In a significant shift for Austin's music landscape, the beloved Waterloo Records & Video is preparing to enter a new era of ownership and location. After 42 years of steadfast service to vinyl enthusiasts and cinephiles, the shop will find its new residence at 1105 N. Lamar Blvd., as reported by MySA. The anticipated move in the spring comes as a tactical adjustment to the changing tides of urban development and the store's desire to continue growing its legacy in a fresh space.
With Caren Kelleher, the founder and CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, taking the helm alongside Trey Watson, an established entrepreneur, Waterloo Records promises to maintain the rapport it has nurtured with Austin's music scene. John Kunz, the shop's longstanding owner, expressed relief and optimism about the transition, saying, "Now with this transition, all of my boxes are checked," according to KXAN. With regard to the new stewardship, the premises will not only switch location but will also expand, offering a larger venue for in-store events and improved customer parking.
Kelleher's personal connection to record stores and Waterloo Records itself has been a key motivator in her pursuit of co-ownership. In an impassioned Instagram post, she reflected on the profound impact the iconic store had on her, fostering a lifelong passion for music. Echoing these sentiments in an interview with KXAN, she acknowledged the potential for such spaces to ignite creative sparks in both the young and the old, underscoring the timeless magic that record stores like Waterloo possess.
The shift comes at a time when vinyl records are resurging as desirable collectibles, countering the ephemeral nature of digital consumption. Kelleher underscored the importance of tangible experiences in an age of digital connectivity, suggesting that record stores facilitate a much-needed sense of human interaction. "They crave human interaction, and I think the store environment that Waterloo is facilitates that kind of connection," she told KXAN. Amidst this transition, Waterloo Records' existing staff are expected to retain their roles, preserving the store's unique expertise and community spirit in the face of change.
