Vinyl enthusiast to extend opening hours of shop for Record Store Day

A MUSIC enthusiast is celebrating his first Record Store Day with his own shop. Stone Rock Records was launched in late 2023 by Jonathan Stoneman, 23, who began by opening pop-up shops across Essex. Last July, Jonathan opened his permanent residence in Earls Colne Recreation Club where he has already hosted events for fellow vinyl record lovers.

Jonathan said: “Having a location has been good. I’ve been building up a list of regulars that keep coming back and people who are just driving through. “We’ve still been doing pop-ups in Colchester, Chelmsford and Sudbury because I think that’s important.



“It’s good to have people’s collections from these places and the shop is always growing. “This will be my first Record Store Day where I actually have a store.” Shop - Stone Rock Records is based at Earls Colne Recreation Centre (Image: Jonathan Stoneman) To celebrate Record Store Day, Stone Rock Records will be offering 20 per cent off its entire stock for the day and extending its opening hours “to accommodate you vinyl crazed folks”.

Jonathan said: “It’s all about promoting and supporting small businesses. “Buying vinyl, in my opinion, is the best kind of physical medium which you can own and celebrate your favourite music. “Also, when you buy a vinyl, you’re very locked in and you have to listen to the whole record the way the artist intended and wanted it to be displayed.

“I’m always finding songs that aren’t the hits, that I wouldn’t have done if I hadn’t listened to the whole record.” Records - Jonathan says vinyl is the best kind of physical medium to celebrate your favourite music (Image: Jonathan Stoneman) Jonathan thinks it is these factors, as well as the trend of collecting retro and vintage clothes, that makes vinyl appeal to younger generations. “With streaming services and the internet giving instant gratification, vinyl is about slowing down," he said.

“The sound also feels a lot warmer and a lot bolder — if you have a record player, it feels like the music is in the room with you. “It’s fun to celebrate this medium and I’m excited about Record Store Day.” Stone Rock Records will be open from 11am to 6pm for Record Store Day, on Saturday, April 12, For more information visit the Stone Rock Records Facebook page .

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