Hey Everyone,

I am looking forward to seeing many of your faces next week in New Orleans!

Also this week, we have some exciting news to share:

The Needle Drops on a New Era: Lou’s Records Turns the Page

Since 1980, Lou’s Records has been more than just a record store—it has been an Encinitas institution. A clubhouse for music nerds, musicians, punk kids, collectors, skaters, surfers, rare record seekers, curious teenagers, and anyone who believed great records were worth digging for. Long before playlists and algorithms, there was Lou’s.

At the center of it all has been Lou Russell—a local icon whose passion for music, independent culture, and genuine human connection helped turn a neighborhood record shop into one of Southern California’s most beloved musical landmarks. For decades, Lou didn’t just sell records. He introduced people to their next favorite band, sparked lifelong friendships, and proved that the best discoveries happen with a little dust on your fingertips. That smiling face behind the counter that knew every record on the shelves, was quick with a new music recommendation, and welcoming to every type of customer from clueless newbie to hard-core-vinyl-head. Of course the crew that Lou assembled over the years added their unique perspectives and eclectic tastes creating an atmosphere of wonder for anyone who walked through the doors.

Now, after an unforgettable run, Lou is handing over the keys to longtime music fanatics, bandmates and business partners, Mark Martinez and Marc Bird, who are ready to carry the torch into the next chapter while keeping the soul and vibe of Lou’s Records alive and thriving.

The mission isn’t to sanitize or reinvent what’s made Lou’s Records legendary. It’s to crank the volume, honor the legacy, and keep the bins full of hidden gems, classic vinyl, new releases, and the unexpected finds that have kept generations of music lovers coming back. Many of the OG Lou’s crew will remain in-store, so you’re trusted musical advisers will be there for you. Mark and Marc are excited to bring live events, art happenings, a more robust online presence, local specials, and a music-first ethos.

Because while ownership may change, the spirit of Lou’s Records never will. This isn’t the end of an era, it’s the beginning of a beloved B-side ... you’re favorite record store isn’t going anywhere, come on in and start digging.

Lou’s Records
434 N Coast Hwy 101
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-1382
lousrecords.com

Thank you to Lou Russell for what you brought to the community of Encinitas and as a founding member of CIMS, for helping pave the way for our group.

Congrats to Marc and Mark on this new adventure and welcome to the CIMS group!

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic