Photographer duo James and Karla Murray are capturing New York City's unexpected vinyl revival through their comprehensive documentation of the city's thriving record store scene. The husband-and-wife team, accompanied by their dog Hudson, recently visited A-1 Record Shop at 439 East 6th Street in Manhattan's East Village as part of their ongoing project to chronicle what many are calling NYC's record store renaissance.
The Murray's photographic work focuses on the cultural resurgence of vinyl records and independent record stores throughout the five boroughs. Their project comes at a time when physical music sales, particularly vinyl records, have experienced a remarkable comeback after years of digital dominance. Record stores that once seemed destined for extinction are now experiencing renewed interest from both longtime collectors and younger music enthusiasts discovering analog sound for the first time.
A-1 Record Shop in the East Village represents one of many neighborhood record stores that have become cultural landmarks in their communities. These establishments serve not just as retail spaces but as gathering places where music lovers can browse, discover new artists, and engage with knowledgeable staff who share their passion for vinyl records. The East Village location, like many independent record stores across the city, has maintained its authentic character while adapting to changing consumer preferences.
The photographers' documentation effort highlights how these record stores have become integral parts of New York's cultural landscape once again. Through their lens, James and Karla Murray are preserving both the physical spaces and the human stories behind NYC's vinyl revival, creating a visual record of this unexpected cultural renaissance that has transformed neighborhoods throughout the city.
