Nashville Welcomes Daydream Records: A New Oasis for Vinyl Lovers

Welcome to Nashville’s Newest Vinyl Haven: Daydream Records

Nashville has long been a city known for its vibrant music scene, but now it’s gaining a new gem in its record retail landscape. On November 1st, Daydream Records officially opened its doors, inviting music lovers to a cozy 200-square-foot space located in the Shoppes on Fatherland, just a stone’s throw from Five Points. This delightful little record shop is packed with roughly 3,000 carefully curated LPs, 7-inches, and cassettes that span an impressive array of genres including punk, jazz, metal, and psych.

Meet Daniel Halal: The Passionate Owner

Upon entering the shop at unit No. 203, visitors are not only greeted by a variety of records, but they also have the chance to meet Daniel Halal, the enthusiastic proprietor of Daydream Records. Daniel isn’t just another face behind the counter. At 39 years old, he brings a wealth of experience from his years working in record stores back in Florida since 2003. You may even recognize him as the tour manager for the well-known doom-grunge band, Torche.

Daniel’s journey to Nashville was deeply personal. His girlfriend, Lara Lookabaugh, known for her role in the Gainesville noise-punk trio Soda, landed a new job at Vanderbilt, which prompted Daniel to make the move. Now, he’s diving into Nashville’s record scene with a fresh vision.

Daydream’s Unique Approach

With Record Store Day Black Friday fast approaching, Daniel shared his thoughts about the local record shop landscape. “I’ve been working at record stores a really long time, but hadn’t worked the counter in a while,” he reflected. He notes there are already fantastic record stores in Nashville but believes there’s still ample space for more variety.

Even though Daydream’s space is on the smaller side, Daniel strives to create a welcoming environment. While he can’t host larger community events like some of the bigger shops, he’s always happy to share a bit of knowledge about a record over the counter. He loves to engage with customers, often putting on a record for them to hear.

A Fair Pricing Philosophy

One of the standout features of Daydream Records is Daniel’s approach to pricing. He keeps a close watch on the market value of his stock, ensuring that prices are accessible to true music fans while discouraging flippers. “There’s stuff we could probably charge more for, but it’s not a museum,” he stated passionately. “A lot of record stores make that mistake. Squeezing every penny out of a record is the worst thing you can do. You go in there, then return five years later and the same stuff is on the wall. Is this a record store, or a vanity project? That makes me crazy.”

Visit Daydream Records

As the Nashville music community continues to grow, it’s clear that Daydream Records is poised to be a refreshing addition to the mix. The shop is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with other days available by chance or appointment. If you’re in the area, drop by for a visit at 1006 Fatherland St., unit 203, and maybe even let Daniel guide you through the hidden gems of the collection.

Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Daydream Records is ready to welcome you into its world of music, laid-back vibes, and thoughtful selection. Come help Daniel kick off what promises to be an exciting new chapter for Nashville’s record lovers!