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Just in time for Record Store Day on April 20, news about the opening of a new specialty shop reaches us: Brooklyn Paper reports that Sterling Records will debut in Park Slope at 121 Fifth Avenue on May 19.
The new store is owned by Gary Giddens and backed by musical legend Vince Clarke, one of the founding members of Depeche Mode, Erasure and Yazoo.
“I’m really excited to be involved with Gary’s project, an opportunity to share our passion for music, history, vinyl and the art of audio,” Clarke said in a statement to Brooklyn Paper. “As an investor, I also get a discount at the store, so it’s a win, win situation.”
Giddens is no stranger to the neighborhood. As the owner of the nearby Gowanus Gardens, a beloved local haunt, he is well versed with the needs of the area and will become an even bigger Brooklyn fixture when joying Clarke at the new store to host their own radio shows. Expect live music performances to be streamed on site as well.
In addition to the live experiences, the new shop will be home to a collection of records, of course, plus CDs, music accessories, books, T-shirts and memorabilia.
Lest you think celebrity backing to be enough to propel a new business to success, think again: the owners are hoping to gather enough funds on GoFundMe to help out with construction and inventory.
"Our mission is to revive the essence of music appreciation through the experience of vinyl, catering to both avid collectors and newcomers alike," reads their message on the site, also revealing their hope to have a small coffee shop on site selling their very own brand of java. "For those of you who are in Park Slope, think a cross between Annie's Blue Ribbon and Beacon's Closet but all about music."
We can't wait to visit.