An interesting bit of news from the independent label sector: Bella Union has opened its own vinyl store in Brighton’s historic Lanes district close to the seafront.
The London-based label is best known for its association with Fleet Foxes, but has signed a string of successful acts in its 19-year history including John Grant, Midlake, Father John Misty, Fionn Regan, Beach House and PINS.
Bella Union co-founder Simon Raymonde told MBW that the shop was not meant to be “in competition with other vinyl retailers in Brighton”, adding: “We continue to support and cherish Resident Records, across the other side of The Lanes, who are one of the finest indie retailers in the land, and who have been so good to Bella Union over the years.”
However, he added that “a vibrant, eclectic and healthy choice for customers is good for everyone”.
The Bella Union shop can be located at 13 Ship Street Gardens, Brighton BN1 1AJ.
It will only stock Bella Union record and other collaborative titles, specialising in harder-to-find items.
“A vibrant, eclectic and healthy choice for customers is good for everyone.”
Simon Raymonde, Bella Union
The new shop will be managed by Raymonde’s wife Abbey – an acclaimed concert photographer and presenter based in New York before she moved to the UK in 2015, who has been working within Bella Union for the last four years on film projects for the likes of John Grant and Mercury Rev.
Simon Raymonde began his working life at Beggars Banquet record shop in South Kensington back in 1980, home to 4AD.
His eldest son Stan – who just started his own label, Opposite Number – is also a key member of the staff at Rough Trade East record shop in Brick Lane, in East London.
The new Bella shop in Brighton opened on June 8 with two special in-store performances from John Grant arranger Fiona Brice as well as Mercury Rev.
Raymonde says the band “heard about the shop and insisted on making an out-of-the-way journey to celebrate it with us”.
Raymonde promises midnight openings on some Thursday nights “for those thirsty knights who want their vinyl served with a bagel at 12.01am on a Friday morning!”.Music Business Worldwide
