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In response to skyrocketing prices and widespread economic hardship, many holiday shoppers are feeling financially strained. Instead of feeling taken advantage of and misled, shoppers have taken note.
Grassroots organizations Mass Blackout and We Ain’t Buying It are launching campaigns this week, asking Americans not to participate in shopping from major companies as part of a coordinated economic shutdown. They’re calling for two boycotts to protest against the Trump administration’s policies and the widening income inequality crisis. Instead, they want to redirect spending to small and local businesses.
Whether it is a personal choice or a political one, there are ways to spend that help out independent small businesses, where your money goes further, and support music and musicians. Here are some recommendations to spread the love to the music community and affirm our humanity.
Record Stores
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Good Records
9026 Garland Road
Dallas, TX 75218
(214) 752-4663
Good Records and the label shot into the world in 2000, emphasizing the importance of promoting artists and live performance just as much as their releases. The roster of in-store performances at Good Records is expansive, including the live surprise performance by Alice Cooper, featured in the documentary Live From the Astroturf. Along with a gallery of selections, Good Records has hosted Erykah Badu, Death Cab for Cutie and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, to name a few. Come in and support a family-run store that prioritizes music. Store hours are Monday through Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Spinster Records
408 N Bishop Ave.
Suite 102
Dallas, TX 75208
Oak Cliff-born Spinster Records, nestled in the Bishop Arts district, offers records and turntables, along with a small selection of locally inspired merchandise. The staff is very involved in selections, recommendations and bringing the community into the store by hosting events and performances. Bold sounds, new music and the vibe have kept this local gem growing since 2014. Spinster Records is open Monday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Forever Young Records
2955 TX-360
Grand Prairie, TX 75052
(972) 352-6299
For 41 years, Forever Young Records has kept the rows of records stocked and ready for shoppers. Family-owned and operated, Forever Young is now in Grand Prairie in a massive 11,000 square foot building that leaves no corner free from rare memorabilia, music crafts, vinyl records, CDs and even T-shirts. This site has 25,000 items in stock including vintage records from 100 years back to brand new releases and all the good tunes in between from punk to pop to techno, there is no leaving this place without a genuine find for a music-lover you love. Forever Young is open Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Top Ten Records
338 W Jefferson Blvd
Dallas, Texas 75208
(214) 942-7595
Top Ten Records is the longest-running independent record store in Dallas. Its historical ties may bring notoriety, but it is the savvy approach to music and promotion that keeps this store teeming with music. Also recognized as a non-profit business, the Oak Cliff Records Library is a store that hosts live music, releases and preserves special collections for its members. Vinyl records from genre-stretching artists of now and local artists are here for new listeners. Ask the staff for recommendations and be prepared to learn about artists you know and discover a plethora of new ones. They also have a zine stand and other creative finds. Top Ten Records is open Wednesday and Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Spin Coffee and Vinyl
17290 Preston Rd. Ste 106
Dallas, Texas 75252
(972) 707-0520
Open since 2021, The Spin has been the hub for those who use caffeine for a boost to search through an impressive collection of records. Spanning decades and genres, there are hidden gems here. A quick look around reveals a board game collection and a cereal bar for an all-ages atmosphere where pretentiousness can be left at the door. Bring your authentic self and choose from a variety of ways to relax and enjoy.
Music Instrument Stores
Charley’s Guitar Shop
2720 Royal Ln, Ste 100
Dallas, TX 75229
(972) 243-4187
I’m not sure how there isn’t a photo exhibit of big musicians wearing Charley’s Guitar Shop shirts somewhere, but there is enough evidence to suggest one. Charley’s Guitar Shop has a reputation among guitarists for finding new acoustic and electric treasures, as well as for offering quality amps and trusted repairs. Since 1976, guitarists like local legends Stevie Ray and Jimmy Vaughan, as well as Pantera’s Dimebag Darrell Abbott and even Lance Lopez, have been patrons of Charley’s Guitar Shop. Independently owned, doors are open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MindaMusic Store
1456 Beltline Rd. Ste 142
Garland, TX 75044
(469) 661-8116
For the more classical music fan, MindaMusic in Garland is the hub for all harp needs for the classic, mariachi, or modern stage. MindaMusic sells, repairs and re-strings harps for clients. For those new to the harp, they also offer harp lessons at all levels and MusArt Summer Camps. Stop by to explore and maybe try something outside the standard music box.
Killer Vintage Specialty Guitars
3738 Haggar Way Suite #108
Dallas, TX 75209
Dave Hinson is renowned in the Blue Book of Guitars and is a recognized expert in the appraising of vintage guitars. Featured on various shows, he is the go-to guy for validations and guitar advice. Killer Vintage has been around since 1994, selling acoustic and electric guitars from big brands like Fender, Gibson and Rickenbacker with the amps to go with them. Services and repairs are also done on-site. Those who don’t leave with a new or newly attained vintage guitar are likely to leave with a conversation-starter T-shirt from this independent treasure.
Music Lessons
BOCO Music Education
(214) 236-4721
1412 West Davis St.
Dallas, TX
Oak Cliff’s BOCO Music Education is family-run for all those interested in learning music. Students at BOCO can learn about piano, guitar, violin, drums and bass, or hone their singing skills to a performance level. BOCO organizes recitals for students to showcase what they have learned at the famous Kessler Theater. Students can start certain instruments as early as toddlers and grow all the way up. BOCO also participates in camps and other community events, strengthening its musical roots in Oak Cliff.
Rob Tovar Percussion Studio
Independently-owned, Rob Tovar Percussion Studio trains learners to perform percussion across rock, jazz, Latin drumming and sharpen their skills enough to make their own music. Owner Tovar is part of the Vic Firth Education team, Percussive Arts Society (PAS). Tovar’s school has collaborated with local schools to provide lessons since 1994 and has received multiple awards and recognitions for its skills and service.
Zera Music Company
Irving, TX
(469) 293-4222
Zera Music Company is a DFW-based company that offers music lessons, both in-person at the learner’s home and online, ensuring flexibility and reliability. Teachers are background checked and trained for safety. Parents can monitor students’ progress on piano, drums, vocals and guitar in the online parent portal. Music skills and theory teachers travel to homes in Dallas, but also the greater metroplex, including Arlington, Denton, Plano and the metro Fort Worth area. Children will participate in recitals. For those with larger families, Zera offers family discounts as well.
Music Industry
Legacy Music Group/Legacy Recording Studio
2815 Main St, Ste A
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 377-9729
Legacy Music Group serves local and traveling musicians with a full-service recording studio in Deep Ellum that knocks down genre walls, welcoming all. This studio tracks, mixes and masters. It also gives guidance with expert producers and writers. Owner Matthew Medlock has been in the music industry for over twenty years and understands that relationships build better music. Drawing on his expertise in publishing, copyright and business, the full experience at Legacy Music Group provides a solid foundation for success for those seeking to release new music.
Hand Drawn Pressing
4801 Spring Valley Rd, Suite 104
Dallas, TX 75244
Instead of going out and buying from big corporations, this is the time to put dreams into action by releasing your music on vinyl. Hand Drawn Pressing is a hands-on vinyl printing shop that features vibrant colors and designs that catch the eyes of listeners before their ears have a chance to catch up. Hand Drawn Pressing also helps artists build their brand by offering assistance with merchandise and setting up online stores, as well as providing marketing advice. Not only does this company build artists through quality, but it also allows curious individuals to observe the process in action by appointment. For those curious about how records are made, please reach out. Buy some vinyl from this local business and learn about the process, from art templates to audio files, and customization that respects the artists.
