Scratchy electric guitars, driving beats and colorful spotlights: Live music is always an experience. The operators of the see that too “rock stores” in Markt Schwaben, because they have not only dedicated themselves to the sale of records, but actually to music in general. “We are all enthusiasts, collectors and, to a certain extent, experts ourselves,” says initiator Matthias Triebel with a grin.
The Rock Store has been around for almost a year now and is the first non-profit record store in the Munich area. It is financed to 89 percent by donations in vinyl. And business is thriving, thousands of LPs and singles have already changed hands here, at Färbergasse 23, on the first floor above the “Trödlerei”. “Records are really experiencing a boom right now,” says Triebel, beaming all over his face. In this respect, the account of the Rock Store is now well filled, so that the self-imposed goal of promoting and implementing cultural initiatives in Markt Schwaben can now be tackled.
Looking forward to the concert at the Blues: Michael Kramer, Sabine Drobner and Matthias Triebel from the Rock Store. (Companion Martin Hubensteiner is not in the picture.)
(Photo: Christian Endt)
And the Rock Store’s first project is already a tough one: the four-person team is putting on a first “band battle” in Markt Schwaben. A competition for young musicians, which should also be a great concert. “We just want to offer the youngsters a platform to show what they can do,” says Triebel. After all, there are also many students among the Rock Store’s customers, such as punks or hip hoppers. “We also got the tip from them to advertise on Insta,” says Triebel’s colleague Michael Kramer. “We probably wouldn’t have figured that out on our own.”
So youngsters in the record store? No wonder, since there are records of all genres and decades at absolutely fair prices here under the roof of the former grain warehouse. The bulk costs two or four euros, only real rarities sometimes cost 20 euros. “But that’s still half as much as in the Munich shops,” emphasizes Triebel. You can spend hours rummaging through stacks of vinyl in this store. Thanks to many donors, fresh goods come in every few days, say the operators, so that there are now a large number of regular customers from all over the region.
There are countless records for sale in the Rock Store, and a single campaign is currently running.
(Photo: Christian Endt)
And now the Rock Store makers hope to be able to give the somewhat dormant band scene new impetus. “The music schools sometimes still offer competitions, but apart from that there isn’t much on offer,” says Kramer. Most recently, the Kreisjugendring Ebersberg wanted to organize a band contest in 2017, but unfortunately had to cancel it due to a lack of registrations, the district-wide initiative “Rock me” had already stopped its commitment ten years earlier. But who knows, maybe the people of Markt Schwaben will be able to lure many young musicians out of their rehearsal rooms again.
All ambitious bands whose members are between the ages of 16 and 27 can apply. “Below it would be difficult because of the protection of minors,” explains Rock Store comrade-in-arms Sabine Drobner the age restriction. After all, it could be that the event on Saturday, April 24th, in the Blues youth center lasts a relatively long time, after the live music there should also be a party.
Incidentally, the initiators don’t care where the bands come from, whether from Markt Schwaben, a neighboring town or from further away, their main concern is to get as colorful a mix of good music as possible together. The district’s grammar schools have already been approached, reports Triebel, but technical colleges and vocational schools also want to be approached. All genres are allowed, from rock to hip hop and everything in between, original tracks are welcome as well as covers. Depending on the length, plan with three to five songs per group. Two bands have already confirmed, says Kramer, but they don’t want to reveal which ones they are just yet. Overall, the organizers of the competition are hoping for five to six groups.
The makers of the shop also attach great importance to a cosy, nostalgic ambience.
(Photo: Christian Endt)
There is great technique in the blues, the stage is donated by the community, and a drum set is also available, adds Triebel. “So all the musicians have to do is plug in the guitar and bass – and they’re good to go!” Jonas Frank, himself a bandleader and well known in Markt Schwaben, will moderate the evening. The four-person jury consists of Triebel and Kramer from Rock Store and the two musicians Because Kellerbua, a singer and songwriter from Erding, and Thomas Steinbrunner from Markt Schwaben. To reward the bands, the Rock Store is providing a total of 1,500 euros in prize money. And should the battle be a success, nothing would stand in the way of an annual repetition. After all, music is simply the greatest thing for the makers of the Rock Store. Best. most beautiful.
First band battle in Markt Schwaben, in the Blues youth center, on Saturday, April 22nd, admission 3 p.m., start 4 p.m., admission is free. Bands wishing to apply should please send demo songs as mp3 files to [email protected], or via USB stick or CD to the Rock Store in der Trödlerei, Färbergasse 23, 85570 Markt Schwaben. More info at www.rockstore-marktschwaben.de The closing date is the end of March.