Welcome!
Record Shop Stories is a lovingly produced newsletter about independent record stores – the people who run them, the people who cherish them, and the stories that live behind the counter.
If you’ve wound up here, I’m guessing you’re a discerning vinyl lover who can think of nothing better than flicking through the racks of your local record shop. Chances are you can remember the places you bought most of your record collection, right?
This newsletter’s for you. Let’s hang out.
Why subscribe to Record Shop Stories?
In a world of transient streams and online orders, let’s celebrate the tangible thrill of finding THAT rare release on a Saturday afternoon’s record shopping. Let’s celebrate the culture of independent record stores – from the owners’ backstories to the look and feel of the shop, the kind of stuff you’ll find there, and the loyal customers that keep it going. Let’s soak up the spin-offs and the side hustles (club nights, coffee and pizza anyone?).
But most importantly, let’s love good music and the places that make it come alive.
Never miss a newsletter
Each weekend, I’ll send you a newsletter about cool independent record shops in the UK (and some further afield). I visit them, have a dig, chat with the owners and try to capture the experience of the shop in my words and photos. They all sell records, but each record shop has a different – usually pretty interesting – origin story. Plus you’ll pick up loads of record shop and vinyl recommendations along the way…
Midweek, I send a shorter ‘Mid-week must-watch’ newsletter, including a mind-blowing music video from YouTube. It’s a little something to get you through the work week.
Become a FREE SUBSCRIBER and enjoy:
The weekend ‘Record Shop Story’ newsletter, which is free to read when it’s first sent. I want every subscriber to enjoy our shared love of record shops, regardless of ability to pay.
The ‘Midweek must-watch’ newsletter (always free).
Being part of a community which shares your passion. Participate in the comments, and share your tips and finds!
Become a PAID SUBSCRIBER and enjoy:
Full access to the publication archives, including being able to read and discuss every paid post.
Bonus podcast content (ad-hoc – it’s early days but I’m working on this).
The warm, fuzzy feeling of supporting me to continue this project – it takes a lot of time and effort.
FOUNDING MEMBERS enjoy:
All of the above, plus a big shout-out in the newsletter every year upon renewal, and some other stuff I’m still figuring out. But if you like what I do, you’ll have my eternal gratitude…
Why am I writing Record Shop Stories?
Good question! Independent record shops have been a big part of my life since I was teenager. They’re my favourite places to while away a few hours on a free afternoon, whether in London where I live, or visiting somewhere else. Flicking through the racks and chatting to people in the shop is genuinely meditative, and such a great way to discover new music, away from the algorithm…
I’ve been a writer and editor for magazines and websites for 25 years, for some major UK brands. [I don’t have the luxury of fact-checkers or sub-editors on Record Shop Stories, but I’ll do my best to make sure it’s enjoyable to read, accurate and free of typos!]. Recently, I’ve been an associate editor on Eilon Paz’s second Dust and Grooves book (coming in October 2024), which is looking incredible!
I’ve wanted to write about the joy of record shops and musical discovery for too long, and have finally decided to take the plunge here on Substack. Maybe one day it’ll be a book…we’ll see. But you’ll have been in the club from the start, and I’m very grateful for your support.
Peace, love and music.
Rich
