GIVE US THE BACKGROUND - WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN A RECORD SHOP?

Sash: When I found out I was being made redundant, I knew I didn’t want to go back to working for someone else. So I asked myself, 'What do I really love?'—and the answer was obvious: music.

The decision came naturally from there. There wasn’t an independent shop in Manchester that sold the kind of music I loved, and there certainly wasn’t a queer-owned record shop offering the kind of inclusive, welcoming space we wanted to create. I wanted to build a place where like-minded people could come together, talk about music, and feel a real sense of community.

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR STORE? WHAT'S THE VIBE?

Our store is a warm, welcoming space that celebrates pop and R&B, while also offering a carefully curated selection of exclusive imports you won’t find elsewhere. Rooted in community, it proudly supports local queer artists, but it’s open to anyone who simply loves good music.

The atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable—designed so people can browse at their own pace and feel totally at ease. Every detail, from the layout to the music playing, encourages connection and discovery, with releases thoughtfully arranged to make finding your next favourite record a joy!

What’s the story behind your shop name?

The name is intentionally a little tongue-in-cheek. ‘Vinyl’ speaks for itself, but ‘Fetish’ is about those guilty pleasures—the music you love, crave, and keep coming back to. We wanted something that would spark curiosity, make people pause, and reflect on the deep personal connection we often have with the music we’re drawn to.

CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST RECORD YOU SOLD IN THE SHOP? AND THE LAST?

The first was Sabrina Carpenter’s “Short n’ Sweet,” which came out close to our opening day.  The last was somebody’s guilty pleasure: Madison Avenue’s “Polyester Embassy”

DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST RECORD SHOP YOU WENT TO? AND DO YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST RECORD YOU BOUGHT?

Sash: I grew up in Hull and all I knew was HMV & Virgin Music. My first record was “Agadoo’ by Black Lace.

Glen: I don’t know how they got away with it, but my first record shop was called 4-play!  It doesn’t exist anymore, but the first record I got from them was MC Hammer’s first album.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RECORD SHOP (APART FROM YOUR OWN!) AND WHY?

I think both of us agree, Wax & Beans in Bury. 

We have met them a few times already and they are a great team.  Ben has given us great advice and support. But the guys in Piccadilly Records in Manchester deserve a shout out too. It is such a great community to be a part of!

WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE RECORD STORE EXPERIENCE?

Most memorable away from our store was meeting Dannii Minogue at a meet and greet a good few years back. It was such a good day, we didn’t feel rushed and got to meet one of our icons!

How successful has Record Store Day been for your store?

It exceeded all our expectations. With only six months under our belt when the event took place, we never anticipated a line of people waiting for us.That day still gives us a thrill every time we think about it. It delivered exactly what we had hoped for, and we’ve gained loyal customers from it. It was also amazing that some of our neighbouring, well established record stores were happy to point people in our direction if they were running low on stock.

WHAT'S THE BEST GIG YOU'VE EVER BEEN TO?

Sash: Alicia Keys when she played in Manchester Cathedral for MTV.  Lianne La Havas was supporting, and it was awesome!

Glen: 2019 was an awesome year for gigs for me, but I think my favourite was Dido in the Albert Hall in Manchester. Such a simple but powerful show!

WHAT'S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE FILM?

Sash: Sister Act (1992).  I love them both, but the original is the best

Glen: The Pianist (2002).

WHAT'S YOUR ALL-TIME FAVOURITE BOOK?

Sash: I recently read “Arthur & Teddy are coming out” by Ryan Lowe and loved it.

Glen: I love Ken Follet as an author, and I’ve read his Century trilogy multiple times. The first part “The fall Of Giants” is my favourite of the three.

WHAT WOULD MAKE UP YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISCS?

Sash: Kylie – Turn it into love; Faith Hill – There You’ll be; Whitney Houston – Step By Step; Spandau Ballet - Gold

Glen: En Vogue – Don’t Let Go (Love); Janet Jackson – The Velvet Rope; Dido – Hurricane; Erasure – A little respect.

OTHER RECORD STORES