Welcome to Waxxing Lyrical. We’re spotlighting one of South Africa’s plethora of independent vinyl record stores. From stalwarts to hidden gems, we’re diving deep into each store’s crates, and having some fat chats with the people behind them. Next up: For The Record.
There’s something fresh about For The Record, and it’s not the scent of new paint still lingering in the loft-like space of the vinyl shop on Orphan Street. It’s owner Carly Abendanon, whose genuine love for music and curiosity about what people listen to is shaping a culture of sharing and discovery at her shop.
Since moving into its current home just three months ago, the store is quickly building an audience, attracting DJs and collectors who are finding gaps in the market and looking to Abendanon to fill the niche. Some of their requests fall well outside her own wheelhouse of left-field indie and local hidden gems, but she’s enjoying the process of discovering new artists and sounds along the way.
What makes whatever is cooking at For The Record so exciting is precisely that openness to exploring what people want to listen to. She’s building the space with her customers front and centre, and the potential at For The Record is off the charts.
The store is welcoming and caters to an experience of listening and discovery, full of bright natural light that falls onto its rows of low, clearly catalogued shelves. There’s a comfy corner set up with a vintage armchair and headphones for audiophiles to sit down and get lost in music. There’s also Mazzy, Abendanon’s ball of fluff and honorary shop mascot, waiting to welcome you with a little bark and a twinkle in her eyes.
Tell us the story behind the shop. How did it all begin?
Abendanon: For The Record was created by a father and daughter team who long dreamed of the idea of opening a record store together, which finally emerged in June 2023! Our main aim is to make vinyl more accessible to local collectors like ourselves, and to create a space where people can share their love for music.
If someone walked in for the first time, what would you want them to understand about this place immediately?
Abendanon: We specialise in selling predominantly new records together with a selection of previously owned collectable records. We stock a variety of genres, both local and international. We love the relationships we build with our customers and are willing to relentlessly source records for them.
Is there a record in store that perfectly sums up the shop’s point of view?
Abendanon: J Dilla – Donuts. This record captures the joy of vinyl digging, sampling and connecting unrelated sounds. It’s so inventive and rewards repeated listening – much like discovering a great record in our store.
What’s the best record you’ve ever had your hands on?
Abendanon: We recently acquired an original 1974 South African pressing of Batsumi – Batsumi, which is extremely rare and highly collectable. This will be on our shelves soon!
What’s an album you find yourself recommending over and over again?
Abendanon: Thandi Ntuli & Carlos Niño – Rainbow Revisited. It’s a really beautiful album and we love supporting local musicians.
What’s one record people always overlook but absolutely shouldn’t?
Abendanon: Tirzah – Devotion. It’s a hidden gem in our store and its extremely unique and raw sound makes it a standout record for us that shouldn’t be left out.
Describe a perfect day in the store. What’s playing on the turntable, who’s walking through the door?
Abendanon: MF DOOM – Operation: Doomsday is blaring on the speakers, with the store full of regular and new customers who are all here for the music.
If the shop had a soundtrack, what would it be?
Abendanon: The Smiths – Hatful of Hollow. You’ll see us singing all the words to this album!
You can visit FOR THE RECORD at 11 Orphan St in Cape Town City Centre every Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 – 16:00 and every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 – 15:00.
All photographs by Laura McCullagh.
