Electronic Record Stores

Since opening in 2003, Phonica has established itself as London's premier destination for electronic music on vinyl. Located in Soho, the shop stocks an impressive range of house, techno, disco, ambient, and experimental releases from both underground and established labels. The knowledgeable staff includes working DJs who regularly host in-store mixing sessions and album launch parties. Phonica also operates its own record label, releasing limited editions from emerging electronic artists. The store's listening stations allow customers to preview records before purchase, making it a favorite among DJs hunting for their next dance floor weapon.

Founded in 1989 by Basic Channel's Mark Ernestus, Hard Wax has become a techno institution in Berlin's Kreuzberg neighborhood. Located on the third floor of an old factory building, the minimalist space offers a meticulously curated selection of electronic music with special emphasis on techno, house, dub, and experimental sounds. The store is known for its no-nonsense approach - records are organized by genre and release date, with concise hand-written descriptions. Staff members, many of whom are respected DJs and producers, are known for their encyclopedic knowledge but characteristically Berlin bluntness. For electronic music aficionados, Hard Wax is nothing short of a pilgrimage site.