In the 90s I was in a band called The Family Cat, we were signed to BMG/Dedicated Records and released 3 LPs and around a dozen singles. When the band split up (fairly acrimoniously) I ended up working for Pinnacle and then a short spell at Vital Distribution before moving to Cornwall in 2000. I had a young family and got into youth work, mainly music-related and secured funding to build a recording studio for young people to use for free. Eventually I ended up managing Children’s Services in Cornwall. Working with disabled young people, young carers and vulnerable groups. Like a lot of people, the pandemic made me reconsider what I was doing, and I realised the impact my (sometimes difficult work) was having on me. I decided to leave my job and was considering opening a café with records when a tiny unit became available in a courtyard owned by a Community Interest Company full of artists and a veggie café, so I opened what was possibly one of the smallest record shops in England in July 2021. It is in the town I was born in and bought records in until I left at 18. I liked that I was doing something back in my home town. I know all my regulars and the people come into chat, so I have made some great friends since opening the shop. Sharing, talking and recommending new releases to them is one of the things I enjoy most.I also do a pop up at a local brewery on a themed vinyl night which is really enjoyable and I’m starting a night soon with a local café.
