Downtown Las Vegas in the 1990s presented a stark contrast to the dazzling Strip. While the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts stood as a cultural landmark, the surrounding area faced urban decay. Yet, as the Strip evolved into a family-friendly entertainment hub, downtown began its revitalization, spearheaded by initiatives like the Fremont Street Experience. This transformation paved the way for the Fremont East District to emerge as a vibrant destination, brimming with unique bars, eateries, and a burgeoning arts scene. Amidst this revitalized energy, a hidden gem for music lovers took root: 11th Street Records.
Nevada State Map with Highlighted Location
Just a short walk from the bustling Fremont Street, 11th Street Records opened its doors on Record Store Day in 2018, quickly becoming a haven for vinyl enthusiasts and musicians alike. It filled a void left by beloved but bygone record stores like Big B’s and Balcony Lights, which had succumbed to the digital music revolution and rising rents. For those who yearned for the tangible experience of record collecting and the sense of community fostered by independent record stores, 11th Street Records emerged as a beacon.
A Vegas Vinyl Oasis: The Spirit of 11th Street Records
Owner Ronald Corso, a Las Vegas resident since 1995 with a rich background in recording, radio, and audio, recognized the growing resurgence of vinyl culture. Driven by a passion for music and a desire to cultivate a community space, Corso decided to transform his extensive personal vinyl collection into the foundation of 11th Street Records. He augmented his collection by scouring thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces, amassing a diverse inventory just as vinyl records were making a celebrated comeback.
Before 11th Street Records, Las Vegas’ record store scene consisted primarily of chain stores like Zia Records, which offered a wide selection but lacked the intimate, community-focused atmosphere of independent shops. Local favorites like Big B’s and Balcony Lights, once hubs for music lovers and musicians, had closed their doors, leaving a gap in the market for a store that prioritized experience and connection over mere transactions. 11th Street Records stepped in to revive that spirit, offering a space where music enthusiasts could rediscover the joy of crate digging and connect with fellow aficionados.
Digging for Gems: The 11th Street Records Experience
Stepping into 11th Street Records is like stepping back in time, into a classic record store atmosphere. The store’s layout is designed for exploration, with bins organized alphabetically by artist, encouraging customers to discover unexpected treasures. Genre sections are subtly integrated, allowing for a more serendipitous browsing experience. For budget-conscious shoppers and dedicated crate diggers, the lower bins are filled with dollar and two-dollar albums, inviting hours of immersive discovery. The back wall, a constantly evolving “sidewalk sale” of unsleeved records, has become a signature feature, adding an element of surprise to each visit. A dedicated listening station allows customers to preview their potential purchases, ensuring they find the perfect additions to their collections.
Nevada State Map with Highlighted Location
The manageable size of 11th Street Records, as Corso notes, makes it easily navigable. Customers can thoroughly explore the entire store in a relatively short visit, making it perfect for both quick browsing and extended digging sessions. This intimate setting fosters a sense of community, attracting local DJs seeking vinyl for their sets and producers searching for unique samples. The store has become a vital hub for the Las Vegas music scene, bridging the gap between the digital age and the enduring appeal of vinyl records.
A Stage for Stars: 11th Street Records’ Recording Studio
Beyond its retail space, 11th Street Records houses National Southwestern Recording, a professional studio accessed through a hallway adorned with authentic vintage punk flyers. These flyers, acquired from a local musician, contribute to the store’s unique character and underscore its deep connection to music history. This in-house studio has attracted significant attention from established musicians, further solidifying 11th Street Records’ place in the music landscape.
Notably, Las Vegas natives The Killers recorded a substantial portion of their album Wonderful Wonderful at National Southwestern Recording. The studio has also hosted live sessions for Spotify, featuring acclaimed artists like Meg Myers and Metric. Punk rock icons Anti-Flag even recorded a full live acoustic album during an in-store performance at 11th Street Records as part of the Punk Rock Bowling festival, creating an unforgettable experience for fans who packed the store and crowd-surfed in the intimate space. These high-profile recordings and performances have elevated 11th Street Records beyond a local record store, transforming it into a recognized destination within the broader music industry.
More Than Just a Store: 11th Street Records and the Vegas Community
For many outside observers, Las Vegas might seem like a city lacking in community, dominated by the transient nature of the tourism industry. However, 11th Street Records embodies the strong local connections that thrive beneath the surface of the city’s glamorous facade. It serves as a gathering place for music lovers, artists, and community members, fostering a sense of belonging that transcends the typical Vegas stereotypes.
11th Street Records is more than just a retail space; it’s a cultural hub that contributes to the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas and strengthens the city’s unique identity. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of vinyl records and the vital role of independent record stores in fostering music communities. In a city constantly evolving, 11th Street Records offers a grounded, authentic experience, reminding locals and visitors alike that the heart of Las Vegas beats beyond the bright lights of the Strip, in places like this vinyl haven on 11th Street.
