How Zia Records Grew from Local Store to Beloved Indie Record Shop

Starting in 1980 with just one store, Zia Records has become a key player in the music world¹. It has grown to several locations in Arizona, showing its dedication to music lovers¹. Since 1992, Zia Records has expanded to Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Tucson, proving its strength in the market¹.

Tucson has become a key place for Zia Records, with a thriving vinyl record scene¹. Shops like Zia Record Exchange, Wooden Tooth Records, and Old Paint Records attract people of all ages and backgrounds¹. These stores are more than just places to buy music; they are cultural centers that bring people together.

Brad Singer’s dream started in 1980 with a loan from his mom and his own records². His love for music and his ability to connect with others helped Zia Records become a vital part of the local music scene². At its peak, Zia Records had eight stores across Arizona².

Humble Beginnings: Brad Singer’s Vision for Zia Records

In the 1960s, Brad Singer was a young music lover in Phoenix. He wanted to be a rock star or a comedian. But, he found his true love in music, working at Odyssey Records and Evolution Records³.

Brad Singer’s Early Passion for Music

In 1980, Brad Singer opened Zia Used Records and Incidentals with a loan from his mom. It was a small, 1,300-square-foot shop focused on indie and underground music³. He filled it with his own records and quickly gained a loyal customer base³.

The store was famous for its quality used records and diverse selection. Its quirky staff made it a favorite among indie record store fans³.

Opening the First Zia Store in 1980

in the local community, providing music enthusiasts with a unique and curated shopping experience³. Singer’s vision and passion for music, combined with his keen business acumen, laid the foundation for what would become a thriving music fan community in the coming decades³.

Catering to Music Fans and Building a Following

Brad Singer dedicated himself to offering a wide range of quality records. He also worked hard to build a community among music fans. This made Zia Records a go-to spot for indie record store lovers³.

The store’s unique staff and welcoming vibe quickly drew in a dedicated fan base. It became a cherished part of the local music scene³.

Expanding the Zia Empire

After the first Zia Records store in Phoenix did well, the company started expanding its footprint across the region. In 1982, a second Zia store opened on Mill Avenue near Fifth Street in⁴. It served the vibrant college community and music fans. Two years later, in 1984, a third Zia location was established at 19th Avenue and Thunderbird Road in Phoenix⁴.

Opening New Locations in Tempe and Beyond

As Zia Records grew, each new store was designed to match the local music tastes and culture⁵. By the early 1990s, Zia had multiple stores across Arizona⁵. This made it a top independent music retailer in the region⁴.

Building a Reputation for Quality and Diverse Selection

Zia Records became known for its quality used records, diverse music selection, and knowledgeable staff⁵. The stores offered vinyl, CDs, videos, tapes, posters, comics, and more. This catered to the varied interests of music fans⁵. Zia’s collector-focused approach and commitment to clean, high-quality records attracted discerning customers⁴.

By the early 1990s, Zia was a leading independent music retailer in the region. It had its own distribution company and record label⁴. Its unique approach, focus on local music, and curated music and entertainment offerings made it a cultural hub for music lovers across Arizona⁴⁶.

zia records: A Cultural Hub for Music Lovers

Zia Records is more than a record store. It’s a cultural hub for music fans, punks, and underground music lovers in Arizona⁵. It started in 1980 and has grown to five locations in Greater Phoenix, one in Tucson, and two in Las Vegas⁵.

Fostering a Sense of Community and Discovery

Zia Records has built a strong community. Its staff knows music well and introduces customers to new artists and genres. This spirit of music discovery is at the heart of Zia⁷.

Stores are a haven for vinyl enthusiasts, music lovers, and local artists. They offer a unique alternative to big retail chains.

Hosting Memorable In-Store Events and Performances

Zia Records is known for its lively in-store events and live performances. These events draw music fans from all over⁸. The store’s exclusive Record Store Day releases are in high demand.

Customers rush to get limited-edition albums. This supports the independent record store scene⁸.

Zia’s dedication to community and discovery, along with its events, makes it a cultural hub.

“Zia Records has become a beloved institution, a place where music fans can come together, discover new artists, and experience the thrill of live performances. It’s more than just a store – it’s a hub of underground culture and a scrappy alternative to the mainstream.”

The Legacy of Zia Records

Zia Records has stood strong for over 40 years, adapting to the music industry’s changes. They’ve embraced the vinyl resurgence⁹. Even as music moved to digital, Zia kept offering top-quality used and new records⁹.

They’ve also supported the vinyl revival, helping a growing vinyl fan base⁹.

Zia Records is a cherished independent music retail and cultural gem. It has inspired and shaped the record store scene in Arizona and beyond⁵. The first Zia Records opened in 1982 in Tempe⁹.

Today, Zia has grown to five locations in Phoenix, one in Tucson, and two in Las Vegas⁵.

This legacy has helped other independent record stores flourish. Places like Stinkweeds, Grace Records, and Asylum Records have enriched the record store scene in metro Phoenix⁵.

Zia Records has shown remarkable resilience by adapting to industry changes¹⁰. Under Brian Faber’s leadership, Zia has grown steadily, reaching more people in Arizona and beyond¹⁰.

This dedication to the community and music has made Zia a true independent music retail icon¹⁰.

“Zia Records has been a fixture in the Arizona music scene for over 40 years, and their legacy as a beloved independent record store continues to inspire and influence the local community.”

Zia Records’ story highlights the strength of independent music retail and vinyl’s lasting appeal. As the industry changes, Zia’s commitment to its customers and its role as a music hub will shape the record store industry in the region⁹⁵¹⁰.

The Vinyl Revival: Zia’s Role in Tucson’s Record Store Scene

While Zia Records started in Phoenix, it has also made a big impact in Tucson. It has helped grow the city’s vinyl community¹¹.

The Tucson store opened in 1992 and has seen many changes. It offers a wide range of vinyl records to fans of all ages. Zia’s love for vinyl has created a community of record collectors and music lovers in Tucson. It’s a key spot for independent music retail¹².

Zia’s success in Tucson has inspired more independent record stores to open. This has made Tucson’s music scene even richer. Zia’s role in the vinyl revival is crucial, offering a place for music fans to find new artists and rare records. It’s where people can connect with others who share their passion for music⁴.

Zia Records has become a cultural center and a beloved spot in Tucson. It shows the strength of music retail even when the industry changes¹¹.

The Spirit of Zia Lives On: Eastside Records and Beyond

The legacy of Zia Records lives on through Eastside Records¹³. Former Zia employees started Eastside Records. It became a cultural hub in Tempe and Phoenix¹³.

Eastside Records fostered a community spirit. It hosted memorable events and offered a unique alternative to big chains¹³.

The Zia Records spirit lives on through Eastside and other indie stores¹⁴. The Ghost of Eastside Records has been open for 35 years¹⁴. Its founders, Ben Wood and Clayton Agent, worked at Zia¹⁴.

Eastside Records was a cultural hub for music lovers in the ’90s and 2000s¹⁴. It has many stories and memories from the community¹⁴.

The vinyl culture and independent spirit of Zia Records thrive through Eastside Records¹³. It ensures the passion for physical music and community-driven discovery stays strong¹³.

The store’s legacy includes late-night hangouts and music discoveries¹³. It became a beloved indie record shop in Tempe¹³.