Crate-diggers and audiophiles, get your hands on vinyl and turntables at these record stores in Singapore.
We all love rocking out to live music, but old school vinyl is far from obsolete. There’s just something seductive (and hipster) about removing a giant black disk from its sleeve, placing it on a player, gently dropping the needle onto the record, and taking in the warm, glorious sound emerging from the speakers. Who knew there was such a vibrant vinyl scene in Singapore? Here, we dish out the finest record stores in Singapore for your analog aural fix.
Best record stores in Singapore
1. Musicology Records
Take a wander down the ever colourful Haji Lane, and you’ll spot the coolest stores. Musicology Records is one of them, of course. This spot deserves high praise for its thoughtful curation, super hospitable staff, and immaculate vibes. Even if you don’t end up buying a record, you might find yourself hanging around for a chat.
Musicology Records, 66 Haji Lane, Singapore 189259
2. Black Hole Records
This sister brand of Thryft Asia brings you the best of new and pre-loved records. As with most pre-loved goods, any secondhand vinyls you find on the site may come with a couple of dings. However, the team grades each one meticulously, stating the conditions of individual pieces clearly. Looking for a specific piece? Hit the team up and they’ll be happy to help source it.
Black Hole Records, shop online
3. Vertigo 26
A haunt for music enthusiasts, Vertigo 26 is a record store and bar that’s located in the basement of the Mint Museum of Toys. Browse through a catalogue of over 1,000 albums, and bop along to funky beats in this fun social space. Feeling peckish? Have a seat in a leather chair and enjoy ice-cold craft beer and bar bites. What a perfect night!
Vertigo 26, #B1-00, Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382
4. The Barbershop Music
As you can tell by its name, this is the place for sick tunes and sick ‘dos. Aside from vinyl records, you can also expect to find a wide selection of posters, merchandise and cassettes at The Barbershop Music. You’ll be walking out with a shiny new record and an edgy new hairdo – talk about killing two birds with one stone.
The Barbershop Music, 428 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427645
5. The Analog Vault
Think vinyl records and The Analog Vault comes to mind. Established in 2015, this record shop quickly gained traction amongst audiophiles with its wide array of genres, ranging from jazz and electric to soul and hip hop. So switch off your phone (or at least close your Spotify app) and spend the afternoon with these well-stocked racks of hand-picked vinyl and shelves of crisp, paperback reads.
The Analog Vault, #02-10, Esplanade, 8 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039802
6. Retrophonic Records
Tucked away on Duxton Road and housed in a two-storey shophouse, Retrophonic Records caters to the digital-weary soul. The latest radio hits and obscure indie rock sit side by side with 70s pop songs and vintage Chinese records. Oh, and the boutique also houses amazing turntables, amplifiers and speakers to satisfy your aural cravings, no matter the genre.
Retrophonic Records, 18A Duxton Road, Singapore 089484
7. Zenn Audio Electronics
Crate diggers, this hole-in-the-wall establishment is the place to be if you’re on a dinner hunt in Simpang Bedok. It might be a little out of the way for non-Easties, but we’d reckon a trip to this quaint shop is well worth a post-prata visit for its treasure trove of old school records and vintage turntables.
Zenn Audio Electronics, Bedok Shopping Complex, 292 Bedok Road, Singapore 469448
8. Surface Noise
For alternative types who prefer your music heavier, this store stocks a great selection of local, regional and international records for hardcore, metal, punk and emo tracks. Blink and you might miss it! The shop is located at Textile Centre in the Arab Street precinct.
Surface Noise, #04-16, Textile Centre, 200 Jalan Sultan, Singapore 199018
9. Curated Records
If you’re on a hunt for indie music on vinyl, this little hangout along North Bridge Road is your best bet. There are over 1,000 records to check out! It’s definitely a treasure vault for hipsters to rummage through all day.
Curated Records, 766A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198734
10. Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee
Founded by DJ collective Matteblacc, Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee champions soul music and fresh beans. Come in for a brew, but don’t expect to leave in a hurry. You’ll want to spend the afternoon with these racks of vinyl and street merch.
Choice Cuts Goods + Coffee, 446 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427664
11. For The Record
Tucked away in Peninsula Shopping Centre, this record store in Singapore oozes nostalgia. The 80s-like interiors serve as an indication of what to expect: a collection of records from the 50s to the 90s. So don’t expect to find Ariana Grande or Dua Lipa here. If this is your first foray into vinyl shopping, talk to the owner, Mr Alagiry, for recommendations.
For The Record, #04-28, Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman Street, Singapore 179804
12. Inokii
There aren’t many record stores in Singapore where metalheads can get their fix, but who’d have thought a vinyl store would be one of them? Despite its small size, Inokii offers a sizeable collection of vinyl spanning various rock and dark metal sub-genres. But if you’re looking for something a little more cheery and upbeat, the store also stocks an ample selection of pop releases.
Inokii, #03-30, Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
13. Roxy Records & Trading
Established some 50 years ago, Roxy Records is a family-run business with an impressive selection of vinyl, CDs and cassettes. Its goods are what bring DJs and music lovers back for more rare and mainstream titles. Can’t find what you’re looking for? These folks will be glad to place an order for you.
Roxy Records & Trading, #02-15, Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman Street, Singapore 179805
14. Hear Records
Looking for a snazzy new turntable? On top of its seemingly endless selection of vinyl stocks, Hear Records is the local distributor of Music Hall turntables. No two visits are the same, as the owner brings in new vinyl shipments from Japan, US and Europe on a monthly basis.
Hear Records, #01-18, Burlington Square, 175B Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189651
15. Vinylucky
Located in the AV-dominated mall that is The Adelphi, the unassuming Vinylucky is a haven for collectors as it stocks over 13,500 records from the 60s to the 90s. It also provides record cleaning services for serious vinyl collectors.
Vinylucky, B1-42, The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803
16. Red Point Record Warehouse
Love music from the 60s to the 90s? Carpenter and vinyl junkie Ong Chai Koon’s warehouse at Tai Seng might have just the record you want. Its sizeable collection of records covers genres like classical, electronic, Chinese and indie music.
Red Point Record Warehouse, #06-11, Kapo Factory Building, Block B, 80 Playfair Road, Singapore 367998
17. Swee Lee Cafe & Bar
The people behind record store Swee Lee believe that music can shape both the soul and society. From turntables and records to guitars and keyboards, you can get almost anything you need to set up your own music nook at home. Its location in The Star Vista is a dream, but we highly recommend dropping by its Clarke Quay space which offers a broader range of records and even listening stations.
Swee Lee Cafe & Bar, multiple locations including The Star Vista and Clarke Quay
18. RetroCrates
Now, East-siders can just pop by Joo Chiat for vinyl hunts at RetroCrates, which is run by a husband-and-wife duo. While you can find a range of contemporary pop and indie titles here, the selection of classic 80s stuff like Duran Duran, Blondie and Roxy Music is what gives the store its funky personality.
RetroCrates, 450A Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427661
19. Roxy Disc House
Don’t get mixed up with Roxy Records because of its name! Digging around at this record store is quite the joy. Here’s where you can rediscover retro local music from the 60s and other reissues of well-loved classics.
Roxy Disc House, #03-41/42, The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803
Hit up these records stores in Singapore when you’re in need of an analog fix!
