Once forgotten, vinyl records are making their comeback faster than the needle can drop. Kelly Davis, the owner of local Backdoor Records, has been collecting records through every ebb and flow of their popularity.
Backdoor Records has been open since 1979 and was closing down when Davis graduated from college. Although his original plan was to open a burrito restaurant, his love for records and music took hold and out came his ideal record store.
One feature of the store that stands out the most is the art that covers the outside and inside of the store. Originally from Los Angeles, Davis grew up around diverse art. When people began painting on the walls in the store, he had no objection. He wants his customers to know that there are places in Johnson City where you can allow your artistic skills to come to life.
Backdoor Records not only carries vinyl, CDs and cassette tapes are also sold. They buy, sell and trade, and currently, 80s metal is in high demand and is something Davis is on the hunt for.
As far as researching what to put on the shelves, Davis simply listens to his customers. He wants customers to come in and talk to him about what they are searching for or what they like to listen to. Davis explained that owning a record store is about listening to others.
Streaming services are becoming increasingly popular with applications such as Apple Music and Spotify. With these developments comes the convenience of skipping to favorite songs. Davis believes that albums are meant to tell a story.
“It died once before, I never thought I’d see a resurgence like now. I really believe that listening to a record is a process, from dropping the needle to listening to it the way that the artist wanted us to, especially if it tells a story.”
To learn more about Backdoor Records and their weekly releases, follow them on their Instagram and Facebook, as well as visit them in store at 737 W. Walnut Street, open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 6 days a week.
