Assai Edinburgh
1 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9DT
0131 228 3943
GET DIRECTIONS VISIT WEBSITE
Assai Edinburgh
UPCOMING RECORD STORE DAY EVENT

GIVE US THE BACKGROUND - WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A RECORD SHOP?

I have been fortunate enough to be the manager of the shop since the end of 2021 – Keith Ingram owns and opened the shop up back in April 2017. Having been a lifelong music fan and record collector with a background as a shop manager, this was the perfect opportunity to pursue a dream career and combine my experience with my passion. Getting to work live performances in the shop as well is a lot of fun!

Tell us a little bit about your store? What's the vibe?

We are very much a shop where all are welcome. Whether you’re a first time buyer, or someone who’s been collecting all your life, we’ll make sure you are made to feel as welcome as possible and leave with some good music in your hand. We look to provide a modern vinyl buying experience in a beautiful setting in the midst of Edinburgh Castle. Every day we see lots of local regulars who see this as their haven, as well as tourists from all over the world everyday – all who leave with a smile on their face.

Can you remember the first record you sold in the shop? And the last?

First – Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders
Last – Butler, Blake and Grant LP

Do you remember the first record shop you went to? And you do you remember the first record you bought?

Third Base in Dunfermline was my first shop I went into – the first record I bought though was a second hand copy of London Calling from a local record fair

What is your favourite record shop (apart from your own!) and why?

Easy Street Records in Seattle will always hold a place in my heart from when I visited that part of the world – records and pancakes, a dream combo!

What’s your most memorable record store experience?

It would have to be hosting an event with Johnny Marr. A two hour event ended up lasting close to five hours, yet Johnny’s warmth and kindness waned at no point. Getting to meet and see a British music legend be so humble and friendly with people of all types was genuinely something special to be a part of.

What's the best gig you've ever been to?

Morrissey – Dunfermline Alhambra 2011

What's your all-time favourite book?

Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums 19th Edition

What's your all-time favourite film?

Harry Brown – absolute escapism nonsense

What would make up your desert island discs?

The Smiths – Hatful of Hallow ; Frightened Rabbit – Midnight Organ Fight; White Rose Movement – Kick; The Amazing Snakeheads – Amphetamine Ballads; Sway – This is my Demo; Be Your Own Pet – Self Titled; Bob Vylan – We Live Here; Du Blonde – Welcome Back to Milk

Who would form your all-time Festival line-up? (past & present)

Queens of the Stone Age; Prince; Big Special; The Smiths; Smashing Pumpkins; Black Sabbath

What's your all-time favourite record?

The Smiths – Meat is Murder

OTHER RECORD STORES