Published by Leonardo Calcagno
In collaboration with Kaneshii Vinyl Press
Who are you and your current job:
My name is Ben Epstein and I’m the owner of NOLA Mix Records. I opened it in 2015 after years of collecting vinyl, DJing and teaching music to youth. I wanted to create a space that I can share my love of music and continue to teach DJing and music production to kids in the area. The store continues to be a source for retail, music education and live performances
In which city are you located?
New Orleans
What musical styles do you specialize in?
All genres including Soul, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, Rock etc…we particularly focus on music from New Orleans.
Can you give a small tour of the music scene in your town? The music scene in New Orleans is very diverse. There’s Brass Band music radiating from the corners of Frenchman St., live Funk and Soul from the Maple Leaf Bar and Les Bon Temps, DJ’s spinning 45’s at Sidney’s Saloon and Three Keys…Hip-Hop, Electronic, Jazz, Rock…it’s all available any night of the week.
What’s it like working in a record shop?
It’s great to meet folks from all over who share the same passion for music. I also get to listen to new/old music everyday…
What mind-blowing album are you listing right now?
“Akoben” by Kumasi is a great Afrobeat album from New Orleans. I’m also a little biased because it’s on my label (Superjock Records). https://superjockrecords.bandcamp.com/
What does it take for an indie record shop to survive?
Having a niche, which in my case is exposing people to underground New Orleans music that they might not find outside of the area (Brass Band, Funk, Bounce, Mardi Gras Indian…). Selling records online helps too.
What does Record Store Day, mean to you and your business?
Record Store Day is a very big day for us. We have exclusive records of course, but we also have in-store performances by up and coming artists and DJ’s, free drinks and ticket giveaways. It’s a great community event all around.
Tips for musicians launching an album?
If you have a physical product like vinyl, it’s key to have distribution to get it out there. If it’s a digital-only release than social media is your friend.
5 local musician/bands to check out!
Sep Rock, Computa Games, Bill Summers, Shark Attack & Marq Spekt.
New Orleans [Louisiana] city guide x Ben Epstein
Café | Mojo Coffee House, great coffee, and staff.
Restaurant | Pizza Delicious, simple cheesy goodness.
Shopping | Magazine St., food, records, clothes, crafts etc…
Grocery | Rouses, all your food shopping needs.
Band | The Meters, best Funk band to come out of the Crescent City.
http://www.nolamix.com | facebook.com/nolamixrecords