Big smiles last night for Matt Vaughan and Kisha Vaughan as they showed off the big award Easy Street Records just won, honored at the Music Business Association‘s Bizzy Awards in Atlanta as Independent Retailer of the Year. Here’s what the award honors, according to the association’s website:
(The award is f)or a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.
Matt Vaughan opened Easy Street in 1988, so its 40th anniversary is in sight! It’s not “just” a record store, but also hosts live, free in-store concerts – some of which have been turned into records! – as well as signings, listening parties, readings, and art exhibits – plus it’s home to a café and bar – all anchoring the heart of The Junction in the city-landmark Hamm Building on the northwest corner of California and Alaska. We asked Matt for comment on the award; his reply – “Not possible without all of you lovely people in West Seattle. We love breaking bands from all over the world, all genres of music, new and used; all while supporting our favorite labels, distros, pressing plants, graphic designers, engineers, photographers, journalists, radio stations, venues, and the musicians that make it all possible.”
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: We asked the Music Business Association for a bit more information on Easy Street’s honor. For one, they sent us more photos from the ceremony, including this one of Kisha’s jubilation while Matt speaks:
(Photo by Picture This! Photography)
We asked about some of the testimonials/comments that helped judges decide Easy Street should win. They sent some examples, such as:
Easy Street Records in Seattle is always on the front lines for our bands. A true partner to labels and distributors. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them on projects for over 20 years and their support is always there no matter what.
And this one:
Matt Vaughan and his team have made a real deal community center out of their store and cafe, and stepped it up even more in the last 5-6 years. They made a point to serve their customers during lockdown, bringing smiles to people when they needed it most. All retail had to change their ways during lockdown and think of creative ways to connect with their customers, but Easy Street went above and beyond with the most brilliant of ideas. Instead of hiding away during lockdown, Easy Street literally got out there on the streets! Matt would hand-deliver packages with his son in their Easy Street van. … They are one of the most well-respected stores in the country, and it’s time they awarded by the music industry…BIG TIME :)
One more:
Easy Street Records represents the culture of Seattle. It’s very difficult in this day and age to go to a city that has unique stores that define and represent their city. Easy Street not only is a giant sponge and encyclopedia of Seattle, it represents the past, present and future of the music industry. The store itself is amazing, but the restaurant, coffee bar and bar take it up a notch. It’s a one stop shopping experience! The staff are masters of their craft and you can tell all were hired with intent.
To be in Easy Street makes one feel as though they are a part of something special, the staff, the in-stores, the music playing overhead, the smell of coffee, the delicious food and amazing drinks make me yearn for one in LA, where I live. It is literally one of my most favorite places to visit in the world!
The Music Business Association sent a few others too in response to our request, but from those three, you get the idea.
Much deserved and definitely one of my favorite record stores in the World. I love wandering in, sitting at the counter, ordering a very tasty and delicious) and affordable) breakfast or lunch, and then flipping thru stacks of wax. I don’t think I have ever left empty handed. This place is an iconic institutional gem!!!! ❤️
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