A HYPERLOCAL NEWS HUB CREATED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS DEPARTMENT OF JOURNALISM

C-Y Business Spotlight: Goner Records
By Nielsen Ferry

In 2004 entrepreneurs Eric Friedl and Zac Ives moved their business to 2152 Young Avenue.  The pair would already have a cult following as well as a handful of releases through their record label.  They would take over the space left vacant by Legba Records.

"It helped, moving one record store into a space owned by another," said Zac Ives.  "It made the transition easy and the locals were accustomed to the type of retail."

Known as Goner Records, the label represents a variety of mostly Memphis-based punk and garage rock acts.  Operations are run in the back of the new and used record store of the same name.  

"The area (Cooper-Young) has seen some changes, the nightlife especially, since we've been here,"  said Ives.  "continued growth and expansion is good for independent business owners like us."
 
The label got its start after Friedl attended a performance by Japanese punk rock group, Guitar Wolf.  Friedl liked the band so much that he asked for their permission to release a record.  The band agreed and in 1993 Guitar Wolf's Wolf Rock! was released.  Friedl followed with several releases from his band The Oblivians.  

Goner is also known for its annual music festival known as Goner Fest.  Started in 2005, the event typically last three days and showcases bands represented by Goner.  Over the years the event has been hosted by various Memphis haunts like Buccaneer Tavern and Hi-Tone.

Friedl, Ives and Goner records represent the eclectic.  The store offers selections from all genres of music as well as a shrine to Elvis Impersonators.  If you visit you will likely find groups of locals and music enthusiasts gathered in the store talking, blogging or just listening to songs.
     
"We like things that are different.  The neighborhood has always been a little different than the rest of the city, it suits our needs well."

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Go Inside Goner Records
Video by Nielsen Ferry