ryn

Thanks for the thoughtful responses thus far.

Clearly anything in actual print these days -- books, newspapers, and, yes, magazines -- struggle to keep revenue above costs. For what it's worth, trade magazines do not use a subscription base as it's largely predicated on attaining advertisers to pay to get their products in front of the people in the industry -- store owners, labels, etc. I could go on with more of the details, but I'll stop there.

If anyone else would like to mention what content would be important to them it would be appreciated. Clearly every music magazine/ site/ blog/ facebook page does record reviews, but what content is lacking coverage? News on the state of the vinyl industry? Info on how to open your own store? Interviews with labels or distributors? Well known columnists?

This is admittedly a very broad question, but as a longtime lurker I want to get a sense of what people are thinking and what your opinions are.

I am in the process of starting a trade magazine for record stores and the enthusiasts that frequent them. I am very much one of these people and know what I would like to see in a magazine like this which is why I’m starting one. I want it to be heavily focused on vinyl while featuring new LPs, record labels, industry news, and, of course, record stores. However, I would love to hear what people here would want to see out of a record store trade magazine, especially if you own a store or distro. Do you get enough info on new albums from the internet? Should we focus more on vinyl quality and pressings? Feature new turntable/stereo technology? More on state of the vinyl industry?

Any and all comments would be very much appreciated!

Located in different parts of North America, but these are two of the best record stores I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and spend a few hours in both if you're anywhere close to them.

Minneapolis, MN

Treehouse Records

http://treehouserecords.blogspot.com

2557 South Lyndale Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55405

(612) 872-7400‎

"Treehouse Records is the current incarnation of a series of storied record stores at the corner of 26th and Lyndale in south Minneapolis. After becoming Oar Folkjokeopus in 1972 it quickly emerged as the epicenter for the burgeoning 70s and 80s Twin Cities punk scene. Renamed Treehouse in 2001 after the Oar Folk manager took over the business, the store remains a staple of the Twin Cities underground/independent music community and the best source for vinyl in the state."

Small, but incredibly good stock. The staff clearly knows how to select the right records. Especially great for garage rock/punk LPs and 7"'s. Stock is split about 50/50 between new and used vinyl.

I'm new around here, but I'm pretty surprised to see no mention of Toronto's shops in here so far, so here's my best stab at it:

Rotate This

801 Queen West

First place I bought a record in Toronto way back before I moved here, and still my go-to shop. Mostly new stuff, but with a healthy selection of used as well, and a decent selection of higher end collectibles. When it comes to new albums, you'll find a great selection of the entire spectrum of pop music here. Anything from pre-war blues and Americana, to obscure foreign garage rock collections, to the whole scheme of punk rock and all the new indie hits. A fairly scant selection of 7"s is the only drawback. I would say that this is the place to go if you can only hit one shop in the city, but as you'll find out below, that probably won't be an issue.

Much like Treehouse, but it's larger and they have more titles. Soul, blues, indie rock all great categories in the store, but maybe the best selection of experimental/garage LPs I've ever seen in a store.