Just some of the records that will be available when the store opens
Why have you decided to open Forever Records?
Music has always been a part of my life; after The Music Exchange closed I had a long think about what I wanted to do. I’m really proud of what we achieved with The Music Exchange and I didn’t want to just walk away from selling records, it’s in my blood. So I decided to take a risk and try and make it work on my own.
When The Music Exchange closed, aside from a lot of disappointed people, there was also a lot of rumour and hearsay about the reasons for its closing. But did that prove to you that there is still room for a record store in Nottingham and for it to be a viable business?
I didn’t want the shops closure to turn into a finger pointing exercise but I guess that was inevitable as The Music Exchange was really important to our customers and volunteers. There were many reasons for the closure and it was quite complicated. I was heartbroken to see it go but it hurt more when I thought of the volunteers we worked with not being part of the shop anymore. I know there is room in Nottingham for what I want to do, its going to take time but I think I can make Forever Records something special again and hopefully something Nottingham can feel proud of. It’s a funny time for vinyl, sales are the biggest they’ve been for a long time but its also at its most saturated, I’ve just got to be careful with what I stock and stick to what I am passionate about. Its great that people in Nottingham have so many places they can buy vinyl, I hope I can offer something a little different.
How hard is it to open up a new record store from scratch?
There have been good days and bad days and a lot of sleepless nights. There are so many things to do and organise. But I have to say I’ve never felt more supported in my life, I’m very lucky to know some very talented and skilled people who have helped me out with the shop. So many Friends and ex-Music Exchange volunteers have helped out, as they really want to see the shop work. I guess the biggest hurdle is letting people know that the shop is happening, I don’t have a marketing budget but luckily people have been spreading the word, I hope it keeps growing.
How did you go about finding new premises for the store and why did you settle on Cobden Chambers?
Cobden Chambers felt right the moment I saw the space and I know I’ve made the right decision. Spending time there over the past few weeks I have felt such a great community spirit, all the other businesses support and help each other. There seems to be an excitement there and I can’t wait to start collaborating with everyone.
What will separate Forever Records from the other record stores in the city?
I have such a passion for music and I want to be a place where you can discover something new. I really want people to feel relaxed when they come to the shop, I’m keen for people to just come and hangout and chat and I want the focus to be on the customer and the music.
I’m not selling coffee, like every other record shop seems to be, I just want to sell records and do it well.
Forever Records is in Cobden Chambers
Can you tell me a bit about what you will be selling?
Records that I love – Stocking the best new releases and quality second-hand along with some essential classics. I think people who used to shop in The Music Exchange have an idea what my tastes are.
The Music Exchange had a strong community ethos - is that something you will be trying to continue with Forever Records?
Definitely, that’s really important to me. I want to try and build towards Forever Records becoming a social enterprise, it will take time but I think I can make it work. It’s also really important that the shop represents the amazing scene we have in Nottingham. The past couple of years have been pretty special for our city. I hope to carry on putting on gigs and hopefully release stuff on a shop label too.
What are the best records stores that you’ve visited?
I’ve shopped all over the world, its difficult to pick my favourites. I always go to Static Shock when I’m in Berlin; its exactly what I want Forever to be like, it’s relaxed and the staff are super friendly, they always play you something new and great and I always leave with a bag full of lovely vinyl. I think there is a new generation of record shops in the UK that are doing things a little different to the traditional record shop format; I really love Hot Salvation in Folkestone, Bear Tree Records in Sheffield, and Milque and Muhle in Birmingham, they all gave me hope to open my own shop. And they prove that a fresh approach works, they’ve also been a great support, offering me start up advice, it’s nice to be part of a wider vinyl community. I’ve not been to Spencer Hickman’s shop Transmission in Margate yet but from what I’ve seen, it looks very special.
When does Forever Records open?
Our grand opening will be on Saturday 24 June (10am - 6pm) and we will have a live set from TV Crime at 1pm, who are one of the best new bands I’ve seen, they were the only choice for the opening.
How can we find out more about the store?
We are on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and forever-records.com.
Forever Records Grand Opening with in-store from TV Crime is on Saturday 25 June 2016. Facebook event.
Forever Records, 2a Cobden Chambers, Nottingham, NG1 2ED
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