‘We just want people to come in and enjoy the music’

HONOLULU (KHON2) — National Vinyl Record Day, celebrated on Monday, Aug. 12, was a time to reflect on the resurgence of vinyl records and their enduring appeal.

To get a local perspective, KHON2 visited Honolulu’s own Hungry Ear Records, the oldest record store in Hawaii, located in Kakaʻako.

Jim Williams, the buyer and manager of Hungry Ear Records, shared insights into why vinyl records continue to captivate both old fans and a new generation of listeners.

Williams, who has been passionate about records since he was a child, explained how his love for music began.

“I’ve always been into records from the time I was 5 years old, digging through my parents’ collection,” he said.

This early fascination grew as he spent his allowance and earnings on records throughout his teenage years.

His journey through the music industry took him from vinyl to CDs and back to vinyl again, making it clear that this medium has always been a significant part of his life.

Hungry Ear Records, founded in 1980, has become a fixture in Honolulu. Williams proudly mentioned that the store has survived various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and remains the only pure record store in town.

“There are other places that sell vinyl, but just being music-focused, we’re the only one in town,” Williams said.

In recent years, vinyl has seen a resurgence in popularity, which Williams attributed to younger generations seeking a more tangible and immersive music experience.

“Our theory is a lot of younger kids grew up with MP3s and earbuds with nothing physical in their hands,” he said. “I think the enjoyment of looking at liner notes and listening to a full album, the way the artist meant, from front to back, is something that people really like.”

This renewed interest in vinyl has brought a diverse crowd to Hungry Ear Records. Williams noted that while record stores were once frequented primarily by older men searching for classic records, today’s clientele includes a lot of younger people, both male and female.

Many of them are new to vinyl, and Williams and his staff are happy to guide them through the basics, such as how to place the needle on a record and understand the differences between analog and digital sound.

Vinyl’s appeal lies in its unique sound quality. Williams emphasized that vinyl offers a warmer, richer sound compared to digital formats, making it a preferred choice for many audiophiles.

“The sound quality is better on vinyl,” he said. “You hear things that you don’t necessarily hear on digital formats.”

The store’s success is also supported by popular artists like Taylor Swift, whose records are highly sought after by young fans.

Williams shared that some customers buy records just to support their favorite artists, even if they don’t own a turntable.

Hungry Ear Records also participates in Record Store Day, a worldwide event where independent record stores offer exclusive, limited-edition releases.

Williams described the excitement it generates, with collectors lining up early to snag rare records.

“It’s very collectible, very fun; and if you’re a fan of those artists, that’s the only way you’d be able to get that particular record,” he said.

For Williams and the staff at Hungry Ear Records, the goal is simple: to create a welcoming, judgment-free environment where everyone can enjoy music, no matter their taste.

“We’re much more customer-friendly than series like “High Fidelity” or movies like “Empire Records” would have you believe. No judgment,” Williams said. “We just want people to come in and enjoy the music.”

So, no judgement if you really want that “I Just Called to Say, I Love You” album by Stevie Wonder. You can click here to find out more about what Hungry Ear has to offer.

As vinyl continues to thrive, Hungry Ear Records stands as a testament to the enduring power of physical music in a digital age, offering both nostalgia and a fresh experience for new generations.