09 Feb Short Store Stories: Light In The Attic Record Shop, Seattle, USA
Short Store Stories: Light In The Attic Record Shop, Seattle, USA
Short Store Stories is a new project showcasing and cherishing independent record stores and their photos and stories from all over the globe. Do you know a record store you would like to see featured on #vinyloftheday? Then send a few words about it to diana@vinyloftheday.com. This week featured store is Light In The Attic Record Shop.
Ever since the terrific Light In The Attic label was founded in 2001, a lot of great hidden gems have been released. Today we have talked to Brad from the Light In The Attic Record Shop, which housed in the KEXP Gathering Space in Seattle.
Name of the store: Light In The Attic Record Shop
Location:
472 1st Ave North
Seattle, WA.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday from 10am to 6pm
Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Tell us a bit about your store:
We carry all in-print LITA and sub-label titles, as well a selection of titles from labels we distribute. We also have LITA merchandise, LP and turntable cleaning supplies, accessories, CD’s, books, cassettes, new and used LP’s and 45’s. Our shop is a bit on the small side but it’s jammed with a diverse and well curated selection. All genres are represented at the shop.
How long does the brick-and-mortar store exist?
Our grand opening at our current (and permanent) location was on Black Friday – November 25, 2016. We’ve been at this location for just over a year (1 yr. 2 months to be exact).
We had a shop in the front of our warehouse in Ballard for 2 years. At that location we carried just Light In The Attic releases and distro titles. Once our warehouse moved we were forced to close that spot soon after.
What sparked the idea to open it – is there any particular story behind it? Tell us a bit about the KEXP Gathering Space and why you decided to open the store there.
The answer to that is pretty simple. When KEXP opened their Gathering Space they wanted to have a record shop in the space. They asked us (LITA) if we’d be interested, we were!
The space was built with the goal of bringing the community together. What’s better than a spot where you can listen to music, buy music, and drink coffee!
Which genres do you offer? Do you specialize in certain genres?
Do you only offer LITA releases and the around 50 other great labels you distribute or are there even more things (e.g. Second Hand records) to discover in the shop?
I think I answered this question earlier, but I can expand on it. We offer all genre’s. You name it, we have it. We are the Light In The Attic Record Shop but it’s definitely not limited to just us, and our distributed titles. The shop is carefully curated, with a wide range of artists and titles. We have a Used LP section as well which does not cater to a specific genre.
At the end of the day, we are a Record Shop. The fact that we’re a label as well means all distro, LITA and sub-label imprints are essentially available here, as well as any other LP from any other genre.
What was the most awkward/funny request you have ever received?
That’s tough seeing is how the list is pretty long, it might be impossible to choose just one experience/request. A few that are up there involve people asking if they hook their blue tooth up to the LP’s to get the music to the DJ’s, folks asking if I am selling my doubles, how many people are surprised that the LP’s are for sale or that “LP’s are back”, if used LP’s are better than new ones, or if new LP’s have the same hiss and crackle as the used ones. Like I said, there’s really too many to list, and I do have a list.
What is currently one of your most valuable/ sought-after record on your wall?
Our wall rack changes regularly but right now there are two used Rodriguez Australian import LP’s from the 80’s. As far new LP’s are concerned, there’s a Panopticon reissue and a Morgen reissue. I personally think both LP’s are, or should be sought after.
Please name 1-3 current staff favorites/ recommended records:
Betty Davis – Nasty Gal reissue
Sarah Davachi – All My Circles Run
Various Artists – Feel The Music
Check out the Light In The Attic Record Shop via:
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