Five years ago Ryan Blackwell opened his dream store in his dream location. Nederland was, and in many ways still is, a hotspot of musical culture and creativity, and Blackwell could think of no better place to lay the foundation for Boogie Records.
Over the years, Boogie Records has moved to a bigger space and has expanded its inventory to become a paradise for music fans and those addicted to physical media. Though Blackwell’s favorite part of the job is acquiring big collections from record enthusiasts, where flipping through someone else’s eclectic tastes can often yield some incredible results, he’s recently been focusing on expanding the merchandise available at Boogie.
From expressive band logo T-shirts repping Nirvana and Wu-Tang Clan, to a variety of music-inspired toys, such as vintage Devo figurines and newer Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem dolls, with these new additions Boogie Records is constantly being enhanced.
Blackwell is always thinking about how he can maximize the use of his space so that his store can offer customers more. Since last year, Blackwell has inherited the dynamic, and somewhat historic, front-facing display cases that held records for more than 35 years at Boulder’s Albums on the Hill.
He has also installed wall displays so that the more enticing records can be faced to tantalize even the most stringent of enthusiasts. The more rare and limited edition records from new and classic artists now adorn the walls, including special editions by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and sought-after pressings of The Velvet Underground (which have since been sold).
But vinyl-hunters should be aware, though Boogie Records’s racks may be hiding some incredible deals, Blackwell has also begun selling some of his rarest inventory on https://www.discogs.com.
To celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Boogie Records, Blackwell recently traveled across Japan and to South Korea on an expedition of discovery. Blackwell searched record store after record store, from Tokyo to Kyoto to Seoul, not only searching for new special additions to his personal collection, but to expand his knowledge of what record stores can offer.
Since returning from his trip, Blackwell has been envisioning the possibilities of what customers can enjoy at Boogie Records. Vinyl listening stations are all the rage in the East, and Blackwell is breaking out the measuring tape to see where within his shop he could add some lounge seating and customary headphones.
To celebrate the store’s 5th Anniversary, Boogie Records is having a month-long sale where everything in the store is 10% off. Also, visitors to Boogie can purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win great prizes, including Boogie Records T-shirts and gift certificates, and a custom cake created by Peace, Love and Cake.
Additionally, an anniversary party is planned for Wednesday, March 20, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Very Nice Brewing Company, located at 20 Lakeview Drive, unit 112. Blackwell will be spinning records and selling merchandise, and the winners of the raffle will be announced.
Boogie Records is located at 150 North Jefferson Street, and is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information check out their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BoogieRecordsNederland?mibextid=LQQJ4d, or call 303-258-3081.
