Pitch & Sync on Why Record Stores Aren’t Just for Record Store Day
A puppy isn’t just for Christmas, and record stores aren’t just for record store day.
We bang on about it enough for you to know how much we care about music and supporting artists. We could go on for days about the intense feeling of finding what you were after whilst sifting through those boxes, elbow to elbow with like minded obsessives. But today, a day before the contentious ‘official’ Record Store Day, we are celebrating records; we are reiterating the importance of supporting local businesses and we are telling tales of our favourite record stores in each of our three Pitch & Sync based cities.
As you read this, the Pitch & Sync team will be putting our money where our mouth is by hosting an afternoon record store crawl (with a few pubs thrown in in-between) along with a group of folks that we work and play with.
So next time you see a record store on an idle Thursday, don’t pass it by. Pop in and release your inner audiophile.
London by Simon Robinson, Director & Co-Founder of Pitch & Sync
What gives you the buzz?
“The buzz is unwrapping the cellophane and the excitement that each new listen is going to be the new favourite record in your life.”
Which is your favourite record store in London?
“There are so many, but Sounds Of The Universe is always the one that surprises and reveals something totally unique each time.”
Favourite memory of buying records?
“The first time I listened to LCD - ‘Losing My Edge’ white label on the deck at Rough Trade. I knew from that my moment that they were going to be one of my favourite bands.”
Favourite record of this year?
“I’m all into fluffed out electronic vibes at the moment, getting ready for my summer sunset moments! Bicep - ‘Oval (Four Tet Remix)’ and Grandbrothers - ‘Bloodflow (Sir Was Remix)’ do the job nicely.”
Amsterdam by Alex Lavery, ECD & Co-Founder of Pitch & Sync
What gives you the buzz?
“I've always loved the physical relationship of actually putting on a record, pulling it out of the sleeve, a little flick for show before placing it onto the deck and dropping the needle. I still can't resist cueing the first beat most of the time. This is all very pleasant, but it's also my preferred method of learning and remembering music. I think the connection of touch, memory of artwork and title, and of course the tune itself, is what clicks with my brain to recall individual songs or sections of songs best. This stems from years of mixing records in different situations. Since I hung up the headphones, I've got better at enjoying records individually and listening in the moment, before I'd always found it difficult to rid myself of the affliction whereby I was always thinking about the next record to play, and the one after that. Mindful record listening yo!”
Which is your fave record store in Amsterdam?
"Rush Hour. Always a favourite vinyl fix when return baggage allowance allows, BUT since Rush Hour's love affair with Dave Afro Synth AKA DJ Okapi, it's an essential Amsterdam stop. In conjunction with Okapi, Rush Hour's label has been releasing South African Bubblegum Disco amongst a steady alternative African infused repertoire which certainly tickles my taste buds. Along with a regular release schedule of pure dance floor heat, the Rush Hour label is an essential steer on some of the best vinyl available. In the shop, you will without fail pick up new bangers, classic re-issues, re-edits or discover something wonky and new from the friendly counter staff who add to your stack in an informed fashion.
"God bless you Rush Hour."
Favourite memory of buying records?
“The monthly pilgrimage from Yeovil junction, Somerset. Taking the early train on a Saturday morning to hit up the Bath record stores then onto Bristol to build up a satisfying vinyl wedge to take home and devour. Always loved reading all of the label copy available on the journey home.”
Favourite record of this year?
“I can’t answer that.”
Berlin by Ben Esser, EP of Music at Pitch & Sync, Berlin.
What gives you the buzz?
“180 grams.”
Which is your fave record store in Berlin?
“Space Hall. It’s a vast cave and the guys that work there are super helpful and knowledgeable.”
Favourite memory of buying records
“When I was younger growing up in Chelmsford there was a record shop ‘Slipped Discs’. I spent a lot of time in there and because it was a small place you really had that kind of local record shop type of feeling. I guess they didn't have an amazing selection, but I loved the fact you could just listen to stuff and so I’d spend hours going through random records and looking for bits to sample.
"I always thought the guys working in the record shop were just the coolest people ever.”
Favourite record of this year?
“A.A.L - ‘2012 - 2017’ is a great record.”
