At the beginning of this year, celebratory news was once again released for audiophiles: vinyl sales grew by double digits last year. Of course, statistics are compiled for developed markets such as the US and UK, but this trend has started to appear in Romania, too. Last month, a new vinyl record shop opened up in the city centre, offering a great collection of music genres and an online presence that tells music stories about the available albums. Who’s behind the initiative? Business Review talked with Alin Bittel, the owner of Two Sides Records.
What got you into music so deeply that you turned it into a business?
The magic word here is passion. Making a business out of your passion or hobby is an ideal situation. Sharing your love for music with others and getting the chance to promote very good music that is not that well-known to the local public is a great opportunity.
In an industry where the future is uncertain, how did you decide to open a record store? Did you feel it was a risk?
There is always a risk in any business. There is a lack of curated record stores in Bucharest compared to other European capitals. We can easily make a comparison with the specialty coffee market, which was non-existent in Bucharest until 5-6 years ago and now is well developed. I believe other niches that are thriving in the main EU capitals will also have a place on the local market.
What are your everyday struggles in running a record store?
The selection of music and making the psychological split between the mindset of a record collector and running a profitable business.
How do you make a selection in terms of what discs to display?
The selection is based on our favourite music, on what we believe is quality music that is less represented on the market or not represented at all, as well as all-time classics and music that will never get old, like classic jazz, rock or alternative that everybody will recognise. We have a mix of non-commercial and commercial music, based on a compromise between lesser-known titles we love and would like to introduce to the public and the sustainability of the business. We are also in contact with leading innovative labels and other people from the music industry all over the world, who inspire us and help us with our selection.
Is Bucharest a good market for this type of business?
Yes, and it’s not alone. With our future e-commerce plans we can cover the entire country and the region.
Where will vinyl records be in the far future? Does the physical form have a place there or do you think this resurgence is temporary?
It is difficult to make a prediction, but based on the data from the past 5 years the market for music recorded on a physical format is growing worldwide so we do not see any slowdown for the near future. The physical format is here to stay.
The post BR INTERVIEW | Alin Bittel (owner of Two Sides Records): The Two Sides music story appeared first on Business Review.