From Online to High Street: A New Home for Music Lovers
A new haven for music enthusiasts has officially opened its doors on Knowle High Street. Slow Century Records, a vinyl-only store, launched on Saturday, November 8, marking a physical expansion for a business that began online during the pandemic.
The shop is the brainchild of former radio DJ John Ellis, a Shirley resident with a lifetime of experience in the music industry, including booking festivals and managing record labels. Ellis aims to create more than just a retail space; he wants to establish a place where people can genuinely hang out and connect.
Bringing Back the 'Cool' to Record Stores
Ellis, who also worked as a mental health nurse for 25 years, has a clear vision for his new venture. He wants to reignite the social and cultural spark that traditional record shops once had. "Record shops used to be cool and they still should be. I hope to bring some of that back," he told BirminghamLive.
His passion for music is deeply personal, with his first memory being of his father buying a Queen album when he was just two years old. Having grown up watching legendary acts like Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden, Ellis wants to share that enthusiasm. He believes there is a special, nostalgic quality to vinyl that digital formats can't replicate.
"There's a nostalgic element behind vinyl and something fantastic about being able to hold a record in your hands," Ellis explained. "You might just discover something new which you've never thought of."
More Than Music: A Hub for Community and Guidance
The ethos of Slow Century Records extends beyond sales. Ellis is committed to ensuring visitors leave happier than when they arrived. Furthermore, he plans to launch a free guidance service for grassroots bands next year, helping them expand their reach—a testament to his dedication to supporting the local music scene.
Located at 1588 High St, Knowle, Solihull B93 0LF, Slow Century Records promises to be a musical paradise for anyone in the West Midlands looking to scratch that nostalgic itch and rediscover the joy of physical music.
