Give us the background - when and why did you decide to open a record shop?

Tony started on Huddersfield market back in 1985, selling various items and trading records purely because of his own interest in music…Until the records took over. We’ve then had shops in the Piece Hall in Halifax, then Leeds and then coming full circle back home to where we are now in Huddersfield town centre.

Tell us more about Vinyl Tap. What’s the vibe?

We may be biased but we really do think we are an excellent record shop. Covering all genres and all budgets both new and used, there’s something for everyone! We’re a friendly bunch, always happy to chat about all things music, and play whatever has us hooked at the moment. It’s a really nice, chilled and welcoming atmosphere I’d say.

We also currently open a small section of our basement floor a couple of days a week. This houses our mail order department to offer some clearance stock, with used items as cheap as 50p! As we say, there is something for everyone. We have a vast amount of stock, both in the shop and online. So, if you can’t find what you are after, it’s always worth asking as we may have it stashed somewhere on site. We are always happy to help. I think that’s what makes us stand out - just the sheer amount of stock we have!

Can you remember the first record you sold in your shop? What about the last?

I think when you’ve been going as long as we have, it’d be impossible to remember that first sale! Other than it happened on Huddersfield market, way back in ‘85.

The last thing I personally sold over the counter was a copy of the Handsome Boy Modeling School - So... How's Your Girl? vinyl reissue. What an album!

Do you remember your first visit to a record shop? Did you pick up any records?

My first record shop experience was at Badlands in Huddersfield - which has long since closed sadly. I bought a copy of Ash – Nu-Clear Sounds on CD. (I hadn’t got the vinyl bug yet…)

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

Sounds of the Universe in Soho, London. Always love a visit there! It caters to my tastes (funk, soul, world, etc) and is a great vibe and lay-out. Plus, they’re located in a fantastic spot with plenty of other top record shops nearby. It’s my go-to whenever I venture down to the capital.

Tell us about your favourite record shop memory

As previously mentioned, my first proper record shop experience, was Badlands in Huddersfield. I think it just holds good memories of a particular time in my life when I was really getting in to music.

Having that local record shop on my doorstep with staff that were able to recommend things was priceless really. (And was good to feed off their knowledge a bit!)

When you work in a record shop, I think that’s something that you lose a little bit. But it’s great to be on the other side of it, providing a great service, but also a social shopping experience. Like the circle of record shop life!

How successful has Record Store Day been for your store?

Very successful! Year on year, Record Store Day has been bigger and better each time - we really enjoy the occasion. Busy, with a lot of love shown for the shop. We really try to make a day of it with events etc. It’s a great day.

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