Scouring stores for a specific record, or looking to start a collection? Look no further than our picks for vinyl stores in Hong Kong.
Integral to Hong Kong’s indie music scene are the few vinyl stores that work closely with local musicians and artists. Despite the closure of chain music stores in the city such as Hong Kong Records and HMV, independent record stores stocking vinyl that appeals to the most esoteric of preferences are still keeping the music scene on its feet.
White Noise Records
Established in 2004 in Prince Edward, White Noise Records is a mainstay of the local indie music scene. Dubbed “the big brother of all alternative Hong Kong music stores,” White Noise also hosts and organises concerts in collaboration with local organisers, apart from selling vinyl and CDs. Notable collaborators include OC2S and the now-defunct Hidden Agenda, acting as a ticket retailer for shows.
Since White Noise’s opening, 44 year-old store owner Gary Ieong has prevailed despite his own urges to close the store due to insensitive customers and the rising popularity of music streaming. Against all odds, just last year, Gary reopened White Noise, bringing his collection of post-rock, shoegaze, hip-hop, and indie rock to the indie mecca of Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po.
Address: G/F, 199 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Zoo Records
Established in 2002, Zoo Records is yet another integral facet of the local indie music scene. They work closely with White Noise on projects such as local indie gigs, album launches, and ticketing. You will find the store crammed into the third floor of President Commercial Centre on Nathan Road, a location highly accessible to visitors looking to pick up some vinyl or a ticket to a local underground show. From Japanese indie and post-rock to hip-hop and jazz, Zoo Records touts a vast collection of music in both CD and vinyl form, as well as a handful of vintage Nirvana, Bowie, Metallica, and Slayer tees.
Address: Shop 325, 3/F, President Commercial Centre, 608 Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Kubrick
To call Kubrick a jack of all trades would be a disservice to the coffee shop-cafe-record store hybrid. You’ll find the vinyl store located right next to Broadway Cinematheque in Prosperous Garden, Yau Ma Tei. Kubrick boasts excellent lighting, with its floor-to-ceiling windows letting in all the natural sunlight you need for browsing records, books, and enjoying a coffee. Browse through the shop’s selection of indie records and spend some time at the dedicated listening space, or schedule a visit for when the space hosts the occasional art exhibition.
To many, Kubrick is much more than just a cafe, bookshop, or record store. It is a community space that works closely with local writers, filmmakers, and artists, hosting talks and workshops to platform their work. Since its opening in 2001, Kubrick has ventured into film, bookselling, and publishing, endeavours that have culminated in a strong sense of community among both regulars and newcomers.
Address: 3 Public Square Street, Prosperous Garden, Yau Ma Tei
Vinyl Hero
Stocking records dating back to the 1960s, Vinyl Hero is a household name among vinyl collectors. The record store, a cramped little treasure trove hidden in a Sham Shui Po residential building, is filled with thousands of records from store owner Ah Paul’s collection. The boxes of records stacked to the ceiling can be a bit of a challenge to navigate, but you can easily ask Paul for recommendations whether you are looking for something more in line with your preferences or if you are looking to broaden your auditory horizons.
Address: Flat D, 5/F, Wai Hong Building, 239 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
Stone Cold Records
The unassuming Stone Cold Records sits juxtaposed against the hustle and bustle of Central district, located in a prime location just a few strides away from the mid-levels escalators on Stanley Street. Compared to the record stores on the other side of the harbour, Stone Cold stocks more mainstream offerings. Pay them a visit to pick up anything from Dua Lipa to My Bloody Valentine, Ramones to Serrini.
Address: Room 505, Won Hing Building, 74–78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong
Featured banner image from theinitium.com
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