click here for The Beat & Track website

When did Beat & Track begin?
July 2021

Who's in charge?
I own and run it

How did you get involved in the first place?
30 years as an aftersales manager and then an epiphany during lockdown 😊

What do you specialise in?
I don’t really specialise in a particular genre pr type of music. I sell brand new and pre-lived vinyl. Anything from Psych, Krautrock, Punk, Rock, Pop, Jazz, Folk, Metal, Hip Hop, Soundtracks. I have a large stock of all vinyl formats (LP, 12”, 7”) plus CDs, cassettes and books.

Do you offer an online service?
Yes

How has your shop changed since vinyl made a comeback?
It’s definitely got a broader spectrum of customers. The demographic has a lower average age now as youngsters are starting to appreciate the vinyl listening experience and the fact of having something tangible to own.

Can you describe your typical customer?
I don’t think there is a typical customer here.

Which two or three artists are you currently seeing most demand for?
Queens of the Stone Age, Boards of Canada, Neil Young.

How to you see the next two or three years for the shop?
Definitely expansion ref stock holding/display. A revamp of the shop to utilise space more.with costs going up all the time i need to get as much as possible on the shop floor.

How do you feel about Record Store Day?
I love RSD. It’s a big financial risk and you rarely make much money but it’s all worth it for the community feeling it creates. It a great atmosphere for the day and (touch wood) I don’t see many obvious scalpers in my queue.

Any funny/crazy requests/moments you've had in the shop you'd like to share?
A lady in her mid eighties came in one, walking stick and little dog. I misheard her and thought she had asked for “Satirical” records so i took her to a couple of Goons and Monty Python records in the bargain bin. She looked at me in disgust and reiterated “Satyricon” the Norwegian Black Metal band. She had most of their albums but was looking for “Now, diabolical”. NEVER JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER 🤣

Do you run any in-shop signings/live sessions?
From time to time i have people play in the shop. Electronic artist Twilight Sequence actually recorded an album live in store released on Castles In Space Records.

You can find Paul at:
The Old Shambles
South Street
Sherborne
Dorset
DT9 3LU
thebeatandtrack@icloud.com
07730 356719
and check out the website Beat & Track