Gwent's vinyl champions: the record shops making a scene

South Wales Argus

6 days ago

In Blackwood, Alun Kent left a career in engineering to pursue his dream of selling records. His shop, Heart of the Valleys Records, is a treasure trove of 45s and LPs spanning soul, Motown, country, ska, punk, and metal.
Alun explains: 'The way of recapturing the original heritage sound of these recordings is by listening on a good-quality turntable. Collectors love the experience of actually seeing and holding the original vinyl album in their hands. Often, it brings back long-lost memories of years gone by.' Alun has created a space that's as much about community as it is about music.
Alun and Maria Kent, outside Blackwood's Heart of the Valleys Records. (Image: Alun Kent) In Abergavenny, Rob Price also sings the praises of vinyl. Music One, on White Horse Lane, has been run by Rob since 2009.
'I sell whatever music you want, please ask for it on vinyl, it's better that way. Classical, punk, death metal—it's all here, and I urge you to buy vinyl. No discrimination here. Digital has its place, but analogue is better,' he says.
Rob's championing of vinyl has earned him a loyal following among collectors who value the tactile and sonic qualities of analogue sound.
Dean Beddis of Kriminal Records. (Image: NQ) Newport's Market Arcade is home to Kriminal Records, run by punk rocker and former market trader Dean Beddis. After operating online for 18 months during the pandemic, Dean reopened his shop in late 2021 with an eco-friendly focus: recycled wood, minimal spending, and a renewed sense of community.
'It's great to be part of the music scene again,' he said. Dean sees hope for Newport's future, believing that more independent shops will bring people back into town.
Asked if vinyl is best, Dean replied: "Is there any other sort of recording?"
Paul Hawkins of Diverse Music rifles through some sounds. (Image: NQ) Just a short stroll away on Charles Street, Newport's Diverse Vinyl, a sister company of Diverse Music and it stands out as a national landmark in the vinyl scene.
Founded in 1995 by Paul Hawkins, Diverse began life as a mail-order outlet and has grown into one of the UK's largest retailers of new vinyl records. From audiophile pressings to indie releases, the shop's selection spans every genre imaginable. Diverse draws vinyl lovers from far and wide, helping keep the spirit of independent music alive.
Paul says his first single was Kings of the Wild Frontier by Adam and the Antz. His most memorable in-shop guests include the entire Oasis line-up and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant. Of vinyl, Paul says: 'Of all forms of pressed music, vinyl is now the clear market leader. It's really enjoying a renaissance.'
The outside of Ian Crosby's record shop - that's not a record shop, Beaufort Square, Chepstow. (Image: NQ) Finally, there's Ian Crosby in Chepstow, whose tortoise shop doubles as a quiet haven for record collectors.
Originally, Ian ran two separate businesses: Chepstow Records and The Tortoise Shop. When the record shop closed in 2023, he didn't abandon music entirely. 'It's not a record shop anymore, but if you know to ask, I've still got records tucked away,' said Ian, who opened his first record shop at just 17.
Ian's eclectic interests extend beyond vinyl and reptiles, he's also known for investigating unsolved mysteries like the disappearances of Lord Lucan and Madeleine McCann.
Together, these shopkeepers form a vibrant network of vinyl champions across Gwent, each with their own story, style, and unwavering love for music.