This is the age of Spotify, when listening to music is at its most convenient ever. Gone are the days when you have to lug around a chunky Walkman or Discman in your bag just so you can take your music with you; today, you can stream your favorite artists and albums anytime, from anywhere, with just a few taps on an app.
But there are some things convenience can't trump, one of which is the specific joy in listening to vinyl. It’s an entire experience all on its own, from choosing your turntable, scouting the best places to get records from, flipping and digging through records from said places, down to the careful lowering of the needle onto a record’s grooves. It’s a whole ritual.
Call us old school, but we believe the record scene in Hong Kong is here to stay. Here are five record stores in the region you shouldn’t miss.
White Noise Records
White Noise Records in Sham Shui Po is at once a record store and event promoter. The record store, named after an obscure electronic English band of the same name, has been hawking vinyl records and promoting music events for Hong Kong's music scene since April 2004. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for any music lover, as it not only sells records, but also turntables, turntable accessories, CDs, DVDs, posters, books, and tees.
Location: G/F, 199 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Zoo Records
Zoo Records, situated in Nathan Road, has been around since August 2002. If you're looking to expand your music tastes, then you're guaranteed to find gems at Zoo Records, from the popular to the experimental and obscure, thanks to its offerings from international and local indie artists.
Location: Shop 325, 3/F President Commercial Centre, 608 Nathan Road, Mongkok, Kowloon
Lamma Vinyl Record Store
Nestled in the heart of placid Lamma Island is used record store Lamma Vinyl Record Store. Don't hesitate to strike a conversation with owner Ming Ho, who's more than willing and happy to help vinyl enthusiasts look for their genres of choice.
Location: 1/F, 45 Main Street Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island
Rock Gallery Record Co.
If your taste in music is a chopsuey mix, then you shouldn't miss Rock Gallery in Johnston Road. You’ll have a ball choosing among its diverse collection of jazz, blues, rock and roll, J-pop, K-pop, Mando-pop, Cantopop, and even Chinese opera music!
Location: Tai Yau Plaza, Shop Number 202, Second Floor, 181 Johnston Road, Wanchai
Vinyl Hero
Paul Au is indeed Hong Kong's vinyl hero, most famous for his extensive record collection stored in towers of boxes in a residential building on Cheng Sha Wan Road. You'll be needing an entire afternoon (or more) going through Vinyl Hero's collection, which spans all genres and different decades. If you want to get lost in vinyl heaven, then Vinyl Hero is the place to be.
Location: Flat D, 5/F Wai Hong Building, 239 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po
