Published by Leonardo Calcagno
In collaboration with Kaneshii Vinyl Press
Who are you and your current job :
Chris Gronowski, co-owner, and buyer. After working at a record store in the 90’s during college and then owning a skateboard shop during the 2000’s I decided to combine the two and opened a skateboard/record shop in 2011 with my partner EFREM SCHULZ(vocalist of Death by Stereo/Manic Hispanic). The diversity of product allowed us to survive while many brick and mortar shops(especially in skateboarding) faced closure.
2018 brought the arrival of PROGRAMME SOUNDS where we started to put out bands we liked along with our friend Angel Zaragoza. Rats in the Wall was our first release in conjunction with Indecision Records. Melted was our second we did with Open Door Records.
In which city are you located?
Fullerton, Ca. The home of the Adolescents.
What musical styles do you specialize in?
Hardcore/Punk. But we love and carry other indie/alt/hip-hop/jazz/metal.
Can you give a small tour of the music scene in your town?
The Burger King in the parking lot of our center used to be Ichabod’s in the early 80’s and hosted notorious punk matinees from the likes of Suicidal Tendencies, Social Distortion, and The Vandals. Leo Fender has roots here. Gwen Stefani was born in Fullerton but is really more of an Anaheim gal. The Bionic Records in Fullerton WAS across the street from us and is now a Pho spot but we both spent tons of money there back in the 90’s.
What’s it like working in a record shop?
Shaping the youth is job one. Job two is arguing about which one of Walter Schreifels bands are better since Gorilla Biscuits.
What mind-blowing album are you listening to right now?
FIREBURN. Todd from Warzone and Murphy’s Law & Israel Joseph from Bad Brains together? All In.
What does it take for an indie record shop to survive?
Listen to your customer. You might know the past but they know the future.
What does Record Store Day, mean to you and your business?
It’s a good reason to wake up early and get donuts and coffee.
Tips for musicians/bands launching an album?
Keep it short and enjoy the process.
5 local musicians/bands to check out!
Rats in the Wall
Melted
Modern Color
DARE
Ursula
Honorable Mention: FURY, though they’re not so local anymore
ProgrammeHQ.com | facebook.com/programmehq |
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Fullerton [CA] city guide x Chris Gronowski
Café | We make our own coffee and support local roasters like Legal Speed Supply (run by the guys from BAYSIDE).
Restaurant | Pita Hot, Curry Hut, In N Out, Del Taco and Fresh Griller
Shopping | There are cool vintage spots in Downtown Fullerton.
Grocery | Dollar Tree in our shopping center. Our manager Derek buys treats that most elementary school kids enjoy, like Fig Newtons and Fruit Gummies.