Easy Street Records - Seattle's Music Heartbeat
When you think about places that truly capture the spirit of a city, especially one known for its music, a spot like Easy Street Records comes to mind. This independent music store, a real fixture in Seattle, Washington, offers a tremendous collection of used and new vinyl records, compact discs, and even cassette tapes. You can find all sorts of musical treasures here, and what's more, they bring in fresh items every single day, so there are always new finds and good deals waiting for you. It's a place where many people feel a genuine connection to music and the community around it, so you know, it's pretty special.
This well-known spot first opened its doors in West Seattle way back in 1988. Over time, it grew to include a cafe and a place to get drinks, offering things like hot coffee, morning meals, midday food, various beers, different wines, and even mixed drinks. This blend of music and a cozy hangout makes it a unique destination, a bit like a community living room with a soundtrack. People often stop by just to hang out, browse for a bit, or catch a live show, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.
The store has earned quite a name for itself over the years. Back in 2018, a very famous music publication recognized Easy Street Records, which shows how much it means to people who care about music. With many thousands of people showing their appreciation online and even more visiting in person, it's clear this place holds a significant spot in the hearts of many. It’s a spot that, you know, really feels like home to a lot of music lovers.
Table of Contents
- A Brief History of Easy Street Records
- Who is Matt Vaughan - The Person Behind Easy Street Records?
- What Makes Easy Street Records So Special?
- How Does Easy Street Records Keep the Music Going?
- The Easy Street Records Label - What is it all about?
- Supporting Easy Street Records - What Can You Do?
- Visiting Easy Street Records - What to Expect
- Events and Happenings at Easy Street Records
A Brief History of Easy Street Records
The story of Easy Street Records really begins in 1988, when it first opened its doors in the West Seattle part of town. It started out, as you might expect, selling music in various forms. Over the years, the types of music carriers they offered shifted, moving from long-playing records and smaller seven-inch singles to compact discs and even digital versatile discs, before coming back to focus on those beloved LPs again. It’s almost like a full circle, you know, with the way things tend to change and then sometimes come back around.
For more than two decades, the original West Seattle store has kept going strong. Then, after 21 years of being a central spot for music fans, they added another location in the Queen Anne area, which also has a cafe. This expansion shows just how much the place means to people and how it’s managed to stay relevant and loved by many, in a way that’s pretty cool. It’s quite a feat for an independent shop to keep growing like that, really.
Who is Matt Vaughan - The Person Behind Easy Street Records?
The person who has really been at the heart of Easy Street Records for a very long time is Matt Vaughan. He is the owner of the West Seattle location, and he got his start in the music business in a way that let him meet many well-known artists. He has been in charge of Easy Street Records for 36 years now, which is a really impressive amount of time. You know, that means he has seen a lot of changes in music and how people listen to it, and he has been a big part of it all. He pretty much knows the Seattle music community inside and out, which is something you don't find every day.
Matt Vaughan has talked about what it takes to keep a record store going, especially with things like Record Store Day and his connections to groups like Pearl Jam. His deep knowledge and long experience make him a truly important figure in the music scene, not just in Seattle, but, you know, for anyone who cares about independent music shops. It's clear he has a real passion for what he does, and that definitely comes through in the store's atmosphere, which is pretty neat.
Matt Vaughan Bio Data
| Role | Owner of Easy Street Records (West Seattle) |
| Years of Ownership | 36 years |
| Involvement | Deeply connected to the music business, met many famous artists, knowledgeable about the Seattle music scene. |
| Notable Connections | Record Store Day, Pearl Jam |
What Makes Easy Street Records So Special?
What sets Easy Street Records apart, you might wonder? Well, it's more than just a place to buy music. It's a spot that many people consider one of the very best record stores anywhere on the planet. This isn't just because of the sheer volume of music they have, with fresh items coming in every single day, but also because of the whole feeling of the place. It's got this blend of music, a certain mood, a lot of history, and just a generally good feeling that makes it a favorite for many, honestly. It's a place that, you know, just feels right.
For those who visit Seattle, Easy Street Records often lands on their "things to do" list. It’s one of those unusual spots that makes it onto lists of must-see places. This is partly because it's known as a truly legendary record store in a city that itself has a legendary music background. The mix of finding a rare record, grabbing a bite or a drink at the cafe, and just soaking in the atmosphere creates an experience that keeps people coming back, time and time again, which is pretty cool, if you ask me.
How Does Easy Street Records Keep the Music Going?
Keeping an independent music store thriving for decades takes a lot of effort and, perhaps more importantly, a lot of support from its community. Easy Street Records stays strong by offering a constantly changing collection of music. They bring in new things every day, so there are always new discoveries to make, whether you're looking for something you know or something completely different. This daily refresh of their shelves means that, you know, there’s always a reason to pop in and have a look around.
They have a really wide variety of music available, covering all sorts of styles. Whether you're after something new or a well-loved used item, they likely have it. This includes not just popular music but also specialized areas, like a good collection of jazz records, which is something many music lovers appreciate. It’s pretty clear that they work hard to make sure there’s something for just about everyone who walks through their doors, which is, like, a really important part of their continued success.
The Easy Street Records Label - What is it all about?
Beyond the physical stores, there's also the Easy Street Records label, which is a whole different part of the music world. This label started way back in 1983 and became known for its dance music. It put out many club favorites that people still listen to today. The label worked with many talented producers and performers, and its sound became connected with great tunes and strong singing, a way of making music that the label still uses today, you know, which is pretty consistent.
You can look for music from the Easy Street Records label to see what you might be missing in your own collection. The label has put out records by well-known artists such as Blaze, Adeva, De' Lacy, and Missy Elliott. These collaborations show the label's history and its impact on dance music over the years. It's quite interesting to see how a store and a label can share a name and a passion for music, but each do their own thing, in a way, if that makes sense.
Supporting Easy Street Records - What Can You Do?
For those who want to help Easy Street Records keep going strong, the best way to do it is pretty simple: buy records, compact discs, and other items they sell, like t-shirts or bags. Every single purchase you make, whether you pick up a classic vinyl album or grab some Easy Street branded merchandise, directly helps them. It's a direct way to show your appreciation and make sure this important music spot stays around for a long time, which is, like, really good for the community.
The store also takes part in things like Record Store Day, which started in 2007. This day was thought up by independent record store owners and their staff as a way to celebrate and tell more people about the special culture that surrounds these kinds of shops. Getting involved in events like this, and making purchases, helps Easy Street Records continue to be a central gathering place for music lovers and a spot where, you know, good things happen.
Visiting Easy Street Records - What to Expect
If you find yourself in Seattle and want to experience Easy Street Records firsthand, you can find the West Seattle store at 4559 California Ave SW. It's a spot where you can expect to find a huge selection of music in various formats. They do, in fact, sell both used and new records, which is a common question people have. So, you know, you get the best of both worlds, whether you prefer something brand new or a pre-loved classic.
Beyond the music, remember the cafe and bar area. This means you can spend a good amount of time there, looking through records, enjoying a cup of coffee, having a meal, or sipping on a drink. It makes the visit more than just a quick shopping trip; it becomes a whole experience. It's pretty much a place where you can just relax and enjoy the atmosphere, which is something many people really appreciate, actually.
Events and Happenings at Easy Street Records
Easy Street Records is also known for hosting different events, making it a lively spot for music fans. They often have performers come and play on their stage. For example, they were very happy to welcome Brittany Davis back to their stage for a performance. Her new album, "Blackthunder," was set to be available on June 13th, and people could come listen to the songs right there at the store. It’s pretty cool how they bring live music right to the community, you know, making it a truly interactive experience.
These events add another layer to what Easy Street Records offers. It's not just about buying music; it's about being part of a community that celebrates music in all its forms. Whether it's an album release party or a special appearance, these happenings make the store a dynamic and interesting place to visit regularly. It really feels like a living, breathing part of the Seattle music scene, which is something you don't find everywhere, like your typical store, you know.
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