Digging in New York: Five of New York and Brooklyn's best record stores

Hitting record stores while in New York is a must. Despite heading there a few times over the years, I've always had a crammed agenda with “work”, so I never really had the time to do some proper digging. This time around, I was so focused on our event at Public Records, and digging took a bit of a back seat again. I ended up nearly missing my flight home by cramming in as many stores as possible up to the last minute. And with that rush, I didn't really have the time to take nice photos (some stores don't even allow it) or make this a much richer article, similar to my dives into Tokyo and Osaka record stores.

But, given the overwhelming choice of record stores in this city, it's worth me compiling this list for anyone going for the first time, especially if you're into the same music as you find here (and maybe I can continue to update it after another trip).

I would have loved something like this before planning my weekend... So, here's a hit list of stores I managed to hit and come recommended if you’re looking for records on the more ambient and electronic spectrum (rock, punk, jazz and hip-hop, etc can also be found at some of these stores).

Octopus Records

Octopus Records

This store is a bit of a trek if you're staying anywhere downtown or Manhattan, but if you're Brooklyn side, it's not too bad. Beginning as a Discogs seller and evolving into a physical location, Octopus is the most closely aligned to my kind of music, with a superb curation of ambient, downtempo, and all things in between. It had an ASIP label section at one point, but speaking to the owner now, the stock has been cut back lately (and I hope to fix that!) This is a quintessential neighborhood record store, with a knowledgeable, approachable owner, cats enjoying the space, and a warm vibe that makes you want to spend all day digging (then hit a nice Taco joint around the corner - let me know if you need the tip).

I could have purchased a lot more from this store, but it was my first hit, so I was trying to keep some cash in the bank. I managed to pick up this album from my Wantlist by Uf0, which I have yet to see in the flesh, and with no copies available in the US on Discogs, it was a nice little find to kick things off.

Ergot Records with a used copy of one of our early releases - ASIPV003.

Ergot Records

I was staying in Brooklyn, and I wasn't sure if I would get into Manhattan, but I'm glad I did. We showed up at opening time on Sunday, but no one was there after 15 minutes. Burger at 'Hamburger America' it was then just a short walk down the road [damn, it's a good Smashburger].

Heading back to Ergot after a near heart attack, the store had now opened, and as soon as I walked in, a section dedicated to "Future Dance" focused my attention. After browsing a solid chunk, I could sense the store's curation intention, with music from the likes of Brian Leeds and his Loidis album, Djrum, Ali Berger, and many others in today's world of artists blurring the edges of dance music, techno, ambient and IDM. This section also featured artists and labels who call New York home, so it made sense that Ergot would cater to this crowd. In addition, Ergot continued to draw on similar styles throughout its racks, with the likes of minimal techno, experimental, disco, drum and bass, and many more sections in the electronic world to get busy in.

The guy working the desk was spinning the new album by SnPLO, a lovely 3X12"of Chain Reaction-esque techno, so I had to pick that up, along with an original used Peter Michael Hamel LP of his infamous Berlin-School trip, Colors of Time, some lovely brooding ambient by Civilistjavel (thanks for the tip Juan!). And lastly, the third Tranquilizer EP by Terre Thaemlitz - highly sought after before a recent repress.

A1 - Records

An institution, no doubt, so a visit was a must. I knew it would be heavy on hip-hop given its history and what I’ve seen in the press before, but I was there for the house music if anything. At this point, my time was running out, and I only managed to go through the top bins, leaving the knee-breaking bottom rows for next time. As you would expect from a record store that has been around since 1996, the choice was deep and extensive. With speed of the essence now and my flight approaching, my eyes went to the wall, where record stores would normally place their most expensive records, but in this case, records that don't otherwise fit in any of the existing genre racks, maybe? An early Blu Mar Ten record - a classic that is hard to find in the US with only one on Discogs right now at over $250... purchased for just $40.

Upon checkout, the cashier asked what it was - apparently, the owner had brought it into the shop recently from his own collection, and the cashier had meant to give it a spin. So he stuck it on the turntable, gave me an approving nod, and then said he would be finding it on Spotify. Wait, what? Don’t you work in a record store? My loaded question was met with a resounding NY response - "Are you aware how small NYC apartments are? I can only take home so many records!".

Fair.

Stranded Records

Stranded Records

Probably one for the calm aesthetics rather than my music choice, but this nice sub-street level spot was a nice vibe to look through, despite not finding anything of substance for my own taste. And being just around the corner from Ergot, it's worth a shot for anyone in the area. There is plenty of jazz, as well as more pop-oriented records, but anyone looking for something that straddles early experimental, synth, or similar might have some luck here, as the recent arrivals bins were a nice mix of early electronic records, and you know when you can just tell it’s the type of place to get a few gems every now and then?

ASIP artist OKRAA digging at Captured Records

Captured Records Shop

More of a classic ‘anyone can find something in here’ store, akin to the Amoeba Store’s on the opposite coast, it was probably the largest store out of the bunch I visited. This meant a healthy selection of all genres, but I was pleased to find sections for house and techno 12"s specifically, meaning a lovely variety from the cheesiest stuff of the 90’s to the more underground techno of late. Nothing really hit home, but I did find a nice DJ Food album for a friend who tries to snap up anything on Ninja Tune.

Razor N Tape

A bonus mention if you’re already in the nighborhood. Technically, it is a label-specific store, and this small space is run by the label namesake but also features some other select curations. I'm calling it out, as it's just around the corner from Captured Records, and owning a small label shop is a dream of mine. They also had some quality merch that I tried to get in my size, to no avail.

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On my hitlist for next time:

Face Records - if it's as good as the Tokyo store [see here] then a must hit.

Archivio Records - appointment only, I didn't plan too well and missed any open spots.

What did I miss? Where else should I add for next time?

Brooklyn Record Exchange has two shops, full of world, abstract and proper digger territories.

isolatedmix 128 - Will Oirson

Willem van der Ploeg, hailing from the Netherlands, is a DJ, producer, and co-founder of the label The Something Something, alongside Rutger Paulusse. Willem has been a long-time follower of ASIP, often supporting our mixes and asking for track IDs—something that always piques my curiosity and often leads to unexpected finds. So I was delighted to stumble across another amazing cave of DJ sets through The Something Something’s Red Light Radio show, offering up sessions from recognizable guests such as Alex Albrecht, Wanderwelle and Ario, and then going on to see the fruition of the label in recent years.

As part of The Something Something label, Willem has been gaining momentum with his own production work, leaning toward serene, textured ambient, enriched by found sounds and often shimmering, beautiful melodies. This is showcased perfectly by his 2020 EP, Inland / Tomorrow, of till the end of time, and his most recent single, Escapism.

Will’s DJ sets recently earned him a spot at the prestigious Draaimolen Festival, officiating his keen curatorial ear, which will no doubt lead us all to a world of new artists to explore - a perfect requirement for the isolatedmix series and the mix at hand for #128.

"Thank you for the opportunity to create a mix for ASIP, Ryan!

Many times in life, music helped me to overcome certain hurdles. It always gives me a feeling of escapism and on many occasions it shined a light on dark days. The same goes with this mix; I feel a sense of lightness after experiencing a big burnout a year and a half ago, in which time I’ve made a lot of music. It had no intention, it was just about frequencies and emotions. Now that I'm feeling better, I’ve started releasing tracks and even performed a dj set at Draaimolen Festival Festival featuring some of this music. This mix for A Strangely Isolated Place is about seeing light again, the overcoming of obstacles, and a rekindling of dreams.

It includes some of my favourite tracks from the past few years, such as ‘stasis__relief__’ by 𝚐𝚊𝚋_𝚒 and 'Pillow, Mantra and Trance’ by Li Yilei. And I’m also pleased that I could slip in some amazing music by friends like Bas Dobbelaer, Ramses3000 and Brian Omen. 

Please take a moment to explore the artists and labels included in this mix. They’ve created truly remarkable work, and many continue to do so.” - Will Oirson 

astrangelyisolatedplace · isolatedmix 128 - Will Oirson

Listen on Soundcloud the ASIP Podcast or the 9128.live iOS and Android app

Download MP3

Tracklist: 
01. The Humble Bee - Section V Light [Astral Industries]
02. Brian Omen - 430 [The Something Something…]
03. Leo Cunningham - Dreaming In Threads [Opal Tapes]
04. Azu Tiwaline & Al Wootton - Last Scene [Livity Sound]
05. 𝚐𝚊𝚋_𝚒 - stasis__relief__ [self released]
06. Li Yilei - Pillow, Mantra and Trance [Métron Records]
07. other joe - a cat can look at a king (ft. J) [ost]
08. Will Oirson - Doubting the Hardness of the Spider, I eat the Nest [The Something Something…]
09. John Beltran - You Internalise Them [Delsin]
10. Dettinger - Intershop (7) Remastered 2024 [Kompakt]
11. Bas Dobbelaer - Rest [Something Happening Somewhere] 
12. Jonny Nash & Lindsay Todd - The Gecko That Wore Its Skin Inside Out [Island Of The Gods]
13. Daniel.mp3 - 3 am walk (Slowed & Reverb Version) [self released]
14. Igor Dyachenko - Object (feat. Nikolay Kozlov) [self released]
15. Illuvia - Afterlife Prism [A Strangely Isolated Place] 
16. Zane Trow -haklne [Room40]
17. NEXCYIA - hydro [self released]
18. The Kyoto Connection - Memories From Japan [Temples Of Jura]
19. Luke Elliott - Refractory Cores [AKP Recordings]
20. shinetiac - Dodge Viper Lullaby [West Mineral Ltd.]
21. Jo Johnson - Orbit [Mysteries of the Deep]
21. Ramses3000 - Aphasia [Intercept]

~

The Something Something Soundcloud | Bandcamp | Instagram

Collected: Vol 4

Gi Gi - Dreamliner

Gi Gi’s Lumino Pleco from 2021 was a big fave of mine, and this new album represents an updated approach from the Texan producer. The distant smudged vocals and heart-pouring strings are gone, and more structured drums and downtempo is in - but Gi Gi still retains a delicate and approachable palette that would suit any 90’s chillout room.

nthng - Echo Track

Yes, I am a nthng super fan, and pretty much everything he touches turns to gold in one way or another. He hits that sweet deep, melodic and pure techno touch, (as well as doing ambient just as good) and the second piece of music on this EP is nothing short of simple perfection. Echo Track is the type of music you want to hear in a big dark basement with good friends.

Solar Alliance - HAMMAR​Ö​-​23

It may take some digging, especially as these guys don’t exactly pour out news on social media, but this new collective consists of our very own Mikkel Rev, his Omformer partner Filip Storsveen, and Ute cofounder, Teo Bachs Larsen. So, of course, expect some forward-thinking trance in both chugging and high-energy level forms from the Norwegian experts.

Starterra - Transformation Cycles

It’s not easy to come across Berlin-school space ambient, that echoes that of our very own Merrin Karras, or 36. But this 2022 album by Starterra, is up there with the best of them, especially the track ‘Celestial Intellect’. There’s enough movement to keep it entertaining, and enough atmosphere to fly. For listeners of the aforementioned artists, and of course legends like Carbon Based Lifeforms, Tangerine Dream and even Jean-Michel Jarre.

Neutron 9000 - Lady Burning Sky

A classic from 1994 and the days of Rising High Records, this one no doubt skipped past many; unless you were really in it to win it back then. As you would expect purely by mentioning the words “1994 and “Rising High”, this is a seminal electronic album with touches of acid, trance and classic ambient house. KLF in variety, James Bernard acid in inflection. A must-have 3LP reissued by Tiga’s Turbo Recordings (?!) and even boasting a Daniel Avery remix on this reissue version.

Find these albums and many more over on my Bandcamp Collection.

Collected: Vol 3

James Bernard - Atmospherics (30th Anniversary Edition)

Many of you will know James for his releases here on ASIP, but since then, James has made a home with the crew at PITP, and so of course they got first dibs on reissuing this beast of his. Atmospherics is one of the seminal electronic ambient albums of the 90’s, and one for the heads. You won’t often find it on many, ‘best of’ lists, but you will hear many reputable DJs and producers reference it as a major impact on their productions, with its acid-tinged synthesis that James is now well known for, and straddling the lines of trance, downtempo and ambient with a full throw-back to the chill out rooms of the time. One of the people it impacted some 30-years ago, is Brock van Wey aka bvdub, who has been enlisted to reinterpret the entire album for this Anniversary Edition.

I would imagine an entirely new set of tracks to be born from Brock’s mind - not just remixes, but complete deconstructions, reimagined from the ground up.

Old Amica - F​ö​r alltid

About as organic and textured as ambient music comes, this is one of those records to find subtle details in every time you listen, while wandering an expansive landscape of nordic winter. For fans of Ous Mal; with Sigur Ros, Johann Johannson and Thomas Koner on backing duties.

Minotaur Shock - Salina Pulse Streams

I’m new to Minotaur Shock, and it looks like I’ve got some catching up to do. I gravitated toward this album due to it’s ‘mixtape’ nature as described in the album notes. Experimental downtempo and trip-hop with lush metallic tones and clean, clean drum programming. Recommend a full album listen from top to bottom to hear the evolution as intended.

Ovid - Dream Sequence

Synkro’s Ovid alias turns out a beautifully lush piece of dub-techno on Dream Sequence EP. The title track is as classic dub-techno as you can wish for, with its muddled beats, syncopated patterns and subtle hi-hats. One to get lost in. The other two tracks open up the highs a bit more, but remain on point with more glitch-focused elements, for an all-round superb EP.

3.11 - Illuminate

Lastly, it’s an awesome day when a certain ‘vinyl-only’ artist until now, releases their collection on Bandcamp. 3.11 has made some of the most sought-after ambient and ambient-leaning techno vinyl of recent years (I’m only missing a couple luckily!). 3.11 styles can vary between lush swathes of ambient textures and swampy dub-techno, to italo house and 90’s sounding downtempo. Now they’re all available digitally.

Expect to see more 3.11 music in ambient mixes in, 3, 2, 1….

Find these albums and many more over on my Bandcamp Collection.

Markus Guentner / Kontrapunkt Collaborators

Markus Guentner’s new album, Kontrapunkt showcases eight collaborations with some exceptional artists, each of whom has a unique connection to ASIP’s world in one way or another. Though I did not influence Markus's choice of collaborators, the album somehow found a thread through so many of our past releases, as well as artists I have also respected for a long time. Here are some of my favorite tracks from each artist, in case any of these artists are new to you, or you want to dig a little deeper and an introduction to each of the relationships by Markus himself.

Joachim Spieth

I've known Joachim since the early 2000s, back when we were both involved in the Kompakt Pop Ambient Series. Our collaboration has grown over the years, and we've recently been working together on projects for his label, Affin. It's been a fantastic experience, as I get to contribute my graphic ideas and, of course, some music too. Collaborating with Joachim feels like a natural extension of our long-standing friendship and creative synergy - Markus Guentner

It might seem a bit dated to highlight Joachim’s early Pop Ambient work, especially considering how much he has evolved within the widescreen ambient and techno genres in recent years. However, this track was pivotal in launching the iconic Kompakt Pop Ambient series and remains a timeless classic in my eyes. It’s an essential example of what defined 'Pop Ambient' and the series as a whole. While there are significant stylistic differences when you compare this track with Joachim’s more recent works, that irreplaceable sense of attachment and atmosphere still resonates.

Karen Vogt

My first encounter with Karen was through a request for the Galán/Vogt remix album. Since then, we've developed a close relationship, regularly sharing ideas and having wonderful chats during video calls. Working with Karen has been incredibly inspiring, as her creative vision aligns perfectly with mine. Our collaboration has blossomed into a seamless partnership that I deeply cherish - Markus Guentner

Karen Vogt, a founding member of the Australian band Heligoland, has been creating music for over 20 years. Recently, she has found her niche in more expressive ambient and vocal work. The track I've chosen is a stripped-back piece that perfectly captures Karen’s distinctive approach and serves as a wonderful example of the mesmerizing ways her vocals can evolve.

Sonae

Sonia and I have been good friends for a long time, and our bond is strengthened by our epic five-hour phone calls! We first connected when she remixed my track "Saint" for the "Uncharted Places" ASIP release in 2013. Given our long history and mutual admiration, it was only natural that we would eventually collaborate on a project together. Our collaboration feels like a culmination of years of shared experiences and creative exchanges. - Markus Guentner

Sonia and ASIP have a history that spans over 11 years now as one of the early artists who took a chance on the label with a demo for The Places Series. Since then, Sonia has developed a distinctive style that blends elements of ambient, techno, and experimental music. Her sound is typically abstract, free from conventional rules or clichés, and often explores unexpected directions. Her collaboration with Markus is a prime example, featuring shifting BPMs and a vivid, pulsating heartbeat that showcases her unique approach. The track ‘Rust’ from her 2018 album, ‘I Started Wearing Black’ is a nice companion to her collaboration with Markus.

Pepo Galán

Like Karen Vogt, my first significant interaction with Pepo was for a remix for an album. Shortly after, Pepo and I found ourselves in a perfect coincidence: he asked me for a collaboration for his project ‘Family Harmonies’, while I was simultaneously considering a collaboration for Kontrapunkt." This serendipitous alignment led to a fruitful and harmonious collaboration that we're both very excited about. - Markus Guentner.

With collaborations involving artists like Warmth, Awakened Souls, Karen Vogt, David Cordero, Shinji Wakasa, Max Würden, and many others, Pepo is an obvious choice as a collaborator in the ambient world. His track with Markus stands out as one of the album’s most surprising, elevating Markus’ music to unexpected new heights based on some of the feedback I’ve heard so far. To complement this, I’ve chosen a more nuanced track from his 2018 collaboration with Max Würden which again, shows a perfectly complemented partnership.

Arovane

Uwe and I have known each other for some time, although our interactions have been mostly digital, through emails and such. I was thrilled when he asked me to remix "Scale," a track by him and Hior Chronik released on ASIP in 2016. As a long-time fan and admirer of Uwe's music, it was an honor to collaborate with him. Our collaboration was a highlight for me, blending our musical styles in a way that felt both fresh and familiar. - Markus Guentner

I wasn’t exactly looking forward to this part… Trying to pick a favorite track by Arovane is a bit like choosing a favorite child—you might have one, but admitting it is a different story. There's no need for a history lesson on Uwe here, as his inspiration knows no bounds. Instead, I’ll focus on the track I chose, which is admittedly a bit of a selfish selection. Over the years, Uwe has contributed several times to the label, collaborating with Hior Chronik, but I still vividly remember receiving his AMX remix of his own track After Tomorrow, on the In-Between Remix EP. If there’s ever a track that encapsulates the quintessential Arovane sound outside of his earliest album, this is it.

Benoît Pioulard

Released eleven years ago, Benoît’s "Hymnal" was, and still is, on heavy rotation for me. Our connection felt almost predestined when we met in Seattle while playing at Rafael's Substrata Festival. I've always wanted to collaborate with Benoît’, and finally, the timing was perfect with this new album. Working with him has been a dream come true, and our collaboration has exceeded all my expectations. - Markus Guentner.

Thomas Meluch’s most recent contribution to the label was in collaboration with Viul on the album Konec. Like Uwe, Thomas has an expansive and well-loved body of work, making it difficult to pick a favorite. However, for this occasion, I’m choosing to highlight his more vocal-forward work on Morr Music. This selection takes me back to the first time I discovered the beautiful guitars and melodies of Slowdive, or even the more electronic folk sound of artists like Bibio and early Caribou. Thomas seems to be one of those endlessly talented individuals who can master a vast spectrum of styles, all while keeping his distinctive sound at the forefront. I’ve picked the second track from his 2023 release, ‘Eidetic’ which is the first impactful vocal hit from the album that represents this side of Thomas’ work.

Abul Mogard

I'm a huge, huge fan of Abul's music. Before our collaboration, we had no prior connection, which made reaching out to him feel daunting. I was elated when he replied and agreed to work on a collaborative track. Despite the initial uncertainty, the collaboration turned out to be incredibly rewarding, and I am thrilled with the outcome. - Markus Guentner

Checking the blog tag for Abul Mogard on the site reveals a wealth of mentions and mixes spanning several years. Guido’s music has played a significant role in shaping my taste, and, alongside a few select others, he’s been instrumental in fostering my appreciation for more powerful ambient music (see the Portals: Power Ambient feature). There was a time when I engaged in countless debates about Abul’s identity, which remained a mystery for many years, making him the ambient scene’s equivalent of Burial—before Burial ventured into ambient, of course. Now that his identity is no longer a secret, Guido has been relentless in honing his distinctive style through live performances and collaborations. One of his more recent releases, in collaboration with Rafael Anton Irisarri, is particularly noteworthy. The album’s title has never made more sense after experiencing it in full. The intricate details, combined with the music’s vastness and intimacy, are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Hollie Kenniff

I've admired Hollie Kenniff's music for a long time, especially her work with Mint Julep alongside her husband Keith. When she released her solo album "The Quiet Drift," I immediately thought it would be a perfect match for a collaboration. Despite our musical differences, we share a lot of similarities that made working together a fun and enriching experience. This collaboration is certainly not our last, as I'm already looking forward to future projects with her. - Markus Guentner

As Markus mentions, I think it was Mint Julep that formed a big part of my exposure to Hollie’s music alongside her partner and esteemed producer Keith Kenniff (aka Helios). Mint Julep has that certain Schnauss-ian effect (especially his remixes) so it was easily absorbed into my realm; electronic shoegaze and with a stellar vocalist, you can’t go wrong. But before that, her debut solo record on n5MD blew me away, forming the opening to my Reflection on 2019 feature and without a doubt one of the best records of the year.

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Markus Guentner’s new album , Kontrapunkt featuring each of the above amazing collaborators is now available, digitally and on gatefold 2LP.