Behind The Counter

“I think that’s the thing about record shops that people don’t realise, we’re part of the local music scene. We sell records to people who spend money, every week, on music.” Al, 81 Renshaw.

“I think in this community a record shop’s really important because it enables people to come together, share music and turn each other onto music… to form those relationships that lead to the creative hub.” Tom Berry, Sound Records.

"The record shop has got a certain mystique about it. It's difficult to put into words. It's kind of, yeah, a certain magic about it and I think that's why every record shop’s different as well." Steve Sexton, Sister Ray.

"I think the social aspect of it, you'll never find that again, meeting the musicians and people that come along here, I think it's amazing." Freddie Noonan, The Vinyl Whistle.

“It's such a connector and it's such a way to make friends for life. You can bond with people over the music that they like… people that I know who collect records are fanatical about it, it means everything to them, it's their life.“ Sinead Elizabeth Green, Starr Records.

"I don't think a community exists unless it's got a record shop in it." Ian Smith, Music From Big Blue.

“I always used to say you're not just selling a record, you’re selling a feeling, you're selling a future memory.” Steve Tattam, Winyl.

"The happiest time of my life has been when I've been working in the record shop... It's just a real place where I can find a bit of extra happiness in life I suppose." Darren Yates, VoxBox Music.

“We’re very fortunate, we have a lot of really loyal customers who’ve been coming in since the store first opened 30 years ago and are still coming back.” Laurence Prangell, Soul Brother.