If you're someone who really loves music, the kind that makes your heart sing, then you probably know a place where the air feels different, full of stories and sounds. For many folks in Seattle, that spot, that very special kind of place, is Easy Street Records. It's more than just a place to pick up some tunes; it's a true gathering point, a spot where you can discover something new or reconnect with old favorites, and it has been for a good long while now. You can, for instance, find a very big collection of music here, from records that spin to compact discs and even those old-school cassette tapes, all waiting for someone to give them a listen.
This spot, Easy Street Records, brings in new things to look through every single day, so there's always a chance to find something you didn't expect. It’s almost like a treasure hunt, actually, where you might stumble upon a really good deal on something you've been wanting, or maybe something you didn't even know you needed until you saw it. People often talk about how this place is Seattle's very own record store, a place that feels like it belongs to the whole city, a central part of its music scene.
Over the years, Easy Street Records has seen a lot, and it has been a part of many special moments, too. There are stories about surprise performances that really got people talking, like when Pearl Jam showed up out of the blue, or when The Sonics got together again for a concert. These kinds of happenings, you know, they really show what this place is all about – a place where music comes alive, and where people come together to experience it. It's just a place that holds a lot of memories for many, many people who live around here.
Table of Contents
- What Makes Easy Street Records a Seattle Icon?
- How Did Easy Street Records Get Started?
- Who is Justin Hampton and What's His Connection to Easy Street Records?
- Easy Street Records - A Label of Its Own?
- The Early Days of Easy Street Records
- Growing the Easy Street Records Family
The Sounds of Easy Street Records Label
Connecting with Easy Street Records
What Makes Easy Street Records a Seattle Icon?
When you think about places that really capture the spirit of Seattle, Easy Street Records often comes to mind. It's not just a shop that sells music; it's a meeting point, a place where people who care about music gather. You can find a truly vast collection of sounds here, ranging from records that spin on a turntable, to compact discs that fit in your hand, and even those older cassette tapes. This means, in a way, that whatever your preference for listening, there's likely something here for you. The shelves are always getting new things, so every visit can feel like a fresh hunt for something special, a piece of music you might not have known about before.
There’s a feeling of discovery that comes with looking through what they have, and it’s very much a part of the whole experience. Many people have found some really good deals here, too, which makes building a music collection a little easier on the wallet. It’s often said that this place is Seattle’s own record store, and that’s because it feels like a genuine part of the community, a spot where music lovers can feel at home. It has, you know, been around for a long time and has seen many changes in the music world, always keeping its doors open to those who seek out sounds.
How Did Easy Street Records Get Started?
The story of Easy Street Records begins in West Seattle, way back in 1988. That’s when the first shop opened its doors, starting what would become a very important spot for music fans in the city. It was a time when music was changing, but the desire for physical records and tapes was still very strong. They began by offering things like LPs, which are those big records, and also 7-inch singles, plus cassettes, CDs, and even DVDs. It was, in some respects, a place that kept up with how people listened to music, always making sure to have what folks wanted.
After more than two decades, 21 years to be exact, that first shop was still going strong. And, as a matter of fact, it had grown quite a bit. They opened a second spot in Queen Anne, which meant even more people could visit. The West Seattle location even added a cafe, so you could grab a bite or a drink while you looked for music, or just hang out and listen to some tunes. Both places also started holding live music events, which really added to the feeling of them being community spots, not just stores. This really shows how much the place has meant to people, how it has continued to be a central part of the music scene in Seattle.
Who is Justin Hampton and What's His Connection to Easy Street Records?
When you think about the art that goes along with music, especially in a city like Seattle, certain names come to mind. Justin Hampton is one of those names, someone whose work has become very well-known in the world of music visuals. He has a connection to Easy Street Records, too, as he was celebrating the release of a book called “Visual Feast, The Tantalizing Art of Justin Hampton.” This book, it seems, is a big collection of his work, showing 35 years of art that has become quite memorable to many.
The book itself is a pretty substantial thing, with 444 pages filled with what is described as music history through art. It gives people a chance to see how his creations have been a part of the music scene for a long time. His work is, arguably, a kind of visual storytelling, capturing the feeling and energy of different musical moments. The fact that he was celebrating this release at Easy Street Records just goes to show how much this place is a part of the broader art and music community in Seattle, a spot where artists and their work are recognized and shared.
Justin Hampton's presence at Easy Street Records for this book launch really highlights the store's role as a cultural hub. It's not just about buying records; it's about celebrating the whole experience of music, which includes the art that goes with it. His art, which has been around for over three decades, has left a mark on the visual side of music, and this book, you know, is a way to look back at all of that.
Justin Hampton - Details from "My Text"
Aspect | Description |
---|---|
Connection to Easy Street Records | Celebrated the release of his book, "Visual Feast, The Tantalizing Art of Justin Hampton," at the store. |
Book Title | "Visual Feast, The Tantalizing Art of Justin Hampton" |
Years of Iconic Art Covered | 35 years |
Pages in Book | 444 pages of music history |
Easy Street Records - A Label of Its Own?
Beyond being a place where you can find all sorts of music to buy, Easy Street Records is also a music label in its own right. This might be a surprise to some, but it’s true. The Easy Street Records label actually got its start in 1983, a few years before the physical store opened its doors in West Seattle. It has become quite well-known for its dance music, putting out what many people call "club classics," songs that really made a splash on the dance floor. This, you know, adds another layer to what Easy Street Records is all about.
The label has worked with some very notable artists over the years, collaborating with people like Blaze, Adeva, De' Lacy, and even Missy Elliott. These partnerships have helped create some really memorable tracks that have been played in clubs and on radios for a long time. If you’re looking to add some of these sounds to your own collection, you can find the label's music in digital forms, like MP3s and M4As. Their catalog includes some big hits, such as "Body Work," "Hideaway," and "In & Out of My Life." It’s a chance to explore a different side of the Easy Street Records story, to hear the music they helped bring into the world. You might, actually, discover something you’ve been missing.
The Early Days of Easy Street Records
The very first steps for Easy Street Records were taken in West Seattle, back in 1988. It was then that the first shop opened its doors, starting what would grow into a very important spot for anyone who loves music in the city. The idea was simple: create a place where people could find a wide variety of sounds, from the newest releases to older, harder-to-find pieces. They began by offering a mix of formats that were popular at the time, including those large LPs, the smaller 7-inch records, cassette tapes, and compact discs. Over time, they also sold DVDs, keeping up with how people enjoyed their music and movies.
This initial effort laid the groundwork for everything that came after. It was about creating a welcoming space where people could spend time looking through records, sharing their love for music, and just being part of a community. The daily arrival of new stock meant that every visit held the promise of a fresh discovery, a new song to fall in love with, or an old favorite to rediscover. This commitment to fresh offerings and a diverse collection really helped set the tone for what Easy Street Records would become, a place known for its ever-changing selection and its focus on the music fan. It was, in a way, building a foundation for something special.
Growing the Easy Street Records Family
After setting up shop in West Seattle, Easy Street Records didn't just stay put; it grew, reaching out to more people across the city. Twenty-one years after that first opening, the original store was still doing very well, a sign of how much it meant to the community. And, as a matter of fact, the growth included opening a second store in Queen Anne, which meant more folks could easily get to an Easy Street Records spot. This expansion showed that the love for physical music was still strong, and that people wanted more places like this.
The West Seattle store also added something special: a cafe. This meant you could now hang out, grab a coffee or a bite to eat, and really take your time looking through the music or just soaking in the atmosphere. It turned the record store into even more of a social place, a spot where you could meet friends or just relax. Both locations also started putting on live music events, which brought a whole new kind of energy to the stores. These events, you know, gave local bands a place to play and gave music lovers a chance to see performances up close. It all added up to Easy Street Records being much more than just a shop; it became a real center for music and community life in Seattle.
The Sounds of Easy Street Records Label
It’s interesting to think that before the well-known record store even opened its doors, the Easy Street Records name was already making waves in the music world as a record label. This label, which started in 1983, has made a name for itself, especially in the dance music scene. It’s known for putting out songs that became true "club classics," tracks that got people moving on dance floors all over the place. These are the kinds of songs that stick with you, the ones that define a certain time and feeling.
The label has had the chance to work with some really talented people, too. They’ve collaborated with artists like Blaze, Adeva, De' Lacy, and even the very well-known Missy Elliott, bringing their unique sounds to a wider audience. These partnerships helped shape the sound of dance music for a period, creating tracks that are still loved today. If you’re curious to hear what the Easy Street Records label has put out, you can find their music in digital forms, like MP3s and M4As. Their catalog includes some very popular songs, such as "Body Work," "Hideaway," and "In & Out of My Life," which many people still enjoy. It’s a way to experience the music that came directly from the heart of Easy Street Records, in a different way.
Connecting with Easy Street Records
For many people in Seattle and beyond, Easy Street Records is a place that holds a special spot. The numbers show just how much people care about it, too. There are, for instance, over 36,000 likes on social media, which is a pretty good number for a record store. This shows that a lot of people follow what they're doing and appreciate what they offer. Beyond just liking their page, there are also over 1,300 people talking about the store online, sharing their thoughts and experiences. This kind of interaction, you know, really speaks to how much the place means to its community.
And then there’s the fact that over 4,100 people have actually checked in or indicated they were at the store. This suggests that a lot of people have physically visited and enjoyed their time there. It’s a testament to the welcoming atmosphere and the great selection of music that keeps people coming back. Whether it’s for the wide array of used and new vinyl, CDs, and cassettes, the daily fresh stock, or the chance to find a real bargain, Easy Street Records continues to be a central part of Seattle’s music landscape. It’s a place where music lovers can truly feel at home, and that’s why it has such a strong following.
This article has explored Easy Street Records, a true Seattle institution, from its beginnings in West Seattle in 1988 to its growth with a second store in Queen Anne and a cafe. We looked at its huge selection of music formats, its daily fresh stock, and the many bargains available. The article also covered its history, including notable events like Pearl Jam's surprise show and The Sonics' reunion concert. We touched upon the connection with artist Justin Hampton and his "Visual Feast" book. Lastly, the piece described the Easy Street Records dance music label, founded in 1983, known for its club classics and collaborations with artists such as Blaze, Adeva, De' Lacy, and Missy Elliott, with its catalog available in digital formats.
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