Soho’s Rich, Vinyl Heritage Lives On!

Soho’s rich, vinyl heritage lives on!

London’s Soho district has long been a vibrant hub for music lovers, particularly vinyl enthusiasts. While the area has witnessed significant changes over the years, several iconic record shops have remained, preserving Soho’s winding musical legacy.

🎶 Historic Record Shops of Soho

  • Black Market (BM Soho)
    Black Market Records was a renowned record store and cultural hub that once operated in Soho, London. First opening its doors in 1988, it quickly became a pivotal institution in the rise of the UK dance music scene, especially jungle, drum and bass, and house. Located at 25 D’Arblay Street, the shop was more than just a retail space—it served as a meeting point for DJs, producers, and music lovers, fostering a tight-knit community and influencing generations of electronic music artists. Its influence extended through its associated record label, helping launch key figures in the genre before eventually closing in the 2000s.
  • Groove Records
    Groove Records was a legendary record shop located on Greek Street in Soho, London, that played a crucial role in the development of the UK’s soul, funk, reggae, and early hip-hop scenes during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for its specialist selection and knowledgeable staff, Groove Records became a vital destination for DJs, collectors, and music enthusiasts seeking the latest imports from the U.S. and Caribbean. The shop fostered a strong sense of community and helped shape the musical tastes of a generation, cementing its place in London’s rich musical history before eventually closing its doors in the late 1980s.

  • Shades Records
    Located in St Anne’s Court during the 1980s, Shades Records specialized in heavy metal genres like death metal and thrash metal. As one of the few stores catering to these genres in the UK, it played a pivotal role in their growth.

  • Vinyl Junkies
    Established in 1992, Vinyl Junkies was known for its extensive collection of vinyl records. Despite challenges from digital music and gentrification, the store remained a beloved spot until it closed its doors.

🎧 Soho’s Rich, Vinyl Heritage Lives On!

  • Sister Ray
    Founded in 1989 by Neil Brown, Sister Ray began as a market stall in Camden before establishing its presence on Berwick Street. Named after the Velvet Underground song, the shop quickly became a fixture in Soho’s music scene. In 2003, it merged with Selectadisc, another renowned store, and relocated to 75 Berwick Street.

  • Phonica Records
    Situated on Poland Street, Phonica Records is renowned for its curated selection of electronic music. The store frequently hosts in-store events, offering customers a chance to experience live performances and DJ sets.

  • Sounds of the Universe
    Located on Broadwick Street, Sounds of the Universe offers a diverse range of music, from soul and funk to electronic and experimental genres. The shop is celebrated for its knowledgeable staff and eclectic selection.

  • Third Man Records
    Founded by Jack White, Third Man Records opened its first UK store in Soho at 1 Marshall Street. The store features a bold design, including a music-making phone booth and a recording booth, reflecting White’s unique style.

  • Reckless Records
    Opening its doors in 1984 at 30 Berwick Street, Reckless Records has been a staple for vinyl enthusiasts. The store offers a vast selection of second-hand records across various genres, including rock, soul, jazz, punk, and reggae.

🏙️ Soho’s Musical Legacy

Berwick Street, often referred to as the “Golden Mile of Vinyl,” has been central to Soho’s music scene. The area was home to numerous independent record shops in the 1990s, contributing to its reputation as a vinyl haven . While many of these shops have closed due to rising rents and digital music’s dominance, the surviving stores continue to uphold Soho’s rich musical heritage.

Read about “The Wag Club”, Chris Sullivans game changing nightspot!

The Wag Club

The Wag Club

The Wag Club was a pioneering nightclub that significantly influenced London’s nightlife during the 1980s. Located at 33 Wardour Street in Soho, it opened its doors on April 3, 1982, and quickly became a cultural hub for music, fashion, and art.

Founding and Vision

The club was founded by Chris Sullivan and Ollie O’Donnell, who sought to create a space that was inclusive and eclectic, drawing inspiration from New York’s Mudd Club and Paris’s Les Bains Douches. Their aim was to blend various musical genres and attract a diverse crowd, including ex-punks, rockabillys, modernists, Fly-Kids and early Hip Hoppers.

Read more “The Wag Club”

A 1980’s Soho Brief

1980’s Soho. An unholy mix of music, art, fashion. All with a huge side order of the obscure! 

1980’s Soho, a gritty, grimy, eclectic hub of nightlife, creativity, and counterculture. Though long associated with bohemian lifestyles and entertainment, this era marked a turning point: a clash between its decaying post-war legacy and a new wave of underground energy.

The streets were alive with late-night cafes, music venues, and illicit gambling dens. Independent record shops, rehearsal studios, and small galleries coexisted alongside traditional pubs and adult cinemas. It was a magnet for artists, musicians, filmmakers, and fringe subcultures who thrived on the area’s raw, unpredictable atmosphere.

1980’s Soho thrived on the edge!

Economically, Soho was on the edge—rents were still low, attracting avant-garde creatives and opportunists alike. The area buzzed with experimental spirit, where punk’s chaotic residue met the rising tide of New Wave, synthpop, and early electronic music. Many now-iconic bands and DJs got their start performing in backroom bars or dimly lit clubs.

Read more “A 1980’s Soho Brief”