New record store, Sound Advice, opens in Belfast

A new record store, Sound Advice, has opened in Belfast. 

The brainchild of DJ and producer Marion Hawkes, the shop is located at Banana Block, within the PortView Trade Centre, and will open Tuesday to Saturday between 10AM and 6PM. 

According to the official Instagram, the shelves will focus on “[p]ushing sounds that fuel club culture, soul & world reissues, nu jazz, indie rock, wave & leftfield.” Stock will comprise both new and second hand records. 

Speaking to Vinyl Factory, Hawkes explained her aims: “Belfast has progressed and is becoming a cultural hotspot, the talent coming out of Northern Ireland is incredible at the moment; and while the city has a few good record stores I noticed there was a gap in the market for something more electronic-led.

“I wanted to create a safe, inclusive space that everyone can enjoy, even those who are just starting to get into vinyl. I never want it to feel intimidating,” she added. 

DJ Mag recently visited the Northern Irish capital for AVA Festival, a key date in the Belfast electronic music calendar. Meanwhile, Free The Night, a campaign to change what are widely regarded as Europe’s strictest nightlife regulations, continues to lobby for changes to the country’s laws governing alcohol licensing and venue opening times.