world didn’t feel like the brink of Armageddon. While we don’t yet have time capsules, a close second would be record stores, offering an escape into the universe of music. Whether you’re after chart-toppers or obscure deep cuts, these five stores near campus offer something for every listener—from vinyl and CDs to cassette tapes, each with its own unique charm and selection.

ME | Record Store Day creator Chris Brown leaving Bull Moose music chain: Brown, who helped create Record Store Day and is known for his music business insights, has been with the company for 31 years. Chris Brown, a fixture in Maine’s music scene and a founder of the national Record Store Day, is leaving the Bull Moose chain this week. Brown, 56, said Tuesday he’s leaving the Maine music and bookstore chain to start his own music marketing firm, Chris Brown 33. His last day at Bull Moose will be Friday. Though his title was vice president of finance, Brown was well-known for his insights into the music business, particularly when it came to new local music. …Brown said he’ll continue to make videos highlighting new releases—and promoting Record Store Day—on his own website. He’ll also work with musicians and record labels around the country to help promote their music.

Summit, NJ | One of N.J.’s best record stores is closing after almost 70 years: The end is approaching for one of New Jersey’s enduring record shops. Scotti’s Record Shops of Summit announced via social media Friday that it will be closing soon as the owners are headed into retirement. The record store is expected to close in the next few weeks although an exact date has yet to be announced, a store employee told NJ Advance Media. “Thank You for the many decades of friendship and support, I will miss seeing all the regulars and meeting all the new customers,” the post, signed by Gary Scotti and the entire Scotti family, read. “Special thanks to Susan and Nick and all of the previous employees.” The Union County record store is holding a retirement sale of 20% off all merchandise leading up to the closing. “Stay well and safe, keep the music playing,” the farewell post concluded.

Houston, UK | The List Cafe, Venue, And Vinyl Collective Opens In New Houston Space This Weekend: What began as a cafe has evolved into a multi-concept collective opening this weekend in Houston’s Second Ward. After closing its boutique coffee and vinyl shop in Montrose this past September, The List is on to a new chapter. This weekend, the cafe, event space, and radio show moves into its new digs: a two-story, multi-concept collective in Houston’s Second Ward with a coffee house, barbershop, record store, and more—all under one roof. …Founded by Brijan Turner, its new home at 201 Roberts St. will comprise of a barbershop, coffee shop, and vintage retail space on the first floor; with a record shop as well as the city’s first black-owned film lab on the second story. …“Ultimately, people don’t come to The List just for one thing. Whether you’re here for music, exploring literature, to dance, and discover local artists, or to just relax in a vibrant space while connecting with people—we want to offer something for everyone.”

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West Allis, WI | ‘I don’t see it slowing down’: West Allis record store says vinyl sales are better than ever, for all ages. The 67th Grammy Awards aired on CBS Sunday night, Feb. 2, shining a light on music’s hottest stars, like Kendrick Lamar, Chappell Roan, and so many more. The longtime awards show is a reminder each year that music can be a time capsule. A record store in West Allis provides a space for you to step into the time capsule. “It’s a little bit of everything, right?” CBS 58 reporter, Jenna Wells, asked Scott Heifetz, the owner of Record Head. “It is,” he said. “It’s a lot of everything.” Walking into Record Head is nearly overwhelming. Rows of vinyl records, new and old, line the store from front to back. “We have all the types of music that people would want…”

UK | Sam Fender Named Record Store Day UK 2025 Ambassador, Announces Exclusive Vinyl Release: The Brit Award-winning artist will celebrate RSD 2025 with a special six-track vinyl EP, ‘Me And The Dog.’ Sam Fender has been named the official ambassador for Record Store Day UK 2025, joining the ranks of Taylor Swift, Kate Bush, and Elton John in supporting independent record stores. The annual event, celebrating vinyl culture and independent music shops, will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with over 270 indie record stores across the UK participating. To mark the occasion, Fender will release an exclusive six-track vinyl EP, ‘Me And The Dog’, available only in physical stores on RSD 2025. The record will feature a mix of unreleased tracks, fan favorites, and songs never before pressed on vinyl.

Missoula, MT | Record stores keep Missoula grooving: In the era of music streaming, Missoulians continue to jam out to records. With the internet, virtually any song is just one tap away but, that has not paused Missoula’s thriving record scene. “This town is record rich for sure,” said Slant Street Records co-owner Collin Pruitt. “There’s a lot of people that are pretty passionate, not only about music but about physical media and records in particular.” In the age of streaming, Missoula’s music stores are still slinging plenty of records. Local sellers say listeners still connect with vinyl despite today’s virtual world. “We hear it from people all the time that walk in and say ‘oh my gosh, this place smells like records,’ and there’s some sort of attachment that records created that I don’t think a lot of the other formats did…”

Paris, FR | North of Paris, this futuristic record shop has 10,000 vinyl records in its bins. Yoyaku Record Shop is gradually becoming the reference for second-hand electronic music in Paris! Collectors and music lovers beware, today we’re heading for the 18th arrondissement to discover one of Paris’s coolest and most unusual shops. Considered one of the most cutting-edge record shops for electronic music, Yoyaku Record Shop is a work of art in itself. In these ultra-purely designed spaces, you’ll simply find a collection of over 10,000 second-hand records! Time to dig up some nuggets! Decidedly, after Dizonord and its success beyond the borders of France, the 18th district seems to be the undisputed and unavoidable den of good record shops in Paris. Yoyaku Record Shop is much more than just a record shop: it’s a veritable institution for electronic music fans.

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Summit, NJ | Final Spin: Scotti’s Record Shop Closing After Nearly 70 Years In Summit: Located at 351 Springfield Ave, Scotti’s has been a staple for music collectors since 1956, when Anthony Scotti established the Summit location. His son, Gary Scotti, later took over the business, continuing the family legacy. Known for its motto, “All Things Vinyl,” Scotti’s stocked everything from LPs, 45s, turntables, CDs, receivers, and speakers to rock T-shirts, books, posters, vintage memorabilia, and recycled vinyl crafts. On special occasions, customers could even enjoy live music performances inside the shop. On Friday, Jan. 31, Gary Scotti announced the closure in a heartfelt Facebook post: “Thank You for the many decades of Friendship and Support, I will miss seeing all the regulars and meeting all the new customers. Special thanks to Susan and Nick and all of the previous employees… Stay Well and Safe, keep the Music Playing.” The news left customers heartbroken.

Plano, TX | The Spin: Where Coffee And Vinyl Records Collide. A cozy blend of vinyl culture and caffeine vibes that feels like home. “We want people to feel like they’re coming into our home,” owner Chris Kraish tells me. It’s not your typical coffee and record store. The Spin, right on the Collin County border on Preston Road, catty-corner to the Shelton School, is a cozy, lived-in space where vinyl stacks and espresso shots have found a natural harmony. Kraish laughs. “It’s almost like the coffee and records just fell together here. We didn’t go in with a grand plan — it just grew organically.” Kraish’s father, Nassif Kraish, had sold his businesses, including a hookah lounge and an antique store. “I told my dad, ‘Don’t sell the records,’” he says, recalling their initial vision of setting up shop to unload their vast, valuable collection. “We’d talked about just renting a place and setting up like a pop-up — maybe throw in a drip coffee machine, sell a few $2 cups. No big deal.” But it quickly became more.

Malvern, UK | ‘Back street’ record shop named one of best in world: Chris Heard launched Carnival Records, selling new and used vinyl, in 2012—at a time when many record stores were closing as they struggled to compete against digital music and streaming services. But it was a gamble that paid off – with the shop having been named among the best in the world. The Financial Times listed the store in Malvern, Worcestershire, alongside counterparts in London, New York, Paris, Barcelona, Sydney, Copenhagen and Lisbon. Mr Heard put his success down to passion: “Records is our business, and it’s what we love.” The shop, found in an alleyway off Church Street, opposite Great Malvern Priory, sells a mix of new and second-hand records, as well as cassette tapes—which Mr Heard said “amazingly have become a thing again.” Mr Heard admitted it was a risky decision to launch a bricks-and-mortar store selling records in an age of online sales and digital entertainment. But he thinks his shop offers something people have missed.

UK | Go ‘Behind The Counter’ of UK’s best vinyl shops in new YouTube series celebrating Record Store Day 2025: The 18th edition of Record Store Day takes place on April 12. A select group of the UK’s vinyl shops are set to be profiled in a new YouTube series to celebrate Record Store Day 2025. Titled Behind The Counter, the 12-part series is premiering every Tuesday leading up to Record Store Day itself on April 12. Each episode will showcase the vibrant culture surrounding a different independent record shop. The series is made in partnership with the audio equipment brand Bowers & Wilkins, as well as Classic Album Sundays and Record Story Day UK itself. The first two episodes have already gone live, profiling London’s Dash The Henge and the Isle Of Man’s Sound Records. This is the sixth season of Behind The Counter, with the series having amassed over 2.5 million views to date in total.

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“It provides a break from digital life”: Vinyl is back and it’s all thanks to Gen Z. In a new survey 76% of Gen Z vinyl fans are buying at least once a month, with 80% now actually owning a turntable too… We’re certain that by now, the grim reality of making next to no money from your music has not only raised its head, but has probably eaten your lunch too. But there’s some unexpected good news ahead. Yes, Spotify pays pennies, and while gigging is still lucrative, the cost of getting any show on the road is now so prohibitively expensive for the majority of artists that they’re selling pictures of their bums instead. But put that camera down. All is not lost as there’s one aspect of music making that IS proving lucrative and we’ve got the ever-increasing number of Gen Z music fans to thank for it. You can thank the burgeoning trade in direct-to-fan sales of real, physical merch—with the increasingly popular (if perpetually inexplicable) desire to acquire vinyl-based recordings of their favourite artists leading the charge.

Halifax, NS | Vinyl record sales still climbing, says StatsCan: Vinyl fans say listening experience is more ‘ritualistic,’ ‘secure.’ Records and other physical media sales in Canada grew by 34 per cent from 2021 to 2023, according to data by Statistics Canada released last week. Tom Spence, owner of Renegade Records in Dartmouth, said he’s witnessed this trend in his shop. “We see entire families come,” he said. “As well as people who got rid of their collection in the ‘90s and now want to buy it back.” Vinyl sales made a comeback in 2021, when it became the largest sales category after streaming. In 2023, it was the only other growing category of music recordings, making up 13 per cent of all music sales in Canada. The cost of a new vinyl record ranges from $25 to $50. Used records can cost less, depending on their condition and whether they are collectors’ items.

UK | The Horrors announce UK record store tour in support of ‘Night Life’ album: The Horrors have announced a UK Record Store Tour for March, this follows the release of the anthemic new single ‘More Than Life,’ the fourth track to be taken from their forthcoming sixth studio album ‘Night Life’, out March 21st via Fiction Records. “‘More Than Life’ has a different type of intensity to our recent singles, it’s more driving and direct. It was written in the middle of Canary Wharf, which looks more like Blade Runner everyday. It’s such a strange place to do anything creative as the surroundings feel particularly stark.” explains the band. “We still needed a couple more songs for the album before going to LA to record at Yves’ studio, and we were in that insular part of the process where it feels like the outside world doesn’t exist. The song is basically about the question of what matters to you and by that point we were definitely clear on where we were heading.”

Cottonwood, AZ | Queen B Vinyl Café Kicks Off Concert Series: Queen B Vinyl Café, located in Old Town Cottonwood, kicks off an exciting February line-up with performances slated from Cavalera Third World Trilogy featuring Max and Igor Cavalera, Luicidal with Suicidal Tendencies alumni R.J. Herrara and Louiche Mayorga, and Los Angeles noise-punk act, CNTS. February also includes a free art exhibit by graphic illustrator and tattoo artist Erick Weir, as well as movie nights every Friday and Saturday that there isn’t a show. …Queen B Vinyl Café is an immersive destination blending music, wine, art, and food. As a record store, it features a curated selection of the latest releases across all genres, along with exclusive, limited-edition, and rare finds from Puscifer, A Perfect Circle, and TOOL.

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US | These five US record stores landed on an international list: Here’s where to find those LPs! You know you love vinyl—it sounds better than anything else, and it gives you the chance to examine large cover art and pore over info sheets inside. Before Spotify, this was how we hopefully found lyrics! And along with the beauty of LPs is the happy afternoon spent in a record store, moving through the albums in the bins. Flip, flip, flip. It’s not a lost art form, far from it. Recently, the Financial Times put together a list of the best record stores in the world, and we’re happy to tease out the five U.S. ones that landed on the list. Is it any surprise that four of them are in NYC and environs? Here we go!

Paris, FR | This major British daily cites four Parisian addresses in its list of the world’s best record shops. Find out which ones! The Financial Times has compiled the world’s best vinyl stores! Paris takes four (prestigious) places! The British media, the Financial Times, has just published its selection of the world’s best record shops. Alongside London, New York and Barcelona, Paris features four addresses in this international top! As a self-respecting digger, every one of your escapades is an excuse to scour the record bins of your holiday destination! Are you always on the lookout for the best places to find the best records, or for a record shop where you can discover the local scene and share your passion without looking at the clock? The renowned Financial Times and its editorial team have published their selection of the world’s most remarkable record shops! Some forty stores based in Stockholm, Sydney and London are listed, as are some in Paris. The capital even ranks four among the media’s favorite addresses.

Minneapolis, MN | Lucky Cat Records brings good fortune to iconic corner: When it comes to the evolution of Minnesota music, few intersections are as instrumental as 26th and Lyndale in south Minneapolis. …At Lucky Cat Records, vinyl heads can get their fix from the store’s new and vintage stacks of wax, but it is also a mini-museum for the local music scene. “With all the history here, it’s really big shoes to fill,” said owner Michele Swanson. Swanson opened the shop this past summer after learning the historic space was available, even though the retired Delta Airlines manager had never run a record store before. “It’s something I never planned on. There’s a pie in the sky sort of idea that came to fruition and it’s just been fantastic,” said Swanson.

Vancouver, CA | Riding the vinyl groove: 13 must-visit record stores in Metro Vancouver: Vancouver’s vinyl record stores are keeping physical music products viable in the digital streaming era. Here’s our list of must-visit stores. Worldwide, vinyl dominates today’s physical music purchases. Vinyl record sales rose in 2024, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with a reported 43.2 million EPs/LPs sold in the U.S. The increase continues a worldwide revival of the pre-digital technology that first surfaced after 2006, when the U.S. market reported an all-time low of less than a million units. It’s an upward trend that the Lower Mainland’s network of indie retailers play a key role in driving. At the aptly named Vinyl Records (44 Water St.) in Gastown, owner David Love Jones said there are obvious reasons why a technology from the analog 1940s keeps spinning along—and gaining new coverts while predicting CDs won’t ever make a similar return.

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Vinyl Records Market Set to Surge by $857.2 Million by 2029: Vinyl Records Market Set for Remarkable Growth: The vinyl records market is poised for a significant transformation, with projections indicating an impressive growth of USD 857.2 million from 2025 to 2029. This upward trend is largely driven by the renewed aesthetic appeal of vinyl records and the unique listening experience they provide. This article delves deep into the factors fueling this resurgence, the challenges manufacturers face, and insights into the evolving market landscape. The driving forces behind the market surge: A resurgence in popularity among music collectors and audiophiles is at the heart of this market evolution. Vinyl records have transcended their association with retro music, bridging a gap between generations. The analog sound quality that vinyl provides is unmatched by digital formats, offering listeners an immersive music experience.

Liverpool, UK | How tiny record store became the go-to place for singers and stars: Jacaranda Baltic is celebrating an incredible year of success. Record store and live entertainment venue Jacaranda Baltic is celebrating a year since opening. The small yet vibrant venue, located in the thriving Baltic Triangle community, is immensely proud of the work its achieved in bringing independent artists to the city. The Jacaranda is celebrated as one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic grassroots music venues – a reputation cemented by its place in music history as part of the The Beatles origin story. With a legacy spanning more than 60 years, the venue remains a cornerstone of the city’s music scene. In 2015, right at the beginning of the vinyl revival, the Jacaranda Records store opened on the first floor of the Seel Street venue, giving music fans another place to shop.

Hoboken, NJ | Teddy Swims Meets Fans, Signs Album At Hoboken Record Store: Teddy Swims almost made Hoboken lose control. The popular singer-songwriter hosted an album signing at Tunes Hoboken on Sunday, Jan. 26 to promote his new LP “I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2).” “Huge thanks to teddyswims, his team, and everybody who came out for the event yesterday,” the record store wrote on Instagram. “What a blast.” Fans said they enjoyed getting to meet the “Lose Control” singer. “So incredibly grateful for you guys and for the experience, thank you again,” one fan wrote. “It was awesome,” another fan wrote. “Thanks so much for the opportunity to meet the great Teddy Swims.”

Bellingham, WA | The vinyl revival: retro sound is here to stay: As digital music expands, vinyl’s nostalgic charm captivates new listeners and collectors alike. The needle drops and a subtle crackle emanates from the speakers, picking up speed and sound as a symphony comes to life. An earthy smell permeates the room and sunlight bounces off shelves upon shelves stocked with music. This is a record store, where the sensory delight of vinyl is as much a part of the allure as the albums themselves. Corey Wolden is a long-time Bellingham collector with 1,200 vinyl records in his collection. He likened the experience of owning unique copies of his favorite albums to owning a copy of a well-loved book with markings in the margins and dog-eared pages. “There are memories attached and especially with those records that I’ve owned for a long time and listened to a good amount, the experience is usually a combination of nostalgia and biographical reflection,” Wolden said.

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UK | Vinyl Alliance says Gen-Z is now the ‘driving force’ behind the format’s popularity: Generation Z is now the driving force behind vinyl’s current popularity, according to industry collective the Vinyl Alliance. The proportion of people listening to physical music (vinyl, cassette and CDs) is greatest amongst those aged 18 to 24, based on research by Key Production. A new report from the Vinyl Alliance has explored why Gen-Z is embracing the format – including integrating it into their digital lives. The survey of more than 2,500 vinyl fans worldwide found that over a quarter (76%) of Gen-Z vinyl fans buy records at least once a month, with eight in 10 (80%) owning a record player. With nearly 30% declaring themselves as a ‘die-hard collector,’ the report says Gen-Z vinyl fans are committed to regularly buying records and actively listening to them—rather than to keep just as collectible items.

New York, NY | Rough Trade to Open Second Record Store in New York’s Rockefeller Center: As if it weren’t surreal enough to have one outlet of the legendary indie record store Rough Trade in New York’s Rockefeller Center, right next to Radio City Music Hall, there soon will be two. “Rough Trade Below,” the new 4,000 square-foot space, opens this Spring and will be located on Rockefeller Center’s Rink Level, directly facing the Rockefeller Center/47-50 Street subway station. The space, which is significantly larger than the upstairs store, will offer more space for live-performance events and signings. Since the first Rockefeller Center store opened in 2021, after relocating from its former location in Brooklyn, it has hosted up-close, no-frills shows and signings with Green Day, Coldplay, Charli XCX, De La Soul and others.

Mt. Lebanon, PA | Local record store ‘unable’ to play music from artists that participated in Trump Inauguration: A tongue-in-cheek social media post from a local business is gaining attention. Needle & Bean in Mt. Lebanon posted on Instagram that they would no longer be carrying musicians like Carrie Underwood, The Village People, Kid Rock and other acts that performed at and at events surrounding the inauguration of Donald Trump last week. Michael Butala, owner of Needle & Bean tells KDKA Radio’s Colin Dunlap that his intention wasn’t to cause any division between the left and right or blue and red, it was a criticism of the new president. “It is about the elected official of the free world,” said Butala, implying Trump. “On the surface, I feel like America deserved a better representative to the rest of the world…”

Richmond, VA | Vinyl Conflict where Richmond music gets love: Richmond isn’t flashy. Its culture doesn’t scream for attention; it waits for you to find it. Vinyl Conflict is a record shop that doesn’t just sling albums but actively shapes the city’s music scene, funding releases, hosting shows, and putting Richmond’s artists on the map. Myles Black, a senior at VCU and local music fan, discovered that firsthand when he stepped into the shop. …While interning at MSQ Shop, Myles helped with a few videos for Nickelus F’s album MMCHT. When he saw that Nick and Vinyl Conflict were pressing the album on vinyl and hosting a release party, he knew he had to be there. “The album is fire,” he says plainly. At the party, Myles met Bobby Egger, the shop’s owner, and caught an impromptu performance by Nick himself. “As someone who has made music myself, I was so hype to see a local record store pressing a local artist. That moment stuck with me.”

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Regina, CA | ‘A luxury’: X-Ray Records set to close its doors after 38 years in Regina: Just minutes after opening, the front door barely closes as customers continuously shuffle into X-Ray Records. Old rock music fills the space while customers browse their favourite vinyls searching for their next find. But that won’t be the reality much longer as the team announced they would be closing on Feb. 28. “There’s not enough foot traffic downtown,” Noah Biegler, the owner of X-Ray Records said. “The costs of keeping the doors open are higher than ever. The cost of records has gone up—some companies by 60 to 75 percent.” X-Ray Records was established in 1987 (initially as a franchise of the Ontario-based Records on Wheels chain) by Manitoba-born music enthusiast and record collector David Kuzenko. In Regina, the store was first located in the Scarth Street Mall, but in 1998 the store went independent and was re-named X-Ray Records.

Springfield, OH | Game Cycle in Springfield turns 10: The arcade and store is popular among collectors. With a vast collection of retro games, films and records alongside a classic arcade, Game Cycle in Springfield is one of the most popular shops for collectors in the Southwest Ohio region. I visited this store recently to see if it lived up to its reputation. After walking past the gaming icons decorating the store’s exterior, I entered the shop and saw the place was filled with interesting items. Personally, I was most excited by a kiosk located near the front desk where guests could play GameCube games. This machine, while worn by decades of usage, bears a striking resemblance to kiosks found in various McDonald’s locations in the late ’90s and early ’00s. While I could not play the Spyro the Dragon game I distinctly remember trying at my local McDonald’s, I could play Super Smash Brothers Melee, which would probably be seen as an improvement to everyone aside from my inner child.

Rhinelander, WI | Crate Diggers brings vinyl nostalgia to the Northwoods: In the era of streaming services, one old musical medium is still attracting the attention of young people. Over the last several years, vinyl records have made a resurgence back into everywhere from big box stores to antique shops. Part of that resurgence can be found at “Crate Diggers Music & More” in Rhinelander. “The whole point of this place was to be a record store kind of like me and my record nerd buddies used to hangout in back in the nineties,” owner Tony Rio said. Rio isn’t just looking to bring the resurgence of vinyl records to the Northwoods. It’s about more, he said, and reflected on his favorite record store as a kid and how he wants Crate Diggers to be the same way. “It was a place where everybody’s always welcome and you can come in and look at stuff and just hangout if you want or buy or, you know…just a nice place to be,” Rio said.

Salisbury, UK | Cross Keys record shop transformed by Boiler Room Records: Boiler Room Records has transformed its Salisbury store, located in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre on the Market Place, introducing an additional 3,500 pre-owned collectible LPs to create a premium destination for vinyl collectors. The store now boasts an unparalleled selection, catering to diverse musical tastes and collectors of all levels. Open seven days a week, the shop welcomes visitors with knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly staff, and both Cross Keys and the shop are fully accessible. …The improvements don’t stop here! Over the next two weeks, additional upgrades to the store layout and branding will further enhance the customer experience. Boiler Room Records remains committed to its core mission: offering an inclusive environment and an incredible array of new LPs alongside our collectible selection.

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Little Rock, AR | End of an era for Ugly Mike’s Records in Little Rock: After decades of being in the business, a beloved business in Little Rock is set to close its doors this summer. Here’s what the owner says he has planned next. A well-known and beloved Little Rock staple is set to close its doors this summer. Ugly Mike’s Record shop was known for selling the latest hits and classics but also offered a place of peace for many in the community. Now, the owner has planned to retire in the coming months. “I’m at the end of my life cycle, it’s time for me to stop and enjoy some of the life out there,” Ugly Mike said. …”I don’t know who would want to buy into the record business right now, the over-the-counter music business is gone. You know, everything now is on your phone and Spotify and those places. The over-the-counter music business is tough now,” Ugly Mike said. Mike said that his most precious memories are meeting people. He has always loved his customers.

New York, NY | Rough Trade to expand New York store as music fans seek ‘experiences’, owner says: British record store chain to triple size of Rockefeller Center location with 300-capacity room featuring built-in stage. A mosh pit may seem out of place in Rockefeller Center, better known for its Christmas tree, rinks and hoards of tourists. But a British record store chain wants to change that. Rough Trade is tripling the size of its site at the major shopping center this spring, expanding its downstairs to create space for more vinyl, merchandise and events with artists. Like its stores in the UK, Rough Trade typically teams up with artists around the release of a new album, hosting small concerts for those who purchase an LP from the store. The expanded New York store will take over a space that was once a chain stationery store. The site will include a built-in stage, and enough room to accommodate 300 people – more than three times the number who can fit in the current store.

CA | Music News Digest: Big Wreck Named 2025 Record Store Day Canada Ambassadors: Big Wreck have been named 2025 Record Store Day Canada ambassadors. The Canadian rock band will also be releasing their 2012 album Albatross on vinyl for the first time in deluxe 2xLP limited-edition featuring live and unreleased music as a Record Store Day exclusive. The album was certified Gold and was their biggest hit since In Loving Memory Of… in 1997 and its big shiny rock radio staple “That Song.” The title track of Albatross has also gone Platinum. “It’s a great honour for Big Wreck to be Record Store Day Ambassadors,” says Big Wreck leader Ian Thornley. “We grew up going to record stores and building our vinyl collections and it means a lot to us to continue the tradition. It’s especially exciting to be putting Albatross out into the world for the first time on vinyl. That record holds a special place.”

Washington, DC | See A Play in A Record Store: This Valentine’s Day, why not set a new sort of record? See an intimate performance at your local record shop, when romantic comedy Love and Vinyl opens at Byrdland Records (1264 Fifth St. NE). The author of Love and Vinyl is Maryland-based playwright and long-time professor of theatre at Bowie State University, Bob Bartlett. He is no stranger to staging his work in unusual locations. A few years ago, Bartlett premiered his time-bending comedy, The Accident Bear, which sold out its five-week run to critical acclaim, at a working coin-operated laundromat in historic downtown Annapolis, Maryland. He staged Lýkos Ánthrōpo at Historic Congressional Cemetery last year. Bartlett wrote Love and Vinyl on a dare from colleagues who challenged him to write a comedy about vinyl lovers who had sword off romance. Like himself. In the play, best friends Bogie and Zane visit their local record store, but “leave with more than a stack of vinyl…”

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Escondido, CA | Escondido welcomes new record store to historic downtown: A passion for vintage vinyl and a community’s enthusiasm for physical media has sparked the opening of Escondido’s first record store in roughly 15 years, smack dab in historic downtown. Track City Records, which debuted in early December, aims to reignite a local appreciation for records and other physical music formats while creating a gathering space for music lovers. The shop, located at 105 W. Grand Avenue, occupies a space that once housed a photography studio and, before that, a wig shop. Owners Bel Dacumos and Aubrey Espiritu, both Escondido residents, transformed the site into a haven for vinyl enthusiasts. The journey to opening the store began as an effort to purge their individual record collections through pop-up sales. “We wanted to declutter and let go of some of our records,” Dacumos said.

Kingston, UK | Kingston’s Banquet Records among 18 UK record stores crowned ‘the greatest in the world.’ The Financial Times has curated a list of 38 record stores worldwide crowned as the “greatest in the world”, 18 of which are in the UK. Among the 18 in the FT’s list is our very own Banquet Records. But why did Banquet Records make the list? The FT says: “Come for the comprehensive edit of contemporary indie, rock and dance records – stay for the 200 gigs a year the shop puts on, whether in its intimate onsite space, the Pryzm nightclub around the corner or St John’s Church on the outskirts of town. Tickets are not expensive and sometimes free when you buy an album. “While many record stores rightly cherish the past, Banquet feels like it’s got its eye on the future.” Speaking about the store’s recognition in the Financial Times, Banquet Records’ Jon Tolley told KIngston Nub: “It’s great to get such recognition.”

Los Angeles, CA | LA’s dublab and In Sheep’s Clothing announce record sale to benefit wildfire relief: Los Angeles radio station dub lab and hi-fi hub In Sheep’s Clothing have announced a benefit record sale to support wildfire relief efforts. Set to take place at Sound & Vision at The Row DTLA on February 2nd, the community fundraiser and market will feature donated vinyl, audio gear, music books, tapes, CDs, collectibles and more. Select dublab residents will DJ, local café Senses will provide coffee, and Remember This Feeling will offer massage therapy. The event runs from 11 AM through 4 PM—all proceeds will go directly to musicians impacted by the wildfires. Ahead of the sale, dublab is still seeking donations for their inventory. Those interested in donating should fill out this form—they may also drop off or ship donations to dublab’s studio at 1035 W 24th St. through January 29th.

Hexham, UK | Snap Records store, Hexham supports Blue Spirit charity: The proceeds of a vinyl collection were donated to charity. Blue Spirit is a charity established in Hexham that helps young people experiencing mental health challenges, or facing social or economic disadvantage, to experience the freedom of sailing. It was established in memory of Laury Gratiet, who died of a mental illness at 21 years of age. Andy Lees, Laury’s uncle, sold approximately 60 records and a turntable to Snap Records in the town centre and donated the proceeds of £550 to Blue Spirit. Solen said: “This amount is a significant contribution to Blue Spirit and it will allow one young person to go on a five-day group sailing voyage from North Shields or Hartlepool, or will allow 16 young people a half-day dinghy sailing session on the Derwent Reservoir. “These experiences are potentially life-changing, and at the very least give young people the chance to do something that would normally be out of their reach and that will enhance their mental well-being.”

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London, UK | Seven London record stores have been named the ‘greatest in the world.’ Bursting with thousands of records, these are the best spots to bulk out your vinyl collection. Writers at the Financial Times recently published an impressive list of the top record stores on the entire planet – and in great news for London’s audiophile community, several stores in the capital made it into the mix. The FT’s list spanned some of the world’s biggest music cities, from New York and Paris to Sydney. Several places in the UK, including Leeds, Edinburgh and Stroud, also made the cut – in other words, London’s record shops were in very good company. So, which shops featured?

Edinburgh, UK | We visited the Edinburgh record store named in list of ‘best in the world.’ After The Financial Times named a Bruntsfield record store among the best in the world, we headed over to see what all the fuss was about and spoke to owner Mark Thorne who told us the secret to his success. An Edinburgh record store has been named among the best in the world, and we nipped over to Bruntsfield to see what all the fuss was about. Thorne Records was crowned by The Financial Times alongside 37 other record stores across the globe that are ‘go to venues for a vinyl fix’. Mark Thorne, who opened the store back in 2022, feels the key to his success comes from keeping sales in store and forming bonds with the community. We paid a visit to the store on a dour afternoon, that was immediately brightened by the chipper and welcoming yellow walls of Thorne. Mark was happy to take some time to have a chat, something that clearly keeps locals coming back.

Bayonne, NJ | Bayonne is Finally Getting a Record Store: 14a Records to Open 1/24. Although The Hoboken Girl typically focuses its coverage solely on Hoboken + Jersey City, the HG team is shining on spotlight on Bayonne today, as this nearby city is welcoming its first record store in years. 14a Records, which will sell new + vintage records, tapes, CDs, and rare imported vinyl, will be a one-stop shop for all things music. This spot will officially open on Friday, January 24th at 952 Broadway in Bayonne. 14a Records (formerly known as Disco De Facto) is a record business owned by Bayonne resident Robert Henry. Robert, who has over 20 years of record buying experience, according to the store’s website, shared via Instagram that he plans to open a brick-and-mortar shop at 952 Broadway. 14a Records, which will be Bayonne’s first record store to come to the city in years, will soft open on January 24th, 2025.

US | Post Malone named Record Store Day 2025 ambassador: Post Malone doesn’t need any help to be the official Record Store Day 2025 ambassador. In his new role, the rapper-turned-pop star-turned-country star will be encouraging folks to shop in their local independent record stores on April 12. “What an honor,” says Posty in a statement. “Record Store Day is so important, and I really hope to do my part to keep it alive.” “We love hitting local shops when we’re on the road, seeing all the crazy artwork … the whole energy in a record store is just super inspiring,” he continues. “I feel at home. It’s really an unexplainable feeling to hit up a shop and dig through crates, just see what grabs your eye. You can be looking for something super specific and end up finding something totally different. It’s the best.”

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Rapid City, ND | The Growing Appeal of Vinyl Records in 2025: Listening to music is easier than ever, being able to stream from your phone. Yet vinyl sales hit 23 million units sold in 2024 according to Billboard. Listening to music is easier than ever, being able to stream from your phone. Yet vinyl sales hit 23 million units sold in 2024 according to Billboard. Although digital media dominates the music space, physical media still has a place for some people. Some people prefer reading a good old-fashioned book over using a Kindle. The experience at black hills vinyl is similar. People who want to own physical music have a place to find new vinyl records to add to their collection. Michael Calabrese the co-owner of Black Hills Vinyl said, “I think really what it boils down to is being able to actually own something, to have something in your hand, to open it up and hold it and look at the artwork, and really the time invested in the music. And really, whether it’s vinyl or those other formats, those offer something just above and beyond what streaming does. Kind of the difference between like a home-cooked meal and fast food.”

Liverpool, UK | Liverpool record shop the oldest of its kind in England: A Liverpool family-run shop has become the oldest independent record store in England. The Musical Box in Tuebrook has been run by four generations of the same family since it was opened in 1947. The shop first sold toys and LPs to customers before becoming a much-loved record shop. Grandmother Diane Cain has been associated with the shop for its entire 77 year history. The shop was originally owned by Diane’s uncle Jack Lewis, and later by her mother, Dorothy. Today, the business is run by Diane’s son Tony Quinn and his wife Paula, with her grandsons also helping and running the social media accounts. Paula says the family are delighted that their independent record shop is the oldest in the country. “We were aware that we were Liverpool’s oldest record shop, but with so many customers constantly saying we must be the oldest in the country, we decided to enquire. “We thought it would be fitting for Diane, who is second generation, to be able to know, with her being 87 year sold. Our customers are so happy for us, to know their local record shop is the oldest.

Budapest, HU | Hungarian record store proudly makes it to world rankings: A Hungarian record store has achieved notable recognition by being included in the Financial Times world rankings. Kalóz Records, based in Budapest, has earned a spot on the prestigious list, joining renowned stores in New York, London, and Stockholm. The Financial Times praises the Budapest shop in a brief review, describing it as small but a place where visitors can spend hours browsing. The store offers a diverse range of music, including Hungarian progressive music, techno, classic Indian raga and a unique selection of records from behind the old Iron Curtain. While there are no dedicated turntables for listening, the staff will gladly play a record of your choice upon request. Kalóz Records expressed their delight on Instagram: “The Financial Times, a prestigious music magazine, has published a list of the best record shops in the world, and we’re in it…”

Los Angeles, CA | Album donation drive: Help this record shop help fire evacuees find their music: Record Safari in Los Angeles is accepting vinyl donations, both “new and used”; find how to contribute. A favorite song, a beloved musician, our go-to group, the album we’d take to a desert island: The beautiful ballads and rocking anthems of our lives have bolstered us when we required bolstering and provided some solace when a sense of peace was desperately needed. Alex Rodriguez, the owner of the music shop Record Safari, wanted to help the people who’ve lost their homes and the album collections they held dear. Soon after the fires started, Mr. Rodriguez sent the call out to shop fans and music lovers across Southern California and beyond: Any record donations, “new and used,” would be accepted at the Los Feliz Boulevard shop. These could be “records you haven’t listened to in awhile” or records created by your label or your band, if you work in the music business. Or even a favorite disc that you want to pass along to someone who could find inspiration and hope in the songs you love best.

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