Watch the Complete Sixth Series of Behind The Counter

The complete sixth series of Behind The Counter, our collaborative video series with Record Store Day UK and Classic Album Sundays, is now available to watch in full.

In the latest series, we continued our journey through the UK's vibrant independent record store scene, meeting the passionate store owners and staff who are helping to keep the record culture thriving. Each episode captures the unique, personal stories from behind the counters – why they do what they do, the long-lasting connections they’ve built with their communities, and the joy of sharing their passion for music with fellow enthusiasts. This year, we travelled across the UK: from London to Dundee, and Brighton to Hull, showcasing the distinctive character and charm of every store along the way.

Bending Sound Records, Bangor

Bending Sound is Bangor’s much loved independent record store – and it takes its name from a lyric on the title track of David Bowie’s 1976 album, Station to Station. The owner, Stephen, has always been a big fan of music since his school days and believes that every town should feature a great record shop for like-minded music enthusiasts to explore. Other than the collection of records he sells at Bending Sound, his source of satisfaction is his shop’s jukebox, which he regularly loads up with his favourite new records. A fun fact about Bending Sound is that it opened on Record Store Day in 2017 and has been celebrating the UK movement with a full house of vinyl fans every year ever since. 

Raven Records, London

When it comes to Metal, Raven Records in Camden, London, has it covered. Combining Chloe’s dream of opening a record shop with Ben’s dedication to sobriety, the pair created Raven Records, a thriving vinyl hub that features an alcohol-free bar. With Chloe and Ben both being devout metalheads – from Swedish and black to glam and death – it was important for the duo to set up their store in Camden, the beating heart of London’s rock scene, surrounded by iconic venues and shops. Raven Records doesn’t just offer an excellent record-buying experience; it provides a warm welcome and an inclusive space to hang out, meet likeminded people and enjoy the music.

Out of the Attic Music, Hull

Childhood friends Gary and Andy have always been obsessed with music, spending much of their younger years discussing artists and albums, collecting vinyl and visiting record shops together. Now, they still do much of the same, but it’s at their very own record shop in Hull: Out of The Attic Music. With one of the duo’s tastes focused predominantly on electronic music and the other’s on the heavier side of sound, they’re able to offer their customers a broad spectrum of musical insights when it comes to discovering and buying new – and used – records. 

The Musical Box, Liverpool

The Musical Box in Liverpool is a record store that spans generations – four to be precise. It’s been in Tony’s family since 1947 and was initially run by his Great Uncle before his grandmother took over. In the 50s, The Musical Box was visited by patrons from Burton Wards, an American Air Force base, asking for Elvis Presley records; in the 60s, visitors of the store were thirsty for the sound of soul, and today, they sell a bit of everything with Tony’s trance-loving son looking to bring more club-centric vinyl to the shop. With a history as rich as its music collection, The Musical Box remains a staple in Liverpool’s music scene. 

Off The Record, Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes’ Off The Record is a charity record shop that helps raise funds for the city’s Willen Hospice. Much of its stock is donated by members of the local community and then sold to vinyl lovers who visit the store from near and far. The shop is run by Sandy, who says one of the highlights of working there is seeing customers rediscover favourite songs or albums of the past and relive cherished memories. While he does make a living from working in the shop, he sees it as more of a hobby as he tends to spend a fair amount of his wages on the records he loves. There’s a real community feel at Off The Record, with Sandy and other customers recommending each other new music to enjoy. 

Lucky’s Record Bar, Redruth

Kev loves being part of the music community in Redruth, Cornwall, where he and his record store, Lucky’s Record Bar, call home. While he grew up in the local area, it wasn’t until 2021 that he decided to open his shop, fulfilling his dream of stocking vinyl he loved that couldn’t be found anywhere else in Cornwall. For Kev, one of the best parts of running Lucky’s Record Bar is the sense of connection music brings. People of all ages and backgrounds can walk in, strike up a conversation, and bond over shared favourites or exciting new discoveries. It’s more than just a record store – it’s a welcoming space where music brings the community together.

Phoenix Sounds, Newton Abbot

Nestled in Newton Abbot, Devon, Phoenix Sounds stands as the only record shop in the local area, fostering a strong sense of community. Owned by Roger, who fulfilled his "dream come true" by purchasing the shop 20 years ago, it's more than just a store. Roger prioritised assuring locals the shop's welcoming atmosphere would remain. Browsing and discovering music in person is key at Phoenix Sounds, offering a tangible experience, unlike online shopping – and customers often ask what's playing, leading to unexpected finds. For vinyl enthusiasts in Devon, Phoenix Sounds offers a unique musical experience and a friendly community hub.

Capsule Records, Brighton

Brighton’s Capsule Records offers a distinct experience, providing a central hub for the local music community. Owners Sarah and Lawrence have created a space that goes beyond just selling records; it's a place for music lovers to connect and immerse themselves in sound. Specialising in new music of Black origin, their carefully curated selection spans genres like funk, soul, disco, classic and new jazz, plus a variety of World and African music. The addition of a cafe area allows customers to browse, preview music via QR codes and relax, encouraging deeper engagement with the records. Sarah and Lawrence's enthusiasm is infectious, making the shop a real joy filled with great music and a welcoming atmosphere, further enhanced by their deeper connection with their customers.