By Sofia Zarkov, Fourth Year English and Spanish
In the age of Spotify Wrapped and algorithmic playlists, the way we listen to music has never been more convenient – or more detached. We carry entire libraries in our pockets, yet the act of really listening and engaging feels increasingly rare. Across communities everywhere, however, a quiet revival is taking place. Record shops, vinyl cafes and venues are bringing music back into the physical world.
In Bristol, this resurgence is especially tangible. The city’s deep musical roots make it a natural home for physical formats. Whether through small community café shops or DJ events mixing on vinyl, Bristol continues to find ways to make music feel tactile again.
Buying a record or CD is no longer about convenience but an act of care, a choice to listen with attention and a reminder of the joy that comes with truly engaging with music.
The staples: Bristol’s established record stores
Friendly Records, North Street, Bedminster
Friendly Records lives up to its name as the shop doubles as a café and small venue, having a focus on a relaxed and community feel. You will find new and second hand here , often alongside local releases. Its record of the day feature is helpful for those looking to buy records for the first time.
Rough Trade, Nelson Street
An essential stop for anyone in Bristol’s music scene, Rough Trade remains one of the city’s best known record shops. Its punk credentials stretch all the way back to 1976 and Geoff Travis’ original Rough Trade Records that helped define the UK Indie sound. The first branch opened in West London, but in Bristol is the label’s fifth and newest store. The addition of a solid 150-200 capacity venue has welcomed signings and live gigs making it the perfect place to connect with the wider world of independent music.
Plastic Wax, Cheltenham Road
A true Bristol institution, Plastic wax is the place to find just about anything. Its packed from the floor to ceiling with second hand vinyl and CDs – funk, punk, soul, soundtracks. The sheer scale can feel a bit overwhelming, but that is what gives it its appeal and lets you find hidden treasures. You will almost always leave with something unexpected.
Hidden Gems and Newcomers
Collector’s Cave, Cheltenham road
Collector’s cave feels more like a secret for those in the know. A selection of shelves and boxes its home to everything from old school funk to rare house. Perfect for anyone making electronic music, It has a wealth of obscure records and samples waiting to be discovered.
Alta Loma (Upper Maudlin Street)
A newer arrival on the scene, Alta Loma doubles as a taco restaurant and a record store, whilst still focusing on a minimalist feel and serious attention to detail. It’s small but expertly curated selections leans toward underground, jazz and experimental sounds and the combination of tacos and vinyl make it a genuinely fun and unique experience. It feels like somewhere between a gallery and a listening room , where every record feels chosen for a reason.
Specialist Subject Records, Old Market
Perched above the Exchange venue, Specialist Subject is both a record label and a shop dedicated to punk, emo, and indie. It’s an essential stop for anyone wanting to dig into Bristol’s grassroots scene or pick up a release from a local band.
Hot Wax Bristol Records and Things, Old Drumbank studios, Sommerville Road
Hot wax is a record shop that had its opening on the 12 October and promises to offer ‘an array of genres from Bristol suitable electronic styles’. The opening party hosted pizza and drinks and a lineup that included SWU.fm presenter Mike Shawe. Its exciting to see what will happen next.
Vinyl in the Mix: Bristol’s Electronic and DJ culture
Vinyl’s comeback isn’t just about nostalgia. In Bristol’s electronic scene, it remains central to the music itself. DJS across genres , from house to jungle still rely on the use and feel of vinyl. Mixing vinyl is a craft, a slower and more deliberate process that first perfectly into Bristol’s music culture. Here are some places to listen.
Idle hands, City Centre
Idle hands have become a vital hub for DJS and collectors alike, offering a carefully curated mix of house, techno, and UK bass. Serving as a record label, store and venue, it has become the perfect place to discover new DJS.
The Love Inn, Stokes Croft
This venue often hosts DJs spinning strictly vinyl, blending disco edits and deep techno
Cosies, Portland Square
Cosies regularly hosts old-school themed nights with its roots, dub and dancehall nights played straight from the decks.
Dareshack, Wine Street and Strange Brew, Fairfax Street
Both venues also regularly feature vinyl-only sets, especially from the city’s more experimental collectives.
Eve Davies
In a city built on basslines, it seems that vinyl never really went away. It remains both a tool and statement, proof that even in the digital age, Bristol still listens through it.
It seems that the point of buying a record has changed. Its less about owning the music and more about how it shapes the way you listen or how it can inspire new music. Bristol continues to prove that listening can still be physical, personal and alive. In an age when music is everywhere, that’s exactly what makes it worth seeking out.
Featured image: Epigram / Eleanor BateWhere is your favourite spot to pick up music in Bristol?
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