Within the oldest neighbourhoods of Calgary there are plenty of stories to tell. From the people to the buildings, there is no medium with more history than music. Looking around the city in the modern day, with the increase of streaming and mobile devices, you’d be hard pressed to believe that this small thriving music scene dominated and was not just seen as a niche. However now things, seem to be changing within a small, dedicated music community.
Throughout research shown over the past month, visiting historical record stores such as Hot Wax Records and Record Land and talking to dedicated employees there has been a gathered understanding of why the thriving record scene in Calgary is in good hands. With the discovery of this information, a much bigger picture was painted as to just how things operate and how much care goes into every single store, and what stories they tell.
The first iconic store covered was Record Land. Opening in 1979 it is one of Calgary’s oldest record stores. Now don’t let that deter you as age adds more to the experience of visiting. At first entering the store you will be shocked at just how much of everything there is, on the left-hand side CDS and tapes fill your eyesight. From A to Z there is no doubt that you’ll find an artist you like, or in some cases completely forget. As the massive selection can distract the customer
from what just they were looking for. Not a complaint as it has something for everyone! Amongst all this music there must be people who care for it. Having the pleasure to talk to one of the employees gives insight on just who you might find among these vinyls.
Justin Schultz a lover of 1970s rock and was eager to talk to us, and just how happy to be working here.
“This place garners a lot of international attention, Record Land seems to be known around the world, I’m proud of that.”
Schultz also made it evident that their space is something they won’t take for granted.
“We are lucky in that aspect that lot of other record stores don’t have the space we have.”
Most importantly Schultz discussed that no matter the increase of streaming, the idea of sitting down and playing something physically is something that will never change.
“I like the ritual; I think it’s the ritual of sitting down and looking at an album and reading the line.” Adding on to the fact that he feels streaming is fine, but with the increase of kids getting more into music and current artists releasing new vinyl, the artform won’t die.
“There’s artists like Adele, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, who have a bigger audience and they’re always encouraging to buy the vinyl as the fidelity of vinyl is much more progressive and more enjoyable.”