Store marks national record celebration
AQUALITY, independent record store in Southport has celebrated this year’s Record Store Day UK.
Quicksilver Music has been a popular fixture in Southport town centre since it opened on Market Street, opposite the side of Southport Market, in July 2009.
Owner Dave Thornley said: “Record Store Day UK has a great atmosphere and my customers have always been so supportive of the event.”
This year’s Record Store Day, supported by BBC Sounds, took place on Saturday (April 23).
The popular event is the one day of the year when over 260 independent record shops all across the UK, including Quicksilver Music, come together to celebrate their unique culture.
Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops host artist performances and events to mark the occasion.
Thousands more shops celebrate the day around the globe in what’s become one of the biggest annual events on the music calendar.
Dave said: “I opened Quicksilver Music in July 2009 after being made redundant, using my own guitars, records and CDs as stock.
“I worked in record shops when I was younger and had always wanted to have my own shop.
“I sell vinyl and CDs, mainly classic rock from the 60s and 70s, but also jazz, blues, and Indie.
“I believe an independent record shop is important in keeping our high street alive and diverse.
“It’s a great place to meet people with a passion for music, and find out about local gigs, and buy local bands’ music. You get the chance to physically look through albums and get personal recommendations, so you can pick something up you might never have done scrolling online.”
Dave describes the favourite part of his job as “discovering new music and chatting with customers”.
He added: “I’ve really got to know my customers’ tastes over the years. When I’m out record hunting, I often pick up stuff that I know people are on the hunt for. You can only get this kind of personal touch when you shop and support local.
“I participate in Record Store Day every year. It’s a special event where you can pick up exclusive limited releases only from your local record shop. It’s a great atmosphere and my customers have always been so supportive of the event.
“Vinyl has definitely made a welcome comeback over the last few years. There is nothing like having something tangible like a vinyl record in your hand, opening the sleeve, staring at the cover and reading the lyrics and putting the needle down on that first track. You attach memories to records, and an experience is created as you listen.
“Among my favourite artists and bands are Quicksilver Messenger Service (who I named my shop after), Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Gene Clark, Nick Cave, Tom Waits, Cocteau Twins, Talk Talk and Blue Nile – too many to mention!
“The great thing about owning my own record shop is I can bring stuff home all the time to listen to and keep discovering new music.
“I regularly buy second-hand vinyl collections, which sometimes contain forgotten photos, letters and love notes tucked inside; some have been quite raunchy!
“I have been doing a weekly Facebook video on a Saturday for years, where I address the vinyl nation, showing new stock, and generally making a bit of a plonker of myself, but it’s been hugely popular and due to popular demand I continued this during lockdown, with weekly competitions and local deliveries, so I could stay in touch with everyone.
“Mike Badger, co-founder of The La’s, played in the shop on our very first Record Store Day event. Will from Echo & The Bunnymen often pops in, he actually bought a double neck guitar from me! We’ve also had book signings with Danny Thompson and visits from Steeleye Span too.”
Even when Quicksilver Music is closed it is making a statement,
Dave Thornley, owner of Quicksilver Music on Market Street in Southport thanks to the eye-catching street art featuring legendary American gonzo journalist Hunter S Thompson.
Dave said: “The fabulous graffiti of
Hunter S Thompson on the shop shutter was done during an Urban Art & Street Painting Festival in Southport in 2011.”
Quicksilver Music is situated at 24 Market Street in Southport, phone: 01704 542939, visit: www.quicksilvermusic.co.uk