Melanie Wolf
Contributing Writer
Over the summer, Purple Dog Records opened its doors on June 1st specializing in used LPs and CDs. Located only a couple blocks away from campus on Center Street, Purple Dog Records is co-owned and operated by Erin Gavin and Joel Sicker; a father and daughter who share a love for music.
“My father has been collecting records since the mid ‘60s,” Gavin said, “so a lot of this stuff that we have here comes from his personal collection.” Ever since she was a kid, Gavin has wanted to own a business with her father. “It just sort of happened,” she said, “the space opened up so we came in and took over!”
With any trend, styles goes in and out of fashion and there is no doubt that vinyl records have, in recent times, made a complete comeback in the world of music.
“If we had tried this ten years ago, people would have looked at us like we’re nuts!” Gavin remarks. “A resurgence began because everything is digital now and I think that some people who, like my dad, have kept all these records feel nostalgic and also feel that there really is a better sound quality over digital.” Sicker adds that many people collect them for the artwork, as well.
Gavin goes on to explain, “You don’t get that feeling of finding something in a little store where you can pick it up and have it in your hands when you download digital music. Actually having a collection is what I think draws me to vinyl; you can have your crate of records in your house that you can actually pick up and just have.”
Everything is priced fairly at Purple Dog Records where father and daughter agree with each other that music is what is most important.
Sicker says, “We try not to overprice our records. I didn’t do this to make a million dollars. I’m retired and I’m doing this because this is what I enjoy and what I have always wanted to do. For the love of music.”
