Independent record store Guestroom Records celebrated 20 years of business in September, bringing the Norman music community together.
Justin Sowers and Travis Searle started selling records door to door and at garage sales in 2002. After the pair’s success, the first Guestroom Records store was opened in Norman the following year.
Guestroom sells a wide range of genres, curated based on customers’ interests. The store has a large selection of classic rock and indie alternative albums. Featured artists include Radiohead, Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift.
Guestroom sells new and used records, and there is a section for CDs and cassettes. Visitors can also sell their own records to the store or search through its online inventory. When Guestroom first opened, most of the inventory consisted of CDs. Now, due to their increased popularity, the store primarily sells records.
A customer browses records in Guestroom Records. The vinyl records take up most of the store.
Will Muir, Guestroom Records manager and employee of 16 years, attributes this to the continuity and high quality of records, which have the ability to deliver a smoother sound and more dynamic range than other forms of listening.\
“We always say that vinyl’s forever, that those magic pieces of plastic will continue to spin and make noise,” Muir told OU Daily.
In a digital age where streaming music is easier than ever, records remain desired by many. Muir said the listening experience is enhanced by the physical aspects of records.
“People just want something to hold in their hand,” he said. “But also, records are super, super fun to look at.”
Guestroom has been involved in long-time community events such as Norman Music Festival and the 2nd Friday Norman Art Walk. The store also participates in Record Store Day, an annual celebration held by independent record stores internationally that features activities and special releases.
The store has also held live performances and seen notable artists walk through its doors, like when Tommy Stinson of Guns N’ Roses stopped by the store for a performance after headlining the Lloyd Noble Center in 2011.
“It was just like a dream,” Muir said.
Guestroom Records is located on 125 E. Main St. and is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
This story was edited by Emma Blakley and Karoline Leonard. Avery Avery, Mary Ann Livingood and Nikkie Aisha copy edited this story.
