Q&A: Goner Records a great place for music, vinyl
Located on 2152 Young Avenue, Goner Records is owned by Eric
Friedl and Zac Ives. Friedl, who is a musician started the store with Ives after
the Goner Records label was already in existence. Now the store is a great place
for fans of vinyl records. Friedl discussed Goner Records and why vinyl is
making a comeback.
Where does the name ‘Goner’ come from?
We just came up with an idea in the 90s for a record label, and started the store in 2004. It doesn’t really mean anything other than just sort of a cool name that we thought we
could put on the store.
What made you want to start a record label?
We had bands that we were in, friends that were in bands that we thought deserved to get out to more people,
so we decided to start releasing records.
Does the music from your label have one type of sound, or is it eclectic?
It’s basically rock 'n' roll, but it varies within that pretty wildly. We have Memphis bands, Australian bands, Japanese bands and we’re getting ready to put out an Irish band so it’s from all over the place. But basically straight ahead rock and roll is where it starts
from and kind of diverges from there.
How was the record store created, and for what reason?
I was doing mail order out of my bedroom, just selling records and things, and my partner Zac Ives came back to town, and we decided to get a physical store. We had always been big fans of record stores, and figured that Memphis could use one more.
Have you noticed a change in people’s interest in records?
A little bit, there’s been younger people that have been getting into it, and older people that have never really lost interest in buying records. People have been making players and things, and they help people able to play records, and that keeps some interest in vinyl alive.
Do you think that records are better in some way?
I think it depends - if you produce a record correctly or if you produce a CD correctly. It’s a different way to listen to music, putting a needle down instead of just having a computer read a disc. I think it just varies with the person.
What’s your favorite thing about seeing people buying records from your store?
We love the idea that they’re going to find out about new music that’ll lead them to other new music that keeps them coming
back and telling their friends. We feel like we’re doing a service in a way, and hopefully people find new and interesting things
here.
Amanda Ivory conducted this interview.