Rough Trade NYC: Explore The Iconic Music Store At Rockefeller Center

For anyone who loves music, especially the kind you can hold in your hands, Rough Trade NYC is a truly special place. It’s more than just a store; it’s a living part of music history, right here in the middle of New York City. You know, it’s almost like stepping into a time machine, but with all the freshest sounds.

This whole adventure, you see, began a very long time ago, back in 1976. It started in West London, UK, right when punk music was just taking off. That era, that energy, it really shaped what Rough Trade was all about from the very beginning. So, it's pretty wild to think about how much has happened since then.

Fast forward nearly fifty years, and this place is still going strong, celebrating the newest and most exciting music, especially on vinyl. When Rough Trade first opened its doors in New York City in 2013, it was, in a way, joining a really cool group of legendary record shops here, like Bobby Robinson’s Bobby’s Records. That, is that, a pretty neat heritage to carry forward, don't you think?

• Whoopi Goldberg Goldberg
• Parkway Tavern New Orleans
• Huntington Library Gardens
• Aam Aadmi Party
• Amy Lynn Lee

Table of Contents

• Rough Trade NYC: A Musical Journey
• From West London Punk to New York's Heart
• What You'll Find at Rough Trade NYC
  • A World of Sounds and More
  • Every Kind of Music You Can Imagine
• Rough Trade's New York Homes: Rockefeller Center
  • Rough Trade Above and Below
  • The Move from Williamsburg
• Why the Name "Rough Trade"?
• A Beloved Spot for Music Lovers
• Visiting Rough Trade NYC
• Common Questions About Rough Trade NYC

Rough Trade NYC: A Musical Journey

Rough Trade NYC, in some respects, truly offers a distinctive experience for anyone keen on music. It’s not just about buying a record; it’s about connecting with a long-standing tradition of independent music. You know, it’s a place where the past meets the present in a very real way.

This store has, more or less, become a significant part of the city’s cultural fabric. It draws people in, whether they’re looking for a specific album or just wanting to browse. And that, is that, a testament to its enduring appeal and its ability to keep things interesting for everyone who walks through its doors.

From West London Punk to New York's Heart

The story of Rough Trade, you see, begins with a strong connection to a very specific time and place: West London in 1976. That was the time when punk rock was just starting to make its mark, shaking things up. The store, it seems, was born right on the doorstep of that raw, energetic movement.

• Chicago Field Museum
• Coverdale White Snake
• Asbury Park Boardwalk
• Madison Ryann Ward
• El Museo Del Barrio

This early connection to punk, actually, gave Rough Trade a certain spirit, a kind of independent streak that has stayed with it for decades. Nearly fifty years later, they are still really committed to celebrating exciting new music and, of course, vinyl records. It's quite a journey from those early days, you know, to where they are now.

When Rough Trade first opened its doors in New York City in 2013, it was, in a way, stepping into a rich history of famous record stores here. Places like Bobby Robinson’s Bobby’s Records had already set a high standard. Rough Trade, you might say, has simply continued that tradition, bringing its own unique flavor to the scene.

What You'll Find at Rough Trade NYC

People often describe Rough Trade NYC as a "cool record store," and for good reason. It makes for some truly fun shopping, you know, when you’re there. The atmosphere itself is part of the experience, drawing you in to explore.

A World of Sounds and More

Inside, you’ll discover a whole world of items, not just records. They have, pretty much, everything a music lover could want. You can find vinyl, of course, which is a big draw. But beyond that, they also stock posters, books, cassette tapes, and even CDs.

It's that mix of formats, you know, that makes it special. Whether you’re looking for a classic album on vinyl or a rare cassette, there’s a good chance you might just stumble upon it here. This variety, it seems, caters to all kinds of collectors and listeners.

Every Kind of Music You Can Imagine

One of the truly remarkable things about Rough Trade NYC is that they, apparently, have every genre of music you could think of. This means you’re not limited to just one style or sound. You could be looking for jazz one minute and punk the next, and chances are, you’ll find it.

This wide selection, in a way, encourages discovery. You might go in looking for something specific, but you could easily leave with something completely different, something you never knew you needed. That, is that, a pretty great way to expand your musical horizons, isn't it?

Rough Trade's New York Homes: Rockefeller Center

Rough Trade NYC has a couple of spots for you to visit, both situated right in Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. This location, you know, puts it right in the middle of a very busy and exciting part of the city. It’s pretty convenient for visitors and locals alike.

Rough Trade Above and Below

You can visit Rough Trade Above and Rough Trade Below at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The idea of having two distinct areas, one above and one below, really adds to the charm of the place. It gives you, you know, more space to wander and explore all the music they have.

This setup, in a way, creates a unique shopping experience. You might find different treasures in each section, making it worth taking your time to look around both floors. It's, honestly, quite a clever use of space in such a well-known building.

The Move from Williamsburg

Rough Trade is a record shop that, as a matter of fact, recently moved from its original New York location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to Rockefeller Center. For many years, it was a beloved fixture in Williamsburg, a place that was, in some respects, more than just a store.

In Williamsburg, Rough Trade was, pretty much, a cultural institution, blending music and art. The move to Manhattan, you know, marked a new chapter for the store. It shows how it can adapt and still thrive, even in a different part of the city, bringing its unique vibe to a new audience.

Why the Name "Rough Trade"?

The name "Rough Trade" itself has an interesting feel to it, especially when you think about its origins. The word "rough" often describes something that is not smooth or even, perhaps with ridges or projections on its surface. This might suggest something a bit unpolished, or maybe even a little raw, you know?

It can also mean something that is without refinements or luxuries, something that is more about exertion or strength than skill. So, in a way, "rough" can mean coarse or bumpy, or perhaps even harsh and uneven. This idea of "roughness," it seems, really ties back to the store's beginning, right on the doorstep of punk music.

Punk, after all, was a pretty raw and unrefined movement, not smooth or fancy. So, the name "Rough Trade" might just capture that spirit of authenticity and a certain edge. It’s, arguably, a name that perfectly suits a store born from such a rebellious and independent musical era, don't you think?

A Beloved Spot for Music Lovers

Rough Trade NYC has earned a really strong reputation among its visitors. With 4.6 stars from over 2351 reviews, it's clear that people generally have a very positive experience there. This high rating, you know, speaks volumes about the quality of the store and its offerings.

It shows that music lovers appreciate what Rough Trade brings to the table: a great selection, a good atmosphere, and a place where they feel welcome. That, is that, a pretty solid endorsement from a lot of people, which really helps others decide to visit.

Visiting Rough Trade NYC

If you're in New York City and love music, visiting Rough Trade is, honestly, a must. It’s a chance to explore a place that has a deep history while also staying current with new sounds. You can find both Rough Trade NYC and Rough Trade Below at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan, making it quite accessible.

Whether you’re looking for a specific album, hoping to discover something new, or just want to soak in the atmosphere of a truly iconic record store, Rough Trade offers something for everyone. It's, you know, a really nice way to spend some time, just browsing and enjoying the music.

To learn more about the history of independent music stores and their impact, you could check out this resource on the evolution of record shops. Also, you can learn more about music culture on our site, and find more details about iconic New York City spots here.

Common Questions About Rough Trade NYC

What kind of items can I buy at Rough Trade NYC?

Rough Trade NYC has a wide selection of music-related items. You can find vinyl records, of course, but they also sell posters, various books, cassette tapes, and CDs. So, you know, there's quite a bit to choose from, no matter what format you prefer.

Where is Rough Trade NYC located now?

Rough Trade NYC is currently located at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. You can find both Rough Trade Above and Rough Trade Below at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It's, pretty much, right in the heart of Midtown, making it easy to get to.

Does Rough Trade NYC have all types of music genres?

Yes, they do! Rough Trade NYC is known for carrying every genre of music. So, whether you’re into rock, pop, jazz, hip-hop, or something else entirely, you’re likely to find it there. That, is that, a really great thing for music fans with diverse tastes.