Original Spin: BLK Vinyl is East Austin’s Best Record Shop
An unpretentious East 6th record shop offers more than meets the ears.
Words by Christopher Ferguson, AIA Photos by Baptiste Despois
Stepping inside BLK Vinyl for the first time feels oddly familiar. Like running into an old friend in a new city, the humble and smartly curated Eastside shop echoes with old-Austin intangibles despite only opening its doors in 2018.
A low-slung, mural-clad storefront yields to an intimate and airy shop floor that immediately passes the discophile eye-test. The no-frills room would feel downright austere if not for the sprawling, well-organized vinyl collection unfurling over every available wall.
Pronounced “bee-el-kay,” the shop takes its name from the initials of its three founders and lifelong friends: John Brookbank, Keith Lough, and Jason Kuntz. After lengthy stints working in music stores around the country while growing their own robust personal collections, the trio made a choice to turn their childhood dream of owning their own shop into a reality. Keith, who teaches lessons in a practice room above the shop floor, explains, “We wanted a space to meet and build a network of musicians and music lovers: a place where people can just come hang out, hear what we like, and share their own tastes.” In addition to selling records, BLK offers guitar lessons to students at any skill level.
Throughout the year, the store hosts and organizes pop-up markets, DJ events, and neighborhood block parties, further underscoring its founders’ belief in community building. With extremely reasonable prices and a collection that has something to offer everyone, it’s no surprise that their community is growing. “You should be able to come into a good store and get 3-4 records for $40, not $90,” Jason says, emphasizing the belief that accessible prices keep people coming back.
With eyes on the future, the team is optimistic about a chance to move to a larger space, potentially one that could accommodate a proper stage to support a venue. “Whatever those plans become,” adds Jason, “we will never leave the Eastside.”
Contact:
2505 E 6th St., Ste. F
blkvinylatx.com
@blkvinylatx
