Music / record store day
Interview: Iain Aitchison, Longwell Records
Record Store Day is back for 2019 and we got a behind the counter view from Iain Aitchison of Longwell Records, the Keynsham indie that has gone from strength to strength since we last checked in back in 2017. Here’s what he had to say:
It’s been a couple of years since we last spoke so what have been the highlights since 2017?
Wow, quite a few actually. We have had lots of great in-stores from the likes of Razorlight, The Alarm & Ethan Johns plus RSD 2019 & Jade Bird 21st April to come! We were also the runner up best small independent shop UK 2018!
Have there been any low points, or has it all been good?
Terrible summer of 2018! Too hot for buying records combined with the world cup & the worst traffic lights in Keynsham for yonks!
There have been some tasty instore appearances, what’s been a favourite?
Razorlight playing to 160 peeps in Keynsham was mint but my fav was Mike Peters from The Alarm: man he was such a gorgeous human interacting with everyone but to be fair so did Johnny Borrell…
As well as national acts, you’ve been supporting local musicians too, which acts would you recommend we investigate?
We had a mini festival back in December which featured Phoxjaw, The Allergies, Da Fuchaman & The Novatines: all local and awesome bands.
When we last chatted your stock was predominantly second hand, but you’ve got a lot more reissues and new releases now, how’s that working out?
Yes still a very high percentage is used vinyl but nowadays we stock quite a few new releases and some reissues! We actually sold at least 130 copies of IDLES latest album and the band are so kind supporting us on social media etc. I still believe used vinyl is the way forward but in the modern world every option has to be looked at in business.
is needed now More than ever
Speaking of the second-hand stock, had any good finds or discovered any buried treasure?
Wow, we just had the BEST ever punk / indie collection ever! A guy came in the shop asked if I was interested in buying his collection and sent me an email. I started reading the spreadsheet and started trembling! What a collection indeed…800 LPs 1,000 singles ALL in absolute stunning condition ranging from early punk up to Oasis first pressings. I paid a pretty penny for the collection but it has raised Longwell Records profile tenfold! Everyone benefited from that collection, we were so grateful to be the shop chosen to access it.
You stock CDs too, how do their sales compare with the vinyl, any noticeable trends?
CDs are def picking up and once again we bought an ex rough trade reps collection which was stunning.
You’ve also been selling out of your (rather cheeky) t-shirts, caps and hoodies – give us the background to your clothing homages?
Yes we have a very good range of tees and sweatshirts and to be honest lots of people who don’t buy music will buy our merch! Designed by a good friend with myself, we discuss a design then take the plunge. Nothing better than seeing your shop tee at a gig, which happens a lot.
After a year off, you’re involved with Record Store Day again, how’s the preparation been going?
This time we are far more prepared, we’re not buying in to please everyone as you can never do this but the pressure is still there. Although we have spent a lot of money on stock it’s all been discussed before with the team in the shop regarding what should sell etc. It’s all coming in now so see daily social media snaps!
Some folk will look at the queues outside record shops on RSD and then glance at the (sadly almost instant) eBay auctions during the day and presume it’s a great earner for the shops, is that the case?
Obviously eBay is a big factor in RSD but the main amount def goes back home with the happy customer. We have strict rules about how much you can purchase on the day.
How easy is it for a truly independent record shop to get access to the tastier releases for the event?
Yes it’s all good nowadays, I have absolutely stunning reps in the record distribution and they seem to love our positive vibes on social media in regard to releases.
Do you find you get a whole new clientele on the day, and do they end up becoming repeat customers?
Different customers every day which is fantastic and means our rep is getting out there! We are seen as a pretty cool independent shop in Keynsham but some still look down their noses at us which makes us laugh like ****. We have done so much as a small shop, it’s unreal.
Have you got your eye on anything for yourself on RSD or are you so preoccupied with the preparation you haven’t had chance to scope out the releases from a fan’s point of view?
I always love compilations and RSD 2019 has not let me down with Decca and mod soul snizzle, but I do crave the reggae releases in general.
Finally, give us a rundown of the day and the events planned?
We open from 8am until 6pm with Ethan Johns at 11am attempting a world record instore attempt, with Rosina Keri from Jelli records in the PM. Lots of great releases plus we will have 10 per cent off of the rest of the stock in the shop! Some freebies and who knows what else.
Record Store Day is on April 13 2019 at all your favourite record emporiums (Specialist Subject Records, Rough Trade, Radio On & Friendly Records).
All pix by Phil Riley
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