JM Records

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STORE LOCATOR

Get ready to celebrate Record Store Day. Find your nearest record store, where you can get exclusive access to new vinyl releases, event locations, and more.

FIND A STORE

JM Records

Unit 1, New Buildings, Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS

07476078795

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

My name is James and, for many years, hairdressing has been my main job. Unfortunately, during the pandemic, I was unable to continue hairdressing. However, my passion for music and records was sparked. There is nothing like a needle dropping on a spinning vinyl and getting lost in the full music experience. In those moments, it is just you and your special records playing. I wanted to bring those nostalgic memories to my customers.During lockdown, I built up an online presence, buying and selling from my personal collection to people around the world. We opened at the end of September in 2021. I felt excited about opening my own store - which has now been open for 16 months. Throughout our time being open, I have seen customers of all ages come in: from teenagers to grandparents. I enjoy sharing the excitement a customer gets from purchasing their special title and this is why I love what I do. I hope to expand my business and reach customers across the world through social media.More info: - Independent specialists in imports and stockists of quality pre-loved vinyl, cassettes and CDs.- Also stocking music merchandise including t-shirts, pins & badges and portable cups.- We partner with the brand 'Spincare' to protect your vinyl with cleaning materials and inner & outer sleeves - Always looking to buy your old record collections, so please get in touch if you have something to sell.- We are a small indie business and take pleasure in helping our customers find that special record. So please do come and see what we have to offer.

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

We are a small independent store in the heart of Exeter - just off Gandy St - affectionally known as Diagon Alley (as JK Rowling studied nearby). We specialise in imports from all over the world, including American vinyl exclusives. We have a great online presence, with much of our stock selling out before hitting the shelves.
Exeter is a very student orientated city, with the University being just around the corner from the shop. We have many students nearby, so the energy is lively and creative. Our genre for imports leans toward the Pop/RnB side, however we also enjoy selling pre-loved (used) vinyl varying from pop, rock, metal, dance, progressive rock as well as some rarities and hard to find titles. Our store stocks cleaning materials and vinyl care items, as well as inner/outer sleeves to keep your precious records protected.

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

The first vinyl I sold was a beautiful blue marbled Aretha Franklin Hits collection. This was purchased by an online customer, who shared a photo of their purchase on Instagram. Immediately, I thought how cool it was to see this go global. The last was an immaculate condition pre-loved Sargent. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band, to a regular customer who is always looking for a good bargain.

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

I remember going into my local Woolworths to purchase a cassette of Dannii Minogue’s ‘Everything I Wanted’. I remember thinking how cool it was being driven to school with this blasting out of my Mum’s car.

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

There are many great indie stores out there. I have to say, Banquet is great as I love their signed exclusives. I also love some US indie record stores like Spin Me Round (they have a great YouTube channel) and Exile on Main St. in Connecticut.

What’s your most memorable record store experience?

A great memory is when I found a rare pressing of a Record Store Day exclusive of Aqua’s ‘Aquarium’. There’s nothing like spotting an ISO for a great price!

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

Kylie's Aphrodite tour with waterfalls, pyrotechnics, and a flying angel - what more could you want in a concert?!

What's your all-time favourite book?

Alan Garner's ‘Weirdstone of Brisingamen’ - which I have fond childhood memories of.

What's your all-time favourite film?

I recently visited the Plaza in NYC because I love ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ that much!

What would make up your desert island discs?

Fleetwood Mac - Rumours / Michael Jackson - Dangerous / Kylie - Fever / Air - Moon Safari / Lana Del Rey - Born to Die / Donna Summer - Another Place & Time / Phil Collins - Face Value / Mariah Carey - Mariah Carey

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

Elvis / Whitney Houston / Donna Summer / Kylie / Beyonce / George MIchael / Michael Jackson / The Beatles / Fleetwood Mac / Mariah Carey / The Weeknd / Jamiroquai