Etherea is was an independent retail record store operating since 1995. We are located at 66 Avenue A, between 4th and 5th Streets.

Etherea as we know it is now closed. Etherea employee Brion still plans on reopening the store (with a new name), but at the moment he and his partner in the new venture are stuck in negotiations with the landlord. Etherea posted this official statement on February 27th:

Many of you have been bewildered by the blogging that has been going on about the closing of Etherea (specifically the Brooklyn Vegan post about Etherea being "saved"). Well, here's the real story. My lease here on Avenue A is ending and I intend to move on from 13.5 years of the music retail biz to pursue a new career. That is still happening, and Etherea is now officially closed, but one of my employees, namely DJ Brion, decided he wanted to buy out my store when I told him I was closing and start his own record shop in same location with a new partner. They have been hard at work trying to hammer out a new lease with the landlord. They plan to re-brand the store, and will have a different slant on music tailored to their tastes and aesthetics. I have been supportive of their efforts, and I hope to report good news very soon...

I spoke to Brion today, and his version of the story is very similar. Though the new record store is no longer as definitive as he made it seem before, he is still very optimistic. Former owner Rich Kim is all for Brion's new venture, and, as stated above, it is now up to the landlord. If they can get a new lease, they will open the new store immediately. Brion said he will "carry on the tradition of ETHEREA", while moving forward "with a personal new idea, featuring tons of in stores and personalized service." He also said, "This is going to happen with the continued positive assistance of multiple parties. The new store will be a split partnership between myself and Jose Luis Pardo of Los Amigos Invisibles."

I sincerely hope that works out for them.

In related news, the Virgin Megastore in Union Square will be gone in May.

And Los Amigos Invisibles are playing Bowery Ballroom on March 6th. Tickets are still on sale. One of their videos below...

Continue reading "Etherea is closed, but Brion still hoping for new record store"

Like many NYC record stores before it, Etherea was unfortunately set to close for good at the end of February. According to their website, they still are. In a February 19th message entitled "LAST CHANCE!!", they write:

This will be the final weekend of Etherea, so please stop in, say hello and take advantage of our closing sale. Everything will be on sale at 30% off. This includes new releases, new and used cds and vinyl, accessories, and magazines. There is a fixture list for those interested in purchasing cabinets, listening stations, lighting and more. During the last week of February, we will be closed to pack and clear out the space, so now is the time to do your last-minute shopping!

Well, according to an email I received on Saturday from Etherea customer Patrick G, he "went there today to say bye (and take advantage of the 30% off). the owner guy (who's name I never knew) said he's 'going to save it' and they're not closing...good news." Definitely good news! And it is further corroborated by a thread on Rhythimism.com where Etherea's (manager?) Brion is participating. Relevant passages confirming the store's March 1st REOPENING, below...

Continue reading "Etherea Records saved, not closing after all"

the new Kim's on 1st Ave (via Vanishing New York)

Etherea on Avenue A (via Stupefaction)

"Pretty soon, Other Music is going to be the only record store left in Manhattan. Blog Stupefaction reports that Etherea Records will shut down this February after 13 years in the East Village. The shop, on Avenue A between 4th and 5th Streets, plans to honor all gift certificates and store credits, and until the doors close, everything is 30% off.

This news, of course, comes as Mondo Kim's empties on St. Marks and both the Times Square and Union Square Virgin Megastores limp out their final days. (Remember when chains like Virgin were the main threat to little independent record shops? The 90s were such an innocent time.) For more context, check out this New York Times map from last April illustrating Manhattan's surviving record stores, as pointed out by a helpful Stupefaction reader." [Racked]

I don't think there is official word yet on Virgin Megastore Union Square actually closing, but some say it is inevitable.

In related news, Sound Fix's record store isn't closing, but its attached venue is.