A Night at Phonica Records: Crate Digging for Arctic Monkeys in Soho, London

The Arctic Monkeys EP record 'Who the F**k Are Arctic Monkeys?' being held in a record store. The cover art features the title written on a blackboard as if with chalk.

From Soho’s Buzz to the Doors of Phonica Records The electric energy of a Friday evening was just beginning to settle over Soho. I had just left Rough Trade Vintage, a rare Jimi Hendrix first press tucked under my arm, and my feet carried me through the bustling London streets. It was just after 6 Continue reading “A Night at Phonica Records: Crate Digging for Arctic Monkeys in Soho, London”

Oasis Vinyl Hunting in London: Spotting a £500 Gem at Reckless Records Soho

A signed, limited edition 7-inch record by Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, displayed in a record store rack with a £500 price tag.

November 24, 2025. The historic Oasis reunion world tour, which swept the globe into a frenzy of nostalgia and rock ‘n’ roll euphoria, finally concluded last night. As the London music scene—and indeed the world—nurses a collective post-tour hangover, I find myself thinking back to a chilly evening earlier this month in Soho. I’m CityNomix. Continue reading “Oasis Vinyl Hunting in London: Spotting a £500 Gem at Reckless Records Soho”

Digging for Gold: Why Hungry Ear is One of the Best Record Stores in Hawaii

The interior of a record store. A wall is covered with displayed record albums, and in the foreground, wooden bins labeled 'NEW VINYL' are packed with records.

A Vinyl Pilgrimage in Paradise: Discovering Hawaii’s Best Record Stores As someone who navigates the digital marketing world by day, I find a certain solace in the tangible groove of a vinyl record. For me, CityNomix, opening the door to a record store in a new city is a ritual, a way to reconnect with Continue reading “Digging for Gold: Why Hungry Ear is One of the Best Record Stores in Hawaii”

A Cassette Tape Journey at the Legendary Manhattan Records: Digging for Hip-Hop Gems in Shibuya

A wooden shelf lined with many cassette tapes, with a handwritten sign that says 'Hip-Hop, R&B, etc...'

Manhattan Records: The Iconic Red Beacon of Shibuya’s Hip-Hop Scene Step away from the dazzling chaos of Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing. Venture into the Udagawa-cho area, and you’ll feel a subtle shift in the air. This is the cradle of Japanese street culture, a neighborhood pulsating with history and creativity. At its very heart, standing tall Continue reading “A Cassette Tape Journey at the Legendary Manhattan Records: Digging for Hip-Hop Gems in Shibuya”

Crate Digging at HMV Record Shop Shibuya: The Hunt for Oasis and Analog Treasures

A 12-inch record of Oasis's 'Little by Little / She is Love' with its distinctive blue cover, sitting on a shelf in the indie/alternative section of a record store.

Navigating the Shibuya Scramble for the Sound of a Needle on Wax The humid July air clung to my skin. On a Friday afternoon, the streets of Shibuya were, as always, a swirling vortex of humanity, each person on their own distinct mission. Fresh from securing cassette tapes of Billie Eilish and Bedriddens at Oddtape Continue reading “Crate Digging at HMV Record Shop Shibuya: The Hunt for Oasis and Analog Treasures”

Finding Authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll: My Journey to Third Man Records London in SOHO

Yellow exterior of Third Man Records

Hello, this is CityNomix from Photomo. My work in digital marketing often takes me exploring cities, both at home and abroad, where I love to uncover local culture. Today, I’m excited to share my experience visiting a place deeply connected to my musical roots: Third Man Records London, the London outpost of the label founded Continue reading “Finding Authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll: My Journey to Third Man Records London in SOHO”

Phonica Records: A Soho Vinyl Haven for Dance Music & Rare Cassettes in London

Exterior of Phonica Records on Poland Street in Soho, London.

A Beacon for Music Explorers in the Bustle of Soho Hello, I’m CityNomix. Stepping away from the digital marketing hustle, I immerse myself in the pulse of the streets. This time, my journey led me to Poland Street in London’s vibrant Soho district. It was just after 6 PM on November 17, 2024, under a Continue reading “Phonica Records: A Soho Vinyl Haven for Dance Music & Rare Cassettes in London”

Vinyl & Vibes: My Cassette Tape Treasure Hunt at Tower Records Shibuya

New cassette tape section at Tower Records Shibuya

From Shibuya Scramble to Sonic Sanctuary: The Allure of Tower Records Today’s meeting in Shibuya wrapped up, leaving me with that pleasant hum of accomplishment. Whenever I’m in this vibrant part of Tokyo, one destination invariably calls to me: Tower Records Shibuya. For countless music aficionados, this isn’t just another record store. It’s a sanctuary Continue reading “Vinyl & Vibes: My Cassette Tape Treasure Hunt at Tower Records Shibuya”

Rediscovering Sound: My Journey into the World of Cassette Tapes at Waltz, Nakameguro

Walts sign - Nakameguro cassette tape specialty store

Prologue: The Return to Cassette Tapes and an Encounter with Waltz In an era dominated by the digital wave, don’t you sometimes yearn for the warmth of analog? My renewed fascination with mixtapes, and subsequently cassette tapes, was sparked by the worldview of the fashion brand C.E. The Walkman I cherished in my student days Continue reading “Rediscovering Sound: My Journey into the World of Cassette Tapes at Waltz, Nakameguro”