In front of Fingerprints Music on a crisp Sunday morning stands a chipper woman sporting a Deftones t-shirt, holding a sign that reads, “Record Store Meetup”. She is Crystal Martinez, the founder of this social club for vinyl lovers.
“We meet once every other month,” Martinez said. “Today’s actually our one-year anniversary.”
Martinez was inspired to start Record Store Meetup after having attended a book meet called Indie Bookstore Field Trips, hosted by Bel Canto Books (who are based in Long Beach).
The idea is simple: like-minded individuals meet up to share the hobbies that they love while supporting small businesses.
Upon checking in with Martinez, attendees are greeted with open arms and a smile.
“Wear this,” Martinez said while doling out Record Store Meetup stickers. “and know that when you see others wearing this (sticker) they’re nice people that you can talk to.”
The nature of crate-digging is often a solitary activity for most. Record Store Meetup offers the opportunity for people to break out of their shells a bit and mingle in a safe environment.
“It’s just different when you know everyone is of the same mind and you can talk to them about music, ” said Steven Castellanos, who was attending the meetup. “I hope to see more of these (meetups) in Long Beach because I can’t always make it out to LA.”
A typical meetup consists of everyone meeting up at around 11 a.m. to shop and mingle until about 1 p.m.
“It’s cool to see such a large group come in and just shop music, you know,” said Patrick Shannon, who works at Fingerprints.
After everyone finished shopping, the group gathered in front of the store and excitedly showed one another their finds.
While they usually have lunch afterward, last Sunday’s meetup ended with everyone taking a walk around the corner to visit Record Box, another local record store.
There isn’t a date set for the next meetup but Martinez says it will be a collaboration with Heather Wilson, of Metro Sessions, a community of DJs who pop up around the LA area.
Martinez is grateful for the support she’s had with Record Store Meetup thus far and has her sights set on venturing out toward the OC.
For the latest on upcoming meetups, be sure to follow @recordstoremeetup on Instagram.
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