Background / History
Reached by a climb to the top floor of the Vintage Emporium on Market Place, Vinyl Attic is one of the small pleasures that reward anyone exploring Hexham’s historic centre. The shop is run by Jamie Harwood alongside his wife Moira, and it carries the unmistakable stamp of owners who live and breathe the music they sell. Jamie is a musician in his own right, recording and performing under the name Early Maze, and that first-hand knowledge of how records are written, pressed and heard runs right through the character of the place. What started as a personal passion for collecting has grown into a genuine gathering point for record lovers across the Tyne Valley, from lifelong collectors to younger listeners discovering vinyl for the first time.
What You’ll Find
The racks hold a satisfying mix of second-hand and new vinyl, with CDs, cassettes and a handful of music books adding to the browse. Prices tend to be fair and the turnover keeps things interesting, so it pays to return regularly rather than expect the same stock twice. One feature sets Vinyl Attic apart from most: a dedicated section for independent and self-released music, where unsigned artists and bands can place their own CDs and LPs, with every penny from those sales going directly back to the musicians. You will also find Jamie’s own limited-edition album, Fast Train, Slow Thoughts, a hand-numbered run of just one hundred copies that moves between indie, rock, shoegaze and alternative. It is the kind of shop where the records on the shelf come with real stories attached.
Experience / Atmosphere
Part of the charm is the setting itself, an attic space above a rambling emporium of vintage finds, which gives browsing here a sense of discovery you rarely get on a modern high street. Jamie and Moira are welcoming and easy to talk to, happy to point you towards something new or simply let you dig at your own pace. Conversations about music come naturally, and the shop plays a quietly important part in supporting the local scene by giving a platform to artists who might otherwise struggle to reach an audience. Whether you arrive with a want-list or nothing in particular in mind, an hour can slip by without notice.
Why Visit
- A well-chosen mix of second-hand and new vinyl, plus CDs, cassettes and music books
- A dedicated section for unsigned and self-released artists, with sales going straight to the musicians
- Owned and run by a working musician with genuine knowledge and enthusiasm
- A characterful attic setting within Hexham’s Vintage Emporium
- Friendly, unhurried browsing and a warm welcome from Jamie and Moira
Summary
Vinyl Attic is a shop with real heart, the sort of independent record store that reflects the people behind it. Its blend of affordable second-hand vinyl, new releases and a rare commitment to championing independent artists makes it well worth seeking out on a visit to Hexham. Climb the stairs, take your time, and you will understand why it has become a firm favourite among Northumberland’s record buyers.
