SĒN Baltimore Magazine - Nightlife, Local Music, Events and Podcasts

Where are you from?
I was Born and raised here in Baltimore.

Why did you decided to start a record store?
I had been working at Reptilian records for about 7 years. Towards the end of my time there I had some ideas I really wanted to try but just weren't going to fit in with what Chris had worked so hard to build. When he made the decision to move next to the Ottobar I thought that might be a good time for me strike out on my own. The year before I had visited Japan and was blown away by Record Shop Boy in Koenji and Punk and Destroy in Osaka. Both shops were tiny (even smaller than Celebrated Summer!) but were filled with so many great records, it was really inspiring. These two things came together with my natural love of music and it just felt like it needed to happen.

Which aspect of your job do you like the most?
Turning younger kids onto amazing music, spending my day talking about and listening to great music!

Have a favorite record in the shop?
Too many to list!

What kind of music do you favor?
I think that people who are drawn to working at or owning a Record store traditionally have pretty varied tastes. I love Punk and Hardcore obviously but also feel a huge affection for and carry early Soul, Reggae, decent country and a little bit of plain old Rock and Roll.

Do you have any favorite local bands?
Ones that have broken up would be BLANK, PEE TANKS and BERSERK.
Current ones are PAPER DRAGONS, ROSEMARY KRUST, DACTYL and TRIAC. Honestly part of the reason the store exists is to help support ANY local bands so I'm quite fond of anybody that has the courage to pick up an instrument and give it a shot. I carry professional CD'S by local bands and home garage tapes dubbed on a stereo, I have a soft spot for either and anything in-between.

What is in the future for Celebrated Records?
The most important thing is to keep improving the stock of the store, buying collections and getting great new records in. After that, have more in-store shows. Our one year anniversary was with THE ERGS and F.O.D. and it went over really well, so more of that for sure. And finally to keep pushing the limits of the advertising and design. It's one of my favorite hobbies, to work on the visual end of the store along with Noel Conrad. More store mascots and hopefully more projects like our cereal box, shirt and button sets.

Tell me a little bit about the band you are in.
I've done three bands, the first was a Grindcore band Called DAYBREAK. After that a Hardcore band, NEVER ENOUGH and now a more melodic Punk band DEEP SLEEP. It's great fun and really let's me express a part of myself that is quite different from the part that runs the store.

What do you like and dislike about Towson?
I love the kids that live there and the support folks have shown me. I hate having to cross York road every day!

What are your top 20 records of all time?
1. MEGA CITY FOUR-MAGIC BULLETS
2. ALL- ALLROYS REVENGE
3. DESCENDENTS-I DON'T WANT TO GROW UP
4. THREE MILE PILOT-ANOTHER DESERT ANOTHER SEA
5. AFGHAN WHIGS-GENTLEMEN
6. GORILLA BISCUITS-START TODAY
7. SLOWDIVE-SOUVLAKI
8. DINOSAUR JR.-WHERE YOU BEEN?
9. THE REPLACEMENTS-TIM
10. THE SMITHS-STRANGEWAYS HERE WE COME
11. DE LA SOUL-DE LA SOUL IS DEAD
12. CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER-CONVICTED
13. INTENSE DEGREE-WAR INSIDE MY HEAD
14. POISON IDEA-FEEL THE DARKNESS
15. JAWBREAKER-DEAR YOU
16. HUSKER DU-CANDY APPLE GREY
17. THE ACTION SWINGERS-DECIMATION BLVD.
18. FASTBACKS-ANSWER THE PHONE DUMMY
19. THE BUZZCOCKS-SINGLES GOING STEADY
20. BLACK FLAG-LOOSE NUT

What are your Top 5 Songs to Crash and Burn To?

ACTION SWINGERS-I DON'T WANT TO BE THIS WAY
BLACK FLAG-LOOSE NUT
POISON IDEA-JUST TO GET AWAY
JOHNNY THUNDERS-YOU CAN'T PUT YOUR ARMS AROUND A MEMORY
NEW MODEL ARMY-WHITE LIGHT

Tags: record shops, towson