Rough Trade NYC is an independent record store located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It was founded in 1997 by Virgin Records co-founder Richard Branson, and it quickly became a popular destination for music lovers in the city.

Rough Trade NYC is known for its wide selection of music, including new releases, independent labels, and rare and out-of-print records. The store also hosts regular in-store performances and events, making it a hub for the local music community. In addition to its physical location, Rough Trade NYC also has an online store and a record label.

Rough Trade NYC is an important part of the New York City music scene, and it has played a significant role in the development of independent music in the city. The store has helped to launch the careers of many artists, and it continues to be a vital resource for music lovers of all ages.

rough trade nyc

Rough Trade NYC is an iconic independent record store that has played a vital role in the New York City music scene for over two decades. Here are nine key aspects that highlight its importance:

• Independent: Rough Trade NYC is not owned by a large corporation, which allows it to take risks and support independent artists.
• Curated: The store's staff is passionate about music and carefully curates its selection of records, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
• Live music: Rough Trade NYC regularly hosts in-store performances and events, providing a platform for new and established artists.
• Community: The store is a hub for the local music community, hosting meet-and-greets, album signings, and other events.
• Selection: Rough Trade NYC has a wide selection of music, including new releases, independent labels, and rare and out-of-print records.
• Online store: In addition to its physical location, Rough Trade NYC also has an online store, making its music accessible to people all over the world.
• Record label: Rough Trade NYC has its own record label, which releases music by both established and emerging artists.
• Cultural landmark: Rough Trade NYC is a cultural landmark in New York City, and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.
• Music discovery: Rough Trade NYC is a great place to discover new music, as the staff is always happy to recommend new releases and hidden gems.

These nine key aspects highlight the importance of Rough Trade NYC to the New York City music scene. The store is a vital resource for music lovers of all ages, and it continues to play a significant role in the development of independent music in the city.

Independent

Rough Trade NYC is an independent record store, meaning that it is not owned by a large corporation. This gives the store the freedom to take risks and support independent artists in a way that major chains cannot.

For example, Rough Trade NYC is more likely to stock records by new and unknown artists, and it is also more likely to host in-store performances by local bands. This support is vital for the development of independent music, as it gives artists a platform to reach a wider audience.

In addition, Rough Trade NYC's independence allows it to be more responsive to the needs of the local music community. For example, the store has hosted benefit concerts for local musicians who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy and other disasters.

The independence of Rough Trade NYC is a key part of its identity, and it is one of the things that makes it such a valuable resource for the New York City music scene.

Curated

The fact that Rough Trade NYC's staff is passionate about music and carefully curates its selection of records is a key part of what makes the store so special. The staff is knowledgeable about all genres of music, and they are always happy to help customers find the perfect record. This is especially important for customers who are new to vinyl or who are looking for something specific.

In addition, Rough Trade NYC's curated selection of records ensures that there is something for everyone. The store has a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. There are also a large number of independent and underground labels represented. This means that customers are sure to find something they like, even if they are not sure what they are looking for.

The curated selection of records is also important for the store's overall atmosphere. The store is a place where people can come to discover new music and connect with other music lovers. The staff's passion for music is contagious, and it creates a welcoming and inviting environment for customers.

Overall, the fact that Rough Trade NYC's staff is passionate about music and carefully curates its selection of records is a key part of what makes the store so special. It is a place where people can come to discover new music, connect with other music lovers, and find the perfect record.

Live music

Rough Trade NYC's commitment to live music is a key part of its identity and its role in the New York City music scene. The store hosts a wide range of in-store performances and events, from intimate acoustic sets to full-band concerts. This provides a platform for both new and established artists to reach a wider audience and connect with fans.

For new artists, Rough Trade NYC's in-store performances can be a major opportunity to get their music heard by a wider audience. The store's knowledgeable staff and loyal customer base create a welcoming and supportive environment for new artists to perform and build their fan base.

For established artists, Rough Trade NYC's in-store performances can be a unique opportunity to connect with fans in a more intimate setting. These performances often feature exclusive sets and special guests, making them a must-see for fans of the artist.

In addition to providing a platform for artists, Rough Trade NYC's in-store performances and events also help to create a sense of community among music lovers. These events bring people together to share their love of music and discover new artists. The store's knowledgeable staff is always on hand to recommend new music and help customers find what they are looking for.

Overall, Rough Trade NYC's commitment to live music is a key part of what makes the store so special. It is a place where people can come to discover new music, connect with other music lovers, and support the artists they love.

Community

Rough Trade NYC's commitment to community is a key part of its identity and its role in the New York City music scene. The store hosts a wide range of community events, including meet-and-greets, album signings, and workshops. These events provide a platform for local musicians to connect with fans, build their following, and give back to the community.

For local musicians, Rough Trade NYC's community events are a major opportunity to reach a wider audience and connect with fans. The store's knowledgeable staff and loyal customer base create a welcoming and supportive environment for local musicians to perform and build their fan base.

In addition to providing a platform for local musicians, Rough Trade NYC's community events also help to create a sense of community among music lovers. These events bring people together to share their love of music and discover new artists. The store's knowledgeable staff is always on hand to recommend new music and help customers find what they are looking for.

Overall, Rough Trade NYC's commitment to community is a key part of what makes the store so special. It is a place where people can come to discover new music, connect with other music lovers, and support the local music scene.

Selection

Rough Trade NYC's wide selection of music is a key part of what makes the store so special. The store carries a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. There are also a large number of independent and underground labels represented. This means that customers are sure to find something they like, even if they are not sure what they are looking for.

• New Releases: Rough Trade NYC always has the latest releases from major and independent labels. This makes the store a great place to find the newest music from your favorite artists.
• Independent Labels: Rough Trade NYC is a strong supporter of independent music. The store carries a wide range of records from independent labels, both local and international. This gives customers the opportunity to discover new music from artists that they may not have heard of before.
• Rare and Out-of-Print Records: Rough Trade NYC also has a large selection of rare and out-of-print records. This is a great resource for collectors and music lovers who are looking for something special.

Overall, Rough Trade NYC's wide selection of music is a key part of what makes the store so special. It is a place where people can come to discover new music, connect with other music lovers, and find the perfect record.

Online store

The online store is a major part of Rough Trade NYC's business, and it allows the store to reach a wider audience than its physical location would allow. The online store has the same wide selection of music as the physical store, and it also offers exclusive releases and special promotions. This makes it a great option for music fans all over the world.

• Convenience: The online store makes it easy for customers to purchase music from Rough Trade NYC, regardless of their location. Customers can browse the store's selection, read reviews, and purchase music without leaving their homes.
• Selection: The online store has the same wide selection of music as the physical store, including new releases, independent labels, and rare and out-of-print records. This makes it a great option for customers who are looking for something specific or who want to discover new music.
• Exclusive releases: The online store often offers exclusive releases and special promotions that are not available in the physical store. This makes it a great option for customers who want to get their hands on the latest music.

Overall, the online store is a valuable asset to Rough Trade NYC. It allows the store to reach a wider audience and offer a wider selection of music. This makes it a great option for music fans all over the world.

Record label

Rough Trade NYC's record label is an important part of the store's identity and its role in the New York City music scene. The label releases music by both established and emerging artists, with a focus on independent and underground music. This helps to support the local music community and gives new artists a platform to reach a wider audience.

Some of the artists that have released music on Rough Trade NYC's record label include:

• Thurston Moore
• The Strokes
• Yeah Yeah Yeahs
• LCD Soundsystem
• Vampire Weekend

Rough Trade NYC's record label is a valuable asset to the store and the New York City music scene. It helps to support independent music and gives new artists a platform to reach a wider audience.

Cultural landmark

Rough Trade NYC's status as a cultural landmark is a testament to its importance to the New York City music scene. The store has been featured in numerous films and television shows, including "Girls," "High Fidelity," and "Inside Llewyn Davis." These appearances have helped to raise the store's profile and attract a wider audience.

• Symbol of the independent music scene: Rough Trade NYC is a symbol of the independent music scene in New York City. The store has been a strong supporter of independent artists and labels for over two decades, and it has helped to launch the careers of many successful musicians.
• Tourist destination: Rough Trade NYC is a popular tourist destination for music fans from all over the world. The store's unique atmosphere and wide selection of music make it a must-visit for any music lover visiting New York City.
• Cultural institution: Rough Trade NYC is more than just a record store. It is a cultural institution that has played a vital role in the development of the New York City music scene. The store's commitment to independent music and its support for local artists make it a valuable asset to the city.

Rough Trade NYC's status as a cultural landmark is a testament to its importance to the New York City music scene. The store is a symbol of the independent music scene, a popular tourist destination, and a cultural institution. It is a place where people can come to discover new music, connect with other music lovers, and support the local music community.

Music discovery

Rough Trade NYC is a haven for music lovers, offering an unparalleled selection of records, CDs, and DVDs. But what sets Rough Trade NYC apart from other record stores is its knowledgeable and passionate staff. The staff at Rough Trade NYC is always happy to recommend new releases and hidden gems, making it a great place to discover new music.

• Expertise: The staff at Rough Trade NYC is highly knowledgeable about music of all genres. They are constantly listening to new music and attending concerts, so they are always up-to-date on the latest releases. This expertise allows them to make informed recommendations to customers, helping them find new music that they will love.
• Passion: The staff at Rough Trade NYC is passionate about music. They love talking about music with customers and helping them find new music to listen to. This passion is evident in the way they interact with customers and in the recommendations they make.
• Independence: Rough Trade NYC is an independent record store, which means that it is not owned by a major corporation. This independence allows the staff to make recommendations based on their own musical tastes, rather than on what the store is trying to sell. This results in a more diverse and eclectic selection of recommendations.
• Community: Rough Trade NYC is more than just a record store. It is also a community hub for music lovers. The staff at Rough Trade NYC is always happy to talk about music with customers and to help them connect with other music lovers.

The combination of expertise, passion, independence, and community makes Rough Trade NYC a great place to discover new music. The staff is always happy to recommend new releases and hidden gems, and they are always willing to talk about music with customers. Whether you are a seasoned music fan or just starting to explore new music, Rough Trade NYC is a great place to find new music to love.

Frequently Asked Questions about Rough Trade NYC

Rough Trade NYC is one of the most iconic record stores in the world, and it has been a staple of the New York City music scene for over two decades. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Rough Trade NYC:

Question 1: What is Rough Trade NYC?

Rough Trade NYC is an independent record store located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It was founded in 1997 by Virgin Records co-founder Richard Branson, and it quickly became a popular destination for music lovers in the city.

Question 2: What makes Rough Trade NYC different from other record stores?

Rough Trade NYC is different from other record stores in several ways. First, it is an independent store, which means that it is not owned by a large corporation. This gives the store the freedom to take risks and support independent artists in a way that major chains cannot.

Second, Rough Trade NYC has a knowledgeable and passionate staff who are always happy to recommend new music and hidden gems. This makes it a great place to discover new music.

Third, Rough Trade NYC is more than just a record store. It is also a community hub for music lovers. The store hosts a variety of events, including in-store performances, meet-and-greets, and album signings.

Question 6: Where is Rough Trade NYC located?

Rough Trade NYC is located at 64 N 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249. It is easily accessible by public transportation, and there is a Citi Bike station right outside the store.

Summary: Rough Trade NYC is a unique and beloved record store that has played a vital role in the New York City music scene for over two decades. The store is known for its wide selection of music, its knowledgeable and passionate staff, and its commitment to independent music.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Record at Rough Trade NYC

Rough Trade NYC is a music lover's paradise, with a vast selection of records, CDs, and DVDs. But with so much to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are five tips to help you find the perfect record at Rough Trade NYC:

Tip 1: Explore the store.

Rough Trade NYC is a large store, so don't be afraid to take some time to explore. Browse the different sections and see what catches your eye. You might be surprised by what you find.

Tip 2: Ask the staff for recommendations.

The staff at Rough Trade NYC is incredibly knowledgeable about music. They are always happy to recommend new releases and hidden gems. So if you're not sure what you're looking for, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Tip 3: Check out the in-store events.

Rough Trade NYC hosts a variety of in-store events, including performances, meet-and-greets, and album signings. These events are a great way to discover new music and meet other music lovers.

Tip 4: Listen to the in-store radio station.

Rough Trade NYC has its own in-store radio station, which plays a mix of new and classic music. This is a great way to discover new music while you're browsing the store.

Tip 5: Take your time.

Don't feel like you have to rush when you're shopping at Rough Trade NYC. Take your time to browse the store and listen to the music. You're sure to find the perfect record if you take your time.

Summary:

Rough Trade NYC is a great place to find new music and expand your musical horizons. By following these tips, you can make the most of your shopping experience and find the perfect record to add to your collection.

Conclusion:

If you're a music lover, Rough Trade NYC is a must-visit destination. With its wide selection of music, knowledgeable staff, and in-store events, Rough Trade NYC is the perfect place to find the perfect record.

Conclusion

Rough Trade NYC is more than just a record store. It is a cultural landmark and a vital part of the New York City music scene. The store's commitment to independent music, its knowledgeable staff, and its wide selection of music make it a must-visit destination for music lovers of all ages.

In an era of digital music and streaming services, Rough Trade NYC stands as a reminder of the importance of physical music and the unique experience of browsing a record store. The store's dedication to music and its community makes it a truly special place.