Sounds of the Universe is a renowned independent record shop nestled on Berwick Street in Soho, London, specialising in an adventurous mix of vinyl that spans reggae, dub, jazz, soul, funk, electronic and world music. Established in 1996 and closely linked with the Soul Jazz Records label, the shop has earned a reputation for its meticulously curated stock of both new releases and hard-to-find back catalogue gems, as well as its in-house label releases and rare imports. With its pared-back interior, shelves stacked floor to ceiling with colourful sleeves, and a listening station for sampling before purchase, Sounds of the Universe offers an immersive experience for collectors and casual browsers alike. The knowledgeable staff are celebrated for their passion and expertise, often guiding visitors towards unexpected musical discoveries. Beyond retail, the shop occasionally hosts DJ sessions and in-store events, fostering a sense of community among music enthusiasts and maintaining its status as a cultural touchstone in London’s independent music scene.
Sounds of the Universe
7 Broadwick Street
London
W1F 0DA
Opening Hours
Mon: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tues: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wed: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thurs: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Fri: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sat: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Reviews
10/10 service from this gent, didn't quite catch his name but knowledge and recommendations were actually superb. Played one of them out on my first DJ set and I've just been booked for Wembley. Anyone who says the service is bad is a conspiracy theorist. Happy surfing
this review is regarding RSD25. i arrived 4am to queue and was 3rd in the queue. when the opening time was approaching, staff issued us a list of the vinyls they have available. 8am they let us enter and it became hectic and i wasn’t able to secure Wicked (they only had 3 copies) in time although i was 3rd in the queue and the people in front of me weren’t even after a copy so that means people from behind me in the queue managed to get it although i arrived first. later on i also went to 2 other record shops participating in RSD and the system was clear and honest. the system in the other shops was that the staff hand out a list of all the vinyls they have, you put what you want and your name. then you hand them back the list and then IN THE ORDER of your position in the queue you get put aside your desired records. so much clutter and stress free and i highly suggest you implement this next time or i would have my Wicked LPs this time around. also, the guy promised me 3 Fortnight copies when later on some other staff said only one per person. okay, seem fair but maybe make that clear first things first. it was my very first RSD ever and i didn’t know the system but i would probably queue first at one of the other shops next time because they seemed to have a fair queuing plan, especially super important when a certain record is only released in 2000 copies!
This shop has been a personal favorite and that's definitely a tough choice since there are a lot of really nice shops in London. But Sounds of the universe has really good curation. Not the biggest shop but definitely one you can trust in terms of finding an interesting record
Sounds of the Universe is a paradise for dub and reggae enthusiasts! The store is consistently well-stocked with the latest releases, making it a go-to spot for anyone looking to stay up-to-date with the genre. Beyond that, the selection covers a wide range of music, so there’s something for everyone. The vibe is spot-on, with excellent music playing in the background that sets the tone for a relaxed browsing experience. The staff are fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and always ready to help you find what you’re looking for or offer great recommendations. An added convenience is the option to reserve items online, which ensures you don’t miss out on any treasures. Sounds of the Universe is a must-visit for music lovers and crate diggers alike. Highly recommended for its top-tier selection, atmosphere, and service!
The store is quite large and is on two levels, probably one of the most diverse in terms of genres in SOHO, mostly new records but I also found a lot of old stuff, mostly on the lower floor, they also have a lot of music books and more. The girls who work there are great, very helpful
