Most people have noticed over the past couple of years that vinyl is back. There is something about records that’s sexy, sultry and just oozes coolness.
The one thing that’s hard to find is a local record store, though that’s no longer true in Augusta.
If you’ve driven down the 1200 block of Broad Street recently, you’ve probably noticed a new record store.
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Grantski Records is hard to miss with its bright hazard yellow signage and huge store front located right between Garden City Social and local favorite Knuckle Sandwiches.
I made my way from Mellow Mushroom for a chance to check out this store on Tuesday afternoon.
Album covers, band promo posters, and tapestries fill the front windows and inside walls of this humble, eclectic store. You can spot everything from Frank Zappa, Bob Seger, Rolling Stones and Melvins album covers to a Jimmy Hendrix tapestry and a very nice set of drums. The store feels very comfortable and inviting, like being in your friend’s living room.
The shop moved from a smaller space in midtown on Central Avenue to their new location at the beginning of this year.
I sat down with owner, Evan Grantski, outside on a brisk, sunny afternoon. He says he got into the record business as an avid collector. He still has a collection at home of more than 2,000 albums.
Grantski says the shop moved because it had outgrown the other space. The new space is almost 3.5 times the square footage of the old. The store not only has room for more records, it has enough space for a rather nice sized stage. He hopes to have a couple of shows a month in the store and also hopes to do meet-and-greet and album signings with some bigger acts coming through town to play at bigger venues like the Bell, Miller or Imperial.
Grantski says, without hesitation, being part of the downtown community is “Wonderful!”
I asked Evan if he’s seen an uptick in sales since the pandemic hit.
“A big uptick,” he said. “People are at home listening to records…Just in general, hobby sales are up. From baseball cards, magic cards, Pokémon cards, bikes, skateboards, and all that kinda stuff. Unfortunately, food and restaurants are down and venues have been hit really hard.”
Do yourself a favor and stop by Grantski Records soon. It’s a great addition to downtown. You’ll think they’ve been there for years. With their momentum, they should be there for years. As always, support local stores, and support live music.
Brian Brittingham is the entertainment columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at producers@theaugustapress.com
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