This week, we had a chance to exchange emails with Andy Vaughn who together with his wife, Ashley, run a fantastic record store in Huntsville, Alabama called The Vertical House (map). Here's our interview with them:
How did you first get started with records? What got you hooked?
Sunburst Records (RIP) in Huntsville was pretty much the only record store worth going to in town when I was growing up, there were a few others but that is where I spent most my time and money. I remember a friend and I getting dropped off by our parents and staying there for a few hours each week. I started going to see bands and would always pick up whatever they had for sale. I've always enjoyed digging for records in thrift stores, pawn shops, yard sales, estate sales, or anywhere else they could be found.
What prompted you to open a record store?
Growing up constantly involved with music: listening, collecting, putting on shows, promoting shows or bands, talking about it endlessly with friends, etc. Working at a CD store for 3+ years really gave me the itch to open my own place, a place that was mostly filled with records. Luckily I married a girl who was persistent that I do what makes me happy and she likes music and owning a record store just as much as I do. Also movies like "High Fidelity" and "Empire Records" glamorized it in a way that would never let the idea leave my head.
How many records, cds, etc. do you have and what is the breakdown of new vs used?
We have over 15,000 used LP's, 45's, and 78's. A few thousand CD's and DVD's. We are steadily growing our stock of new LP's, 45's, and CD's by buying directly from bands and labels and also through a few distributors, we also do special orders for customers. We also stock record players, receiver and speakers, and usually have a few replacement cartridges available. Our record store is located in the same building as a alternative arts & music center called the Flying Monkey, so we meet a lot of bands and buy directly from them as often as possible. We feel that it is a true way to support the people making the music.
Do you specialize in a particular genre?
As far as new stuff goes we have a tendency to order more obscure, independent artists / bands than we do mainstream music are played on the Top 10 radio or MTV. As far as used stuff goes we will pretty much buy anything that we don't have in stock if it is in good condition and something that is desirable for at least someone out there to listen to.
How long have you been open? How many employees? What are some things you've learned or noticed?
We have been open since April 2007 and the employees are me (Andy Vaughn) and my wife (Ashley Vaughn). If we go out of town we have several friends that are willing to fill in. We have noticed a large increase in the interest in vinyl in comparison to when we first opened. I am convinced that now is a great time for any record store to be open. The focus that the media has given the format has definitely made a difference, even though vinyl never really went anywhere...it's back.
How do you decide what to put on the shelves?
We try to impose our music taste on all of our customers, but we always pay attention to what our customers are listening to. We are always getting new customers so we are always expanding our inventory. Every so often we compile mixes called Eargasms that have new songs from some of our favorite bands and we use that to help promote some of the new titles we have available in store.
How are you using the Internet for your store?
A lot of people find out about us from our website. We sell online and on eBay. Network with a lot of labels, distros, and bands. We have bands play in our store as often as possible, we are always trying to convince our favorite bands to come and play in our store. We have had a lot of great shows in the past couple of years including: Nobunny, The Goodnight Loving, The Strange Boys, Japanther, Meth Teeth, Jacuzzi Boys, Juiceboxxx. We also make the Eargasms available for download on our site.
What does the record store of the future look like?
Hopefully at least 75% vinyl and 25% other formats. I have a feeling that it won't be long until CD's go the way of 8-tracks or cassettes. Although I think 8-tracks and cassettes are kind of awesome regardless of the sound quality.
To someone just getting started with vinyl, any words of wisdom?
Listen to lots of music, new and old. The amount of albums that are out there for you to find is intimidating, but there will always be something new for you to listen to. I honestly feel that the sound of vinyl and the presentation of the album artwork make the experience a lot more personal than any CD or MP3 could provide.
To someone who only listens to digital music, any words of wisdom?
If you don't own a record player, go pick one up as soon as possible, you are seriously missing out. You can find a used one at thrift store for anywhere from $5 and up. I understand the convenience factor of a CD or MP3 player, but I prefer to listen to records. We listen to a lot of records in our store, just trying to spread the addiction onto others and also make others nostalgic and long for the days when you put a needle down instead of hitting a button. I don't remember the exact quote but a customer once told me a story about how Neil Young's contract stated that every album must also be put out on LP. He compared listening to an album on CD to faxing a Picasso.
Anything you want the readers of Analog Apartment to know about?
More information can be found at our website: theverticalhouse.com or we can be contacted directly at: verticalhouse at gmail.com. We put out a free sampler every couple of months with some of the music that we are into. It's available at our store and also online at www.theverticalhouse.com/recordstore.html
Thanks again to Andy and Ashley for sharing their story and for helping keep vinyl alive.
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