Head to the newest record store to browse your favorite music, literature, and games, and even discover new favorites amidst the vast collection. With radio shows, backyard events, and other ideas on the horizon, Sterling Records is supplying a hub of culture for Park Slope Residents to explore.
A new hub of music culture and community
Park Slope is getting a new record store this summer with a big emphasis on community and inclusivity in the neighborhood – ages and music interests alike. Sterling Records is being opened by longtime friends and local bar owners Gary Giddens and Ray Gish with help from their friend and investor, Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode, Erasure, and Yazoo fame.
Their vision for the store is much more than just records.
I had a chance to chat with Co-Owner, Gary Giddens, who describes Sterling Records as a cross between Annie’s Blue Ribbon and Beacon’s Closet, but all about music. Their vision for the store is a place where you may come in to browse or buy a new album, and end up finding other things you’re interested in, learning something new, or just finding a place to spend some time listening to music or chat.
His hope is that there will always be something interesting going on for the neighborhood to join in on. Gary told me about a scene from last summer that helped inform his vision of Sterling Records.
Last summer I was walking along 7th avenue…it was drizzling a bit…and there were these kids sitting in Starbucks. I want those kids to say ‘Hey let’s go hangout at the record store.
Sterling Records will sell new and used records, CDs, turn tables, puzzles, and a collection of about a thousand books. Gary mentioned more than once that his goal is for everyone to feel welcome, and that’s clear through their inventory.
He envisions that every music taste can be catered to at the store – no matter how new, old, trendy, or niche it may be. Their inventory will include new releases, vintage vinyl, and selections spanning nearly every genre.
The record store has a great space in the back and a beautiful, spacious yard that they’re aiming to open by Spring of 2025. The back would serve coffee and the backyard could be used to sit and eat or perhaps even listen to a show (noise ordinances allowing).
Speaking of noise – they’ll also be using their space to host radio shows through Maker Park Radio, a nonprofit community radio station based in Staten Island and owned by Gary’s friends Kristin Wallace and Tom Ferrie. Gary has been a part of Maker Park Radio since its start in 2017, and now the radio station will be setting up a small studio inside Sterling Records.
The staff plans to host radio shows from the store on Mondays – likely DJed by the staff or anyone who wants to get involved. Tom from Maker Park Radio offers DJ lessons, some of which will be held at the record shop. You can listen to Maker Park Radio through their website (https://makerparkradio.nyc/) or their app (Maker Park Radio).
If you’d like to support Sterling Records or get involved, you can do so through their GoFundMe (https://www.gofundme.com/f/sterling-record-store), or just pop by for a chat. You could help with set up, stock records, join the staff, or maybe even become a regular DJ.
Sterling Records plans to open in May, come out and support this new hub of music culture and community on 5th and Sterling. I’ll see you there!
