Vinyl Variety: From Belfast to Vegas Fergie Runs Down His Favourite Record Stores

DJ and producer Fergie shares six record stores and platforms that have shaped his experience as a collector, DJ, and lifelong music fan. Spanning Germany, Portsmouth, London, Belfast, Las Vegas, and the online marketplace Discogs, each selection reflects a different side of modern vinyl culture, from specialist techno outlets and community-driven independent stores to high-end listening spaces and global online digging.

In this edition of Vinyl Variety, Fergie explains how this goes beyond simply buying records and instead highlights the people, stories, and spaces that keep vinyl culture thriving. Whether it’s sourcing exclusive techno releases from Decks Records in Germany, revisiting formative tracks at Underground Records in Belfast, or crate-digging alongside world-class sound systems at Echo Taste & Sound in Las Vegas, Fergie’s selections showcase the importance of independent record shops and the communities built around them.

1. Decks Records (Google Maps)
Address: Ludwigsluster Str. 33, 19370 Parchim, Germany
Website: https://www.decks.de

“I shop at decks.de a lot — it’s the place where I get the most upfront music. One of the reasons the store is incredible is that they have so many artists that release through their labels that are only sold through this store. They sell everything, but for me I go there for the freshest techno labels like Kompakt, Cocoon, and exclusives like Decks Reworks. Germany is very forward-facing — this is the store that really keeps me on my toes.”

2. Nothing Ventured Vinyl (Google Maps)
Address: 37 Highland Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO4 9DA, United Kingdom
Website: http://nothingventuredvinyl.co.uk

“Nothing Ventured Vinyl is a store in Portsmouth, UK. It was started by Alex, who also dishes out the records on a daily basis. He had a dream of owning his own record store, and he’s made that real, leaving his corporate job to pursue that dream. He’s always been into music and records, and he also made music under the name Kingsin — his style is a blend of techno, bass, dub and grime — so he’s a real music head. He serves up vinyl to the likes of Billy Nasty and world snooker champion Steve Davis. The store has a super cool vibe — always a smile and plenty of laughs and knowledge from Alex.”

Nothing Ventured

3. Recycle Vinyl (Google Maps)
Address: 1 Birkbeck Mews, London E8 2LE, United Kingdom
Website: http://recycle-vinyl.co.uk

“Recycle Vinyl in Dalston, London, is a super store. Rob, who owns it, is an extra-large vinyl enthusiast. The store has a super relaxed vibe — you actually feel like you are home as soon as you walk in. His collection is so dialled in, it’s the best collection I have seen. He has everything from the entire DMC remix collections to a very rare find that was a sample from Taxi Driver — Travis Bickle Theme from “Thank God For The Rain” by Bernard Herrmann, added to a drum and bass sound scape. Rob spends a lot of time flying around the world sourcing collections. The last time I was there, he was off for two weeks shopping in Japan. There is also no shortage of refreshments – some crispy cold beers are handed out to take that digging experience to the next level.”

Recycle Vinyl

4. Underground Records (Google Maps)
Address: 144 Huntly Road, Banbridge, BT32 3UA, Northern Ireland
Website: https://belfastunderground.co.uk/

“Underground Records in Belfast is my go-to when I go home – it is owned and operated by legendary DJ Dilly. It’s an incredible space, and the shop is in his garage, so he really is putting the “house” in house music. His collection is super. What I love most about it is when I go in, I get to hear the stories behind the music he is selling, as he will dip into his personal collection for me. These are tracks from his mix tapes that I get to buy. I grew up listening to his tapes, so to be able to buy the tracks from them is a huge plus for me. Dilly also does pop-ups all around Ireland, carting thousands and thousands of records in his van. And always the banter is mighty.”

5. Echo Taste & Sound (Google Maps)
Address: 1301 S Main St, #160, Las Vegas, NV 89104
Website: https://www.echotastesound.com/

“Echo Taste & Sound is an audiophile’s dream. It also has a restaurant and bar, which gives me the very rare opportunity to bring my wife crate-digging. Echo Taste and Sound is owned by chef Natalie Young, who is always present and welcoming each guest as they enter her immaculate space. It’s mainly a listening space with the most incredible McIntosh sound – full speakers and amplifiers as vintage as you can get. It makes for a perfect setting, and you just can’t beat the glow of those vintage tube amplifiers. They sell records also — anything from classic rock to gangster rap and Parliament-Funkadelic. I go to enjoy all of the above, but that is all topped off with an eargasmic DJ set from Mr Rob Alahn who effortlessly spins everything from Grace Jones to Carl Craig in a spell-binding fashion. A true selector that makes for a great experience.”

Echo Taste & Sounds, photo by Mikayla Whitmore

6. Discogs (Online Only)
Website: https://www.discogs.com

“I love going to record stores, but for me it’s important to be able to shop online. Discogs is a huge rabbit hole that I get to go down, sitting at home, drinking my coffee and listening to music through my own speakers is a joy. I love Discogs and the fact that they also really support brick-and-mortar stores. It was only recently that they collaborated with me posting about a record store that I go to regularly. I give a lot of records away when I’m DJing in clubs, when I’m losing my mind in that moment, so I love the fact that I get to re-buy these tracks on Discogs. Discogs for me is an essential part of my record collecting.”

Tour Dates:

05/23 – CARDIFF – Vinyl Sessions @ Tramshed Cardiff – Open to Close Set
05/24 – BIRMINGHAM – Godskitchen @ Luna Springs & XOYO Birmingham
06/06 – DONCASTER – Donnyfest
06/06 – COALVILLE – Insomniacz – DJ Faceoff with Lisa Lashes (Exclusive)
06/27 – BELFAST – Custom House Square
07/11 – SHEFFIELD – 90s Fest
08/08 – BELFAST – Feile Dance Festival
08/08 – LETTERKENNY – TBA
09/11 – LONDON – Vinyl Sessions @ Jazz Café – Open to Close Set
09/12 – ST HELENS – Reminisce Festival
09/26 – IBIZA – Godskitchen @ Amnesia Ibiza – Vinyl Session Terrace Takeover – 5hr Vinyl Set
10/31 – ABERDEEN – The Priory
10/31 – GLASGOW – Colours @ O2 – 5hr Vinyl Set