The UK has been covered, so here musicians and record industry insiders choose their favourite European destinations for buying vinyl … and just hanging out
Side One, Warsaw
With the phenomenal music that was made during the communist days and the unique design that often accompanied it, it’s no wonder that Poland punches way above its weight. Side One, a tiny record store in a little courtyard in central Warsaw is awesome. Run by Wojtek Żdanuk, aka DJ WWW, it embodies what good record stores should be about: friendly, supporting local acts and community, and bringing good music from around the world on the format we all love, vinyl. The store has now grown to see local artists band together to create a label , S1 Warsaw. With great releases already from local artists I’m sure it will continue to grow. I have found so many gems in this record palace.
• Chmielna 21, sideone.pl
Recommneded by Tight Pants aka Tyson Ballard
Doctor Vinyl, Brussels
Walking into Doctor Vinyl, it’s impossible not to breathe in the remarkable impact on dance culture that Belgium has had over the years. The owner, Geert Sermon, also responsible for the lauded The Sound Of Belgium documentary, is a walking encyclopaedia of local electronic music history, from new-beat and electronic body music (EBM) through rave, trance and beyond. It’s not unusual for some of the world’s most revered DJs to walk out with armfuls of gems from Geert’s stash, alongside all manner of cutting-edge new releases. I can’t think of a record shop in Europe that better embodies the “small shop, big heart” adage.
• Rue de la Grande Île 1, doctorvinylrecords.be
Recommended by Volte-Face
Posh Isolation, Copenhagen
In the Copenhagen sweet spot Blågårdsgade lies a small store run by Posh Isolation. It is a Danish record label and distributor that has been pioneering in Denmark’s underground noise and industrial scene for the past couple of years. In the store you can find a limited, but incredible, selection of vinyl and tapes with techno, noise, industrial, power electronics, black metal, punk and synth, or grab some of its merchandise: it has some pretty sweet scarf and shirt designs going on. Or just have a chat with the people from the amazing crew. Open Fridays 2pm-6pm or by appointment.
•Blågardsgade 14, poshisolation.net
Recommended by Najaaraq Vestbirk, Apeiron Crew/Dunkel Radio
Read the full list here at the Guardian
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