IoMP 140: Why Record Stores Still Matter in 2026 (Even with Spotify)
Streaming might be king in 2026—but record stores? They’re still the underground rulers of metal culture.
In this episode of Influencers of Metal, Collin and Tom dig into why record stores remain a vital part of the music scene, starting with a trip to Mourningstar Records in Hamilton. What begins as a casual story about a YouTube visit quickly spirals into tales of wild CD finds (including a $2 Dream Theater bootleg covering Iron Maiden), rediscovered bands, and one of the most absurd metal projects ever conceived: Austrian Death Machine.
But beneath the laughs and chaos is a real conversation about what record stores represent.
They’re not just places to buy music—they’re community hubs. Safe spaces. The one spot where you can walk in, flip through albums, and instantly connect with people who get it. No algorithms. No playlists. Just pure, physical music culture.
Our duo also tackle the growing resurgence of physical media—from vinyl to cassettes—and why ownership matters more than ever in a world where streaming can take your favorite album away overnight.
If you’ve ever debated buying a CD vs. just hitting “add to playlist”… this episode might change your mind.
Hit play now and rediscover why record stores still matter.
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