RSD Insight | Red Robin Records Vinyl Cafe Interview

April 21, 2023 Kirsten Moreton

April 21 | Written By Kirsten Moreton

In honour of Record Store Day, it is important to take a look at some of the incredible record shops that help bring life to record collecting and the music scene in Scotland. Chatting to these business owner’s give incredible insight into record collecting and what makes record collecting so special. The Music Mag were lucky enough to discuss these with owner Nick from Aberdeen’s, Red Robin Records. Red Robin Records is a record cafe located in the heart of Aberdeen and is the perfect stop for any vinyl lovers. The store has also appeared on our list of must visit record stores in Scotland. Continue reading to discover more about this incredible shop as well as the story of how it came to be.

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What is the story behind your Red Robin Records, how did it begin?

I always wanted to open a café, since I was at school. When I left I fell into the oil and gas industry and pretty much stayed for 20 years!! In my 30’s I knew I had to make a decision as it would be my last chance to really make a go of something else.

What was the inspiration to combine vinyl and coffee?

I love both but wasn’t sure the vinyl would do well on its own. Kind of just made sense to put them together.

When was Red Robin Records founded?

We opened our doors in April 2019, although it should have been a year earlier, had to go back offshore for another year as I had ran out of cash!!

What are the current aims for the shop?

Really looking forward to growth. It’s hard as Covid has changed everything and it’s quite difficult to see upward trends. A couple of years of good accounts and I’d love to expand.

What would you like to bring as a business for customers?

It was always a space for like minded people to chill, relax and listen to some good music. I never went into it business minded, probably not the best way to make money.

What do you love most about record collecting?

It’s always been about owning something that I love, I’m not precious about the value it’s just nice to know that I can put something real on my player and something amazing comes out.

Do you have a dream record you wish you could own?

Sunhouse, Crazy on the Weekend.

What are the plans for RSD? What records have you got in stock for the day?

It’s really all about Taylor Swift, that’s what’s been requested, I have ordered a few other things I want to stock but without people asking the risk of not selling what I buy in is too much.

Do you think record store day is important in supporting small shops?

Hard one, the sales are important but it’s a huge risk for us. There is zero sale or return on the stock so if you don’t sell your stock your stuck with it. I also find that the lust is to big and the prices are too high. I do feel it’s lost it’s way

What would you say to record collectors to urge them into supporting small shops over bigger companies such as HMV?

There is a place for both, but I would stay away from Amazon, that’s what’s killing the high street.

Likewise, do you think in person record collecting is important when so much variety is available online?

Very important, you can’t beat physical connections.

Where do you see the company in 10 years, what are the goals?

Honestly I would love to see a much larger venue that consists of retail, café, bar and live band space.

Why do you think vinyl has lasted better than other ways of listening to music such as cassettes?

People who grew up with iTunes were living with mp3 sound quality, they also found out that the music they bought wasn’t theirs and would die with them. When all you have heard is mp3, 16 bit cd sounds incredible let alone vinyl. Vinyl is pretty and holds more information on the sleeve, people love that. Cassettes are making a small comeback but it’s the same problem as before, recorded on cheep tape so the sound quality is terrible

How did the pandemic affect record collecting and record stores including Red Robin Records?

Like every other retail store we have been hit hard. We had to take on more dept to keep us from going bust. Not ideal.

Do you think vinyl is important in the digital age of music?

I always say if you only like a few tracks then stream the artist, if you love the album start to finish then buy the album, it’s like owning a piece of art, it’s always going to be yours.

Do you think there is something special about preloved vinyl?

Absolutely especially when you find a 70’s record that was pressed on standard vinyl and sounds better than some of todays . It’s a reminder that not everything today is better, some things were better in the past.

How does Red Robin Records stand out against other shops? What makes it different?

I find independent record shops have there own personality , I can’t afford to buy in everything that’s being released so I try and listen to as much as possible which then sways my decision, your own personality is and likes are in every part of the store.

Is there a story behind the name Red Robin Records?

My daughters name Robyn, I knew I wanted to name the shop after her. When my son Ethan was born I named my coffee after him with a musical nod. Easy E’s Coffee Beans

What got you into vinyl and record collecting?

Iv always loved music but when I was a teenager cd was king. It was only when iTunes started that I stopped buying cd and tuned my attention to vinyl.

Why do you think people are drawn to physical music such as vinyl and why they may find connection in it?

People always go back to the music they grew up with as it’s a part of their life, there is a connection and a memory that comes with music and when you put a record on that can conjure that memory it’s special.

Make sure to pop into Red Robin Records, check out all they have to offer and support an incredible independent shop this Record Store Day! A big thank you to Nick for taking the time to answer our RSD question’s! Keep an eye out for some insight into more shops coming to The Music Mag soon.