Music / records
How to support your local record shops
Record shops have always been a staple on the high street. You can stumble across several that are dotted all along Gloucester Road, or amble into St. Nick’s Market with glee in the hopes of finding that one album that you’ve always had your eye on.
On a more personal note, I’ve been collecting records for close to ten years. Making the trek from my native Swansea on Record Store Day, queuing for hours outside Rise on Park Street (remember Rise!) to try and bag any exclusive releases. Record shopping has always been an incredibly special thing to me, it’s visceral and conjures up all sorts of fuzzy feelings.
Here’s a rundown on how you can support your local record shop during these trying times. Granted you’re missing the thrill of sifting through the hip-hop section and finding a gem that you’ve been pining after. I can guarantee that the feeling of waiting for a record to arrive at your door will rival this.
is needed now More than ever
Centre For Better Grooves
Inside of the centre, better grooves guaranteed. Image supplied by Gordon Montgomery.
Tucked away at the back of Paul Roberts Hi-Fi on Gloucester Road, Centre For Better Grooves have a generous boasting of genres. Covering rock, reggae, Latin, jazz, soul and disco to name a few. They’re well worth a visit post lock down, their two for £5 bin is the perfect excuse to try something new.
You can support them by:
- Visiting their Discogs here: https://www.discogs.com/user/CFBGBristol
There will be a free local delivery within a 20 mile radius of the shop. For a full excel stock list, email centreforbettergrooves@gmail.com.
Longwell Records
The lovely lot at Longwell. Image by Phil Riley.
Located in Keynsham, Longwell Records have just celebrated their fourth birthday. Why not celebrate with them by showing some love.
You can support them by:
- Visiting their Discogs here: https://www.discogs.com/seller/longwellrecords2015/profile
- Visiting their website here: https://longwellrecords.com/
- As it’s their fourth birthday trading, Longwell Records have asked their customers to send pictures of themselves wearing a Longwell Records t-shirt. For every picture sent in, they will be donating £1 to Keynsham Foodbank.
Specialist Subject Records
Kay, Erica, Andrew and Rory all showcasing their fave releases of 2019. Image supplied by Specialist Subject Records.
Chances are, you’ve been to a gig at Exchange. Next time you’ve got a gig planned there I encourage you to head down in the daytime and take a peek at what Specialist Subject Records are doing. Located above the iconic venue, you can get your mitts on a selection of local releases along with some hidden gems.
You can support them by:
- Visiting their website here: https://shop.specialistsubjectrecords.co.uk/. Online orders are keeping them afloat, show some support and check out their extensive selection. Along with records they also stock merch and zines. Specialist Subject Records post orders every day Monday – Friday
- Buy a gift voucher here: https://shop.specialistsubjectrecords.co.uk/categories/gift-vouchers. If there’s a birthday coming up and you’re stuck on ideas, digital gift vouchers are a great alternative especially during these times. The vouchers can be used online or in store when they reopen.
- Watch their livestreamed shows here: https://www.instagram.com/specialistsubject/. Hosted every Tuesday, Specialist Subject will be livestreaming shows as part of their Distant Together programme. They’ve already hosted the likes of Bristol faves Dogeyed, Toodles & the Hectic Pity and Kate Stapley, along with names further afield such as AJJ, Jeff Rosenstock, Camp Cope and Mirah. For details on their next Distant Together show, visit: https://quarantunes.crd.co/
- Buy from their Bandcamp here: https://specialistsubject.bandcamp.com/. On May 1, Bandcamp are waiving the cut of their income. All the money from sales will go directly towards supporting Specialist Subject Records and their artists they release music by.
- Sell them any unwanted records and visit their Discogs here: https://www.discogs.com/seller/specialistsubject. If you’re self isolating now’s the chance to have a dig around and sort through what you want to get rid of! They offer cash or store credit in exchange for new (well, old) records.
- Stream on Spotify. If you’re strapped for cash, doing something as little as streaming can help. Share these songs with friends and introduce them to a new audience. Check out their free mini zine which covers the importance of streaming, here: https://shop.specialistsubjectrecords.co.uk/products/636314-a-guide-to-supporting-musicians-in-the-streaming-age
- Share / like / comment / follow. Be sure to show your love on social media, whether you enjoyed a livestreamed show, or bought a release from their website, or even words of encouragement can go a long way. Show your support online!
Idle Hands
The sleek interior of their store. Image supplied by Idle Hands.
Specialising in dance, garage and house, Idle Hands have been running for close to a decade.
You can support them by:
- Visiting their website here: www.idlehandsbristol.com. They are still shipping orders Monday – Friday. Free shipping for orders over £50. They are receiving new stock every week and you can keep updated with them via their social media.
- Visiting their Discogs here: www.discogs.com/seller/Idle_Hands_Bristol
Every little helps, even a follow on social media makes a difference. Show your love and support for independent businesses.
Main photo supplied by Specialist Subject Records
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