Record Breakers

Record Breakers-
When beginning to think of a location for this journey I knew it had to be something close to me literally, as well as in interest. This made me immediately think of Chicago sports teams. I realized that I could not get a solid “in” with these teams. This then left only one option, music. Since the venue I wanted to do is being shut-down, a record shop was what I decided would be best.
Located in Hoffman Estates, Record Breakers is a music shop dedicated to its specialized markets. Mainly specializing in heavy metal, hardcore, punk, or underground rap/hip-hop much more in offered in their store. Record Breakers is split into four sections: vinyl, used cds, new cds, and t-shirts/posters/magazines. They offer more selection to their target market than any major “best buy” retailer. This creates a community with the regular workers, as well as customers. The store is jam packed with artist’s most rare artifacts, or hardest to find listens. Along with this, the workers knowledge of specified genres is deep, leading them to make recommendations frequently. The store has a system in place in which when you spend $200 with them, you get $20 of merchandise free. These types of customer-friendly plans create an open environment unlike any other music store for their market.
This personalized market causes a lot of buzz through word-of-mouth promotion. This is how I heard of Record Breakers approximately four years ago. My friend Aidan continued to tell me about this place. Finally we made the trip out and I was shocked. I went a couple of times looking for a specific album, only leading to dozens more I couldn’t believe they had. The used cds to pick through was a great added feature of the store. It was a grab bag of everything I liked (or close to it). As I came back time after time, the staff of about five quickly began to recognize me. The repetitions lead me to good conversations, getting my bands cds in the store and discounts (always help). I like the independent shop in this case because of customer service and selection, more than any “anti-big business” ideals.
The independent shop set-up easily allows me to conduct interviews with everyone who is involved with the store. Being that I am already recognized as a common customer, they will allow any actions I might need in the coming weeks. After playing many shows with one of the workers, I know him outside of the shop for yet another “in”. I can get details for him on every aspect of the store. The shop demonstrates freedom of speech and artistic expression causing them to get into some interesting situations. This came about once they were found to carry a “white-power” group’s cd. Even though I am not in support of that style, nor are they, they kept the cd stocked due to their beliefs. On top of everything else, record breakers funds concerts, mainly promoting through the shop in the Chicago land area. I can get further in depth on many topics through these events.
The culture of Record Breakers is just like any other defined “culture”. Many workers and customers alike share many beliefs or ideas. Political views (mainly anti-government, if very least anti-bush) and musical beliefs are alike. On top of this, a costume can be made as a generalization. This would be a black band/skate shirt and jeans. The language of jargon is shared fully between a customer and the employees. If someone goes into Best Buy and asks for a technical death metal album, or a “crunk” southern rap cd, they look crazy. In record breakers they will be taken to a section, or at very least a matching artist. Once an employee gets off work, he may head to a local concert surrounded by soon to be, or former customers. This shows that they frequent the same places regularly. Record Breakers confines show a distinct culture which is quite unique.
Now that I have a grasp on this project, I am going to begin my journey through ethnography with Record Breakers guiding the way. I know that this site will not be boring, it is very personal, and is not a simple culture clearly making it a good ethnographic location. I will now shape a plan on how to fully use my time at the store. As I do this, my research proposal will be formed and found in your mailbox by 10:59:59 am on September 30, 2005 (hopefully).