VIDEO: Wigan record shop turns tables on vinyl event

Saturday may be Record Store Day, but one Wigan music shop owner will be marking the occasion in his own very much unofficial way.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Apr 2018, 10:13 BST
Updated 21st Apr 2018, 13:51 BST
Paul Dolman owner of Static RecordsPaul Dolman owner of Static Records
Paul Dolman owner of Static Records

Static Records owner Paul Dolman will host a day of live music, competitions and exclusive vinyl releases at his Mesnes Road store - on the day which just so happens to be the official Record Store Day.

The scheme began as a way of getting people back into independent record shops and supporting local business.

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But since its noble beginnings 11 years ago, Paul feels the campaign has moved away from what it set out to achieve.

Paul Dolman owner of Static RecordsPaul Dolman owner of Static Records
Paul Dolman owner of Static Records

He said: “The whole movement has slowly gone away from the point, which was to support independent bricks and mortar record shops.

But with supermarkets and huge online retailers cashing in, Paul went on: “People can buy vinyl anywhere these days, waiting for a bus or sittng in the bath.

“But the actual experience of visiting a shop, mooching around and not knowing what you’re going to find - it’s an event.”

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His opinions are echoed by many connoisseurs who say that the day has turned into a money-making scheme, with many specially released records finding their way onto third party websites at inflated prices.

Paul Dolman owner of Static RecordsPaul Dolman owner of Static Records
Paul Dolman owner of Static Records

One critic said on Twitter: “Once a great idea to celebrate indie stores, now an eBay flipping Black Friday event.”

Instead, Paul believes that individual shops should spend the day promoting themselves and their own business, and that’s exactly what he will be doing today (Saturday April 21) with an ambitious roster of activities.

Live music, beer, games, pizza, record prizes and exclusive vinyl releases are just some of the things Paul hopes to squeeze into the day.

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Paul said: “This is a record shop everyday of the year. We stock plenty of independent releases by independent bands. I’m just trying to put some local bands on in our town.”

It will also be a great opportunity for Wigan’s music aficionados to hang out in Static’s new home, following the short move from its previous home in Hallgate.

“It’s a bigger shop, a bit brighter and a bit more fun,” Paul said of the new premises.

“While we have this space, we’re going to make the most of it.”

The day will kick off from 1pm and will continue into the evening.

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