Other Music means so much to so many. Its place in history, be it personal or that of music itself, is unquestionable. Today is the last day before Other Music permanently shutters its doors. Dead Oceans co-founder, Phil Waldorf, spent many years behind the counter at this New York institution and wanted to share his personal history with the store:
I once worked at the best record store in the world. New York’s Other Music stoked my passion for sharing new and exciting music with customers, coworkers and friends, and planted the seed for me to want to run a record label. I am totally heartbroken that after 20 years, Other Music is closing.
Other Music was the first job I had when I moved to New York City, back in an era before iTunes and iPhones and streaming music. I worked there until the day I left New York City, and it informed so much of who I am today. Working there fed my passion for music and inspired an entrepreneurial spirit I never knew I had. I met my future business partners in Dead Oceans when I worked there. I met my wife there. Needless to say, my life would be very different without Other Music.
I owe a tremendous amount to Chris and Josh, co-owners of Other Music, and I feel lucky that they remain friends and mentors. Other Music’s passionate focus on new music discovery might never be replicated, and as an industry and as record buyers, we’re worse off in a world without it. I feel endlessly lucky to have spent time there, and the least I can do is say thank you for everything. It was an incredible run. Other Music Forever, indeed.
