We were chatting the other week and saying how we'd like to feature record shops from around the world so here we are. Seemed fitting to start with Red Light in Amsterdam. A powerhouse hub of amazing music that has spawned a wonderful label in Music From Memory and more. So here we go. Thanks to Abel.

WHAT IS THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF YOUR SHOP?

Red Light Records, our address is Oudekerksplein 26, Amsterdam

WHY DID YOU CALL IT THAT?

The shop is part of the Red Light Complex, a former brothel in Amsterdam’s Red Light District that was turned mostly into offices and is run by our good friends from Red Light Radio. In homage to the neighbourhood and in affinity with the radio station we named the shop Red Light Records.

WHAT WERE THE FIRST RECORDS YOU STOCKED?

Most of the records we had in stock when we first started were actually records that came out of our own collections, all second hand vinyl from the seventies & eighties. The shop’s focus is mainly on Disco, Soul/Funk, Afro/World/Grooves, Electronics, Indie/Wave & Pop/Balearic/Mellow Stuff, we also have old school House and Techno and a choice selection of new releases.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENT TOP 5?

1) The Pickpocket – Scratch House 45t (French Riviera Prod.)

2) Golden Harvest – S/T lp (Key)

3) Ralf Moufang & Elastic Headache – Kalimba 6 lp (Gulp)

4) Dept. Of Sunshine – Space Tropics 12” (Elektra)

5) Richard Bone – Mambopolis 12” (Survival)

WHAT ELSE HAPPENS OR IS GOING ON AROUND THE SHOP? DO YOU HAVE RADIO? A LABEL? INSTORE ETC?

We have a Facebook and a Soundcloud page which features mixes made by us and friends of the shop. We also have a monthly spot at Red Light Radio where we play recent finds from the shop which you can check here.

Aside from running the shop all three of us DJ. Tako and I also have a record label Music From Memory that we run with Jamie Tiller. We’re expecting our next release in October which will be a double album compilation with works of Italian musician Roberto Musci.

WHERE NEXT FOR RED LIGHT?

We tend not to plan too far ahead. We just want to keep exploring and learn about new music and find hot records. We’d be happy if we can keep up with current demand and maintain the quality of our stock.

WHATS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE FOR COFFEE NEARBY?

There are two; out the gate to your right there’s Ultra de la Rue, an art gallery/book shop that also makes great coffee. If you prefer applecake or a croissant to go with that coffee there’s Quartier Putain to your left.

WHERE DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR 2AM IN THE LOCALE?

Since it’s the Red Light Area which is known for it’s colourful nightlife, what most establishments have to offer caters mainly to a specific nature. So unless you’re into stag dues, loud top 40 hits or paying large sums of money for drinks being served by scantily clad sex workers in our opinion your best bet is “De Kletskop”; an old fashioned Jenever bar which is 3 mins away from the shop. A refreshingly traditional offset to it’s sleazy surroundings. Great unassuming hang out, perfect for late nights, Jenever is the Dutch predecessor of Gin, very gezellig as we say.

THANK YOU!