Published
Fri, Oct 21, 2022, 10:30
- Rubber Ducky Records boasts a 2000-strong collection of used electronic vinyl.
A new record shop opened last week on a canal boat docked between Leeds and Manchester.
The brains behind Rubber Ducky Records is Myles Greenwood, who previously worked at the soon-to-be-closed Swiss store Legram Vinyl Garden. He sees his floating shop—which currently sits in the town of Sowerby Bridge—as a creative workaround to skyrocketing rent prices.
"During Covid-19 I was looking at renting a shop space in Leeds, but at the time nowhere was available due to the pandemic," Greenwood told Resident Advisor. "I started chatting with my dad about his mid-life crisis when he bought a boat and then the idea came."
As more and more record shops deal with gentrification and rising costs, Rubber Ducky Records seems like a sensible solution to seemingly intractable problems. The refurbished canal boat is also a way to foment a wider community beyond the restrictions of a brick-and-mortar location.
"It's a mobile business, albeit a very slow [one], but I do want to travel," Greenwood said. "Initially to Leeds and then over to Manchester, Liverpool, and beyond. I hope it can bring people together like music does, especially in these times of division."
While exploring the UK's neglected and underused canal systems, Greenwood has been building up his stock of vintage electronic vinyl, buying collections from DJs, friends and other collectors. For now, the focus is on used records, from house and techno to downtempo and breaks. But Greenwood said he plans to work with new labels "very soon."
To visit Rubber Ducky Records, arrange an appointment via Instagram. The shop is also on Discogs.
Photo: Instagram