Cardiff’s record stores prove that vinyl is not just a relic, but is still alive and is grooving, even in the digital age. Step inside any one of Cardiff’s independent record shops, and you will find a scene buzzing with life.
In a world dominated by streaming services and instant music access, the humble record shop might seem like a relic of the past. Yet, in Cardiff, a vibrant scene of independent record stores is not only surviving but thriving in the digital age. These shops offer far more than just vinyl- they are cultural hubs, fostering a sense of community and a love for music in its most tangible form.
People enjoying vinyl goes beyond mere nostalgia. The physical act of holding a record, appreciating the artwork, and carefully placing the needle on the groove creates a unique listening experience.
“There is something about holding a vinyl record, you know? It is not just the music, but also the weight of it in your hands. I feel a connection whenever I take one in my hands, it holds a memory and takes me back to the time,” says John Davies, a 73 year old seasonal vinyl collector based in Cardiff.
The huge liking towards vinyl and the success of Cardiff’s record stores highlight a consumer desire for authenticity and a deeper connection with music. These independent shops are cultural spaces that cultivate community, foster music discovery, and provide a listening experience that goes beyond the digital realm.
Russell Milton, who is the store manager of Kellys Records, believes in a community spirit the stores and the patrons share. “Stores like these act like a hub for fans and local artists. We chat with people coming here and there is a community spirit in a way,” he said.
“Online platforms can be a very divisive and opinionated place. With us, we have people coming through of all shapes, sizes, colours, and cultures. It is an opportunity for people to get nostalgic, but it is still alive,” says Milton.
The digital age has also presented record stores with new opportunities. While digital platforms offer convenience and vast libraries, record stores provide a curated selection, often focusing on specific genres or local artists. According to Milton, digital media also offer the buyer more confidence while selecting the records.
“Digital media is a props up nowadays, clearly. People, especially the youth, have access to streaming services to listen to all the music they need. For instance, if they are going to buy a David Bowie album on vinyl, they have already listened and checked that out online, so there is no risk as they know what they are buying,” says Milton.
Record stores, by complementing the physical browsing experience gives a refreshing feeling to the buyers. “It is really fun going through the collections. I feel like more and more people are getting into listening to vinyl. Whenever I go to a record store, I can see many people already inside,” said Henry Nicholson who works at animation in Cardiff.
Elerie Evans, who recently started collecting vinyl records, experienced Record Store Day for the first time. She was excited to share about the people she met with in front of Spillers Records. “I love meeting people, speaking to them and finding out what music they’re interested in and how long they have been collecting vinyls for and connecting with the people of the same community,” she said.
Beyond browsing chosen selections carefully, record stores offer a space for discovery and exploration. Elerie also talked about how vinyls helped her start discovering and appreciating limited edition live concerts. It was then when she picked on tracks that are sung slightly differently in these live concerts. “That was really cool because you have a special version of it which not many people have,” she said.
In the heart of Cardiff, the sound of spinning discs and passionate conversations about music serves as a testament to the prevailing relevance of record stores. These shops are not just surviving- they are thriving, proving that vinyl and the unique experience it offers continue to resonate with music lovers in the digital age.
“I feel like Cardiff is a mix of both vintage and new and they get on together quite well. The future of record stores is just healthy, touch wood,” said Milton.
