This whole vinyl obsession started by accident on a trip to Portland, Oregon. I wandered into a local record shop with no real plan and walked out with two albums I could not pass up: Teddy Pendergrass’ Teddy and the Bar-Kays’ Dangerous. Those were the first two records I ever bought while traveling, and I had no idea at the time that they would kick off a tradition. There was something about finding those albums in a place far from home that made them feel special, like they carried the energy of the trip with them.
Since that moment, I’ve made it a personal goal to visit at least one local record store everywhere I go. No matter the city or country, I try to carve out time to dig through crates and shelves, looking for something new or unexpected. Some of my favorite finds have come from discovering local artists I may never have heard of otherwise. In Australia, I found music from Coin Banks and So Crates. In the Philippines, it was Zack Tabudio and Zild. Thailand introduced me to HYBS, while Taiwan’s record shops led me to Fire-EX, 9m88, and Jody Chiang. In Japan, I came across Kinoco Hotel and Oatmeal. Each record feels like a musical snapshot of the place it came from.
Part of what I love most is the experience itself. There is something deeply satisfying about flipping through crates, scanning unfamiliar names, and taking a chance on an album purely based on the cover or a recommendation. I always try to talk with the shop owner or staff and ask what local artists they love or what records represent the city best. Those conversations are often just as memorable as the purchases, and they add a personal connection to every record I bring home.
At this point, vinyl has become my favorite type of souvenir. These records mean more to me than anything I could buy at a gift shop because they last. Every time I put one on, I’m taken back to where I found it, whether that’s a rainy afternoon in Portland or a busy street halfway across the world. Sharing those records with friends and family makes the experience even better. Travel gives me the memories, and vinyl gives me a way to relive them again and again.
Dope Records – Seoul
An awesome record store with fair prices and a well-curated selection. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and genuinely helpful without being pushy. I was glad I made the effort to track this place down.
Notable Pickups: dvsn – Sept 5th; Yaeji – With A Hammer
HMV Records – Shinjuku
HMV has an excellent mix of new and used vinyl, making it easy to walk out with more than you planned. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. It’s one of my go-to stops in Tokyo for adding new records to my collection.
Notable Pickups: マリアンヌの革命 – Kinoco Hotel; Easy Grip – Oatmeal; Bounce With Me – Sayuki
Rocksteady Records – Melbourne
This shop has a great vibe from the moment you walk in. The owner nailed it with recommendations and introduced me to albums I instantly fell in love with. The selection alone makes it worth the visit.
Notable Pickups: Welcome Back – Fade Evare; Malcolm After Mecca
Hachi Records – Bangkok
One of the absolute highlights of my Bangkok trip. This family-owned shop has a welcoming, community feel and a beautifully curated selection, including some impressive limited editions. I could have spent hours browsing and talking music, and I can’t wait to go back.
Notable Pickups: Making Steak – HYBS
