New record store brings vinyl to South Downtown
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If you have flipped through all of Atlanta's vinyl and want to browse another record store, head to South Downtown.
Driving the news: CratesATL opens this weekend in the neighborhood at the center of a billion-dollar development bonanza.
Zoom in: Located on historic Hotel Row on Mitchell Street, Crates sells a range of 45s including vintage jazz (Joe Morgan's "The Gigolo") and contemporary hits (Taylor Swift's "Midnights").
- In addition, the shelves have turntables, audio cords, ceramics, candles — almost everything you'd need to hold a listening party other than the food and drinks.
What they're saying: "Atlanta hasn't had a downtown in a very long time, and I was anxious to be a part of the revitalization," said owner Darryl Harris, referring to places where people could gather and shop, including for music.
- "I used to always just drive through and I knew what was going on, and I'm like, yo, how can I be a part of what's happening?"
State of play: While newspapers are shifting their attention to the web and movies are premiering on streaming services, vinyl has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, especially among Gen Z music lovers.
- "It's something that they've never experienced," said Harris, who also owns Moods Music in Little Five Points. "Vinyl is a lot warmer, and just being able to touch it."
Context: The opening follows recent news that El Tesoro, the popular Mexican restaurant that prides itself on building outdoor spaces for people to gather, will open its third location at the former Rondo store.