Listening to music today only requires one click. As long as you are connected to the internet, you can play music through streaming platforms like Spotify and Soundcloud. But recently, it seems like more and more people are reviving the tradition of playing vinyl records.
To anyone who thought this is a hipster trend that belonged to the late 2000s, revoke your audiophile card right now. It looks like physical vinyl records are here to stay for a long time. According to Forbes, 50 percent of record players are bought by millennials. The Economist, on the other hand, said that the same group makes up 50 percent of vinyl record purchases. So, if you’re planning to start your collection, you’re not too late on getting a head start.
But the chain record stores at malls are slowly closing. Where do we go to start our collection then? The answer: independent record stores. Scattered around the metro, their stocks range from freshly minted to pre-loved.
Unfamiliar on where these stores are located? Here are six record stores to get you started on vinyl hunting.
Vinyl Dump
This thrift record store in Cubao Expo is a vinyl haven. Being one of the older shops for record collectors out there, it doesn’t fail to impress visitors with their plethora of records—from rock ’n roll classics like Little Richards, ’80s Manila pop artists, metal icons like Iron Maiden, and more genres. Expect to find other physical music formats here like cassette tapes and CDs. Audiophiles can spot other memorabilia like figurines of rock icons like KISS or The Beatles here.
Vinyl Dump is at Cubao Expo, Socorro Street, Araneta Center, Quezon City. Store hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Treskul Records and Cafe
This record store in Mandaluyong is really focused on building a community. Here, vinyl collectors and music enthusiasts can grab ice cold beer and engage in discussions about each other’s collection. Buying records only comes as a second priority.
You must take note, though, that they sell records at good prices. In Treskul, people can buy, sell, or trade vinyl records. They also have record players, walkmans, other old music formats, and the like for sale. They have rare gems on deck like The Fugees’ legendary album The Score to city pop icon Mariya Takeuchi’s Variety. They have everything for any kind of listener, that’s for sure.
Treskul Records and Cafe is located at 641 Boni Ave Cifra Bldg. Mandaluyong, Philippines. Store hours are from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Gold Digger Records
For lovers of hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and everything in between, Gold Digger Records is the place for you. Expect rare finds like Nina Hagen’s Nun Sex Monk Rock or LL Cool J’s Strictly Business. And if you’re lucky, you might catch someone spinning on their deck outside the store.
Gold Digger Records is located at Cubao Expo Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. Store hours are from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Grey Market Records
Where can you see The Velvet Underground’s debut album alongside Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time? Probably at a record store like The Grey Market Records. Their record stocks range from new releases to pre-loved ones.
They have everything for every kind of listener. Although the price points could get steep, it’s worth investing in records with a good crisp sound quality.
The Grey Market Records is located at Bellitudo Lifestyle Strip 79 Katipunan Ave. White Plains Quezon City, Philippines. Store hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Northwest Estate and Collectibles
Okay, we cheated. This place isn’t exactly a record store. It’s more of a place for collectors of various pop culture items. But it is known for their wide and impressive record collection. From rare records of Nora Aunor in the ’80s to Amy Winehouse’s last record released, their collection can make an audiophile cry. It can also make them broke for the steep prices.
But hey, a rare find is a rare find after all. And Northwest is the place that is of an abundance of rarities.
Northwest Estate and Collectibles is located at 170 K 1st Street Kamuning Quezon City, Philippines 1103. Store hours are from 9 am to 8 pm.
Photo from Treskul Records & Cafe