Rough Trade, the well-known London record store, has made its way stateside. Their new Brooklyn store opened its doors this month with a flurry of free shows & events.
It’s been nonstop for the record store/venue hybrid since November 25, when Sky Ferreira and Charles Bradley performed free shows back to back that first night. Performances by Matthew E. White, Marissa Nadler, Phosphorescent, and Television would follow.
The Bowery Presents is handling the booking, and they have a great venue to work with. It’s spacious without losing its intimacy, the sound is great, and there’s even two ping pong tables to entertain yourself with before a show.
If you’re on the lookout for used albums, there’s no use stopping in – it’s only new records here. There’s a bit of a CD-megastores-of-the-90s vibe going on, with vinyl in place of shiny hard plastic, that feels somewhat sterile and off-putting.
Regardless, the venue is top notch & there are quality acts coming through so I say “Welcome to Williamsbug, Rough Trade!”