Malta’s Favourite Vinyl Record Shops
Vinyl has made a strong and surprising comeback as of late – outdoing digital sales in the UK last December for the very first time. Hipsters may claim credit for the revival of the old school format, but there’s no denying that holding a physical copy of an artist’s work tops scrolling through more 1’s and 0’s on iTunes and Spotify – every time. With a proper HiFi system, older LPs just sound better, too.
Malta is no exception to the global vinyl fever, and multiple record stores have been popping up as a result.
We’ve compiled a Top 5 list of places to buy vinyl in Malta:
1) D’Amato Records, Valletta
Anthony D’Amato Records in Valletta will provide you with an excellent album from whichever era or genre you claim to be the best- *cough* 70’s British Classic Rock *cough*
It might also provide your new album with a unique connection to history. Rumors have it that D’Amato Records is the oldest operating record store in the world, with whispers that they might be approaching a Guinness World Record title.
This store has been dealing discs since the wax-album days of 1885 when they first opened, and even withstood the bombings during the WWII air raids. Whether you prefer classic second-hand originals, or new pressings – D’Amato’s got it.
D’ Amato Records – then and now.
2) Sunset Records, Sliema
Despite having only opened in May 2016, Sunset Records has quickly become a vinyl collector’s dream stop. Located just off The Strand, on St Pius V Street – Sunset provides everything from brand new pressings, to beautifully dusty originals. From Electronica to Jazz, Reggae to Rap, Classic Rock to Techno and everything in between, you’re sure to find a new addition.
This treasure chest also proudly stocks albums by local artists – and is one of the bigger shops on the island to do so.
Mario from Brikkuni drops his latest album on Sunset Record’s shelves
3) Head & Jam, Attard
You need a haircut, but you also want to pick up a little something new for your stylus to dance on. Head & Jam is your answer. Elena Cassar opened up her alternative hair salon in Attard back in March with the intention of intertwining solid music and creative hair styling.
A vintage looking Crosby turntable sits in the corner of her salon, alongside a shelf of records, where patrons are welcome to browse, play, and purchase albums while they wait for a unique and carefully crafted haircut.
As a true vinyl fan, and an aspiring DJ herself – Elena has replaced the typical mindless waiting-room magazines found in most waiting rooms, with two must-read books for any music fan: “Vinyl: The Art of Making Records” and “For The Record: Conversations With People Who Have Helped Shape The Way We Listen To Music”.
Elena also hosts local artists and live music sets in her salon, with the aim of using her space to not only style hair, and facilitate the revival of vinyl, but also to promote local artists.
4) Mellowmoon, Marsaskala
Mellowmoon, located at Zion Reggae Bar in Marsaskala, is selling local artwork, jewelry, clothing, and now – albums. Maltese bands like Brodu, Lucy’s Last, No Snow No Alps, Fuzzhoneys, Crux, and Brikkuni all have albums that can be found at Mellowmoon, on multiple different formats, including vinyl.
If you want to support local Maltese artists – this is the shop for you!
5) SOLO vinyl & books & No.Me Studio, Valletta
SOLO vinyl & books has just recently opened up beside popular hangout bar ?ugar in Valletta this summer. Originally from Milan, this little record shop has spread to Malta as a direct result of the vinyl revolution. Tucked in the corner of the shop is No.Me Studio – an interesting sight for any album browser to gaze upon while flipping through the racks.
While this new shop might be small, it packs a powerful musical punch and will certainly add some gems to your growing collection.
