Uèle Lamore

Paris

My little secret here! This library always has crazy sales on beautiful artbooks. I when I mean crazy I mean a book that was 100 euros is now 10 euros. Thanks to this shop my apartment is full of fancy books that make me look really smart.

This venue is actually inside a peniche boat located in one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Paris. I discovered so many indie bands there, such as one of my favourite groups: Kikagaku Moyo. 

This place is both a venue and a bar. It has a really laid-back atmosphere and there is always some kind of exhibition going on at the same time. You can have drinks at the bar, eat something nice and then go see a show all at once. Great during daytime as well to relax!

I'm a big cocktail drinker, and one you talk of cocktail bars, one might imagine this sterile, quiet, super stuck-up spot. Well, first time I went to Blue Bird I thought I had entered a crazy town (in a good way), it has this 70's retro western feel to it. The atmosphere is really exciting and the bartenders are some of the funniest people I know. Go there past 9pm for some action!

Another bookstore located between the Marais and Republique neighbourhoods. They have a big selection of indie magazines, and rare books. Pro tip: you can negotiate the prices depending on what you are buying!

Paris is all about chilling and the Coulee Verte is made just for that. It is an abandoned system of train tracks that circle the city and have been rehabilitated as a walking spot. There are many entrances all over the town to access it, I recommend getting to the tracks by the Bastille entrance and walking all the way to Bercy.

If you ever want to buy an instrument, head to this historical street located in Pigalle where all the shops of vintage and new gear are. From synths to guitar pedals, there is a shop for everything.

A Guide to Parisian Culture with Uèle Lamore

XL Middleton

Los Angeles 

We're starting at the home base since this is my record store. Located in the heart of Chinatown. It's a tiny spot; tiny like the record stores in Shibuya but I'd like to think it's cozy. We carry everything but with a strong slant towards funk/soul/boogie, modern funk, & Japanese city pop. Google says we're permanently closed but, shows you what they know. We've kept the storefront closed since the pandemic started but we are gearing up to reopen later this year. In the meantime, we do Instagram vinyl drops every Tuesday & Wednesday so you can get a little slice of LA record store culture from anywhere in the world twice a week.

If you're visiting LA and want to dig as soon as you possibly can after stepping off the plane, you can go here, it's just a few blocks away from LAX. Nice selection in all genres and they've been around for quite a while. I love that the shop has that old school, record store dive kind of vibe where it doesn't feel like the wax has been 'overcurated' and compared against every pricing metric on Discogs & eBay. Also you'll be close to the iconic Randy's Donuts - The local secret is that it's not just a famous place to take IG selfies, their donuts are actually great.

This is one of those spots that diggers in LA will hesitate to tell people about because they wanna keep the jewels to themselves. Digs are top notch even in the bargain bins. The guy who runs the shop is another old school dude who doesn't rely on internet prices as a reference, which makes the game fun in a way that it often isn't anymore.

One of the newer shops in the city, and you'll definitely wanna keep up with them on the regular because you never know what they'll come up on next. One day they'll be rolling out a crazy jazz collection, the next it's all heavy Italo 12"s, after that a big stack of 90's R&B & hip hop LPs. If you go there on the right day you might see the homie Randy Ellis (CQQL Records/Hobo Camp) behind the counter.

When you come to LA, you can tell who is new to the city because they refer to parts of town like Echo Park & Silver Lake as the "east side." Nah, come to Sonido Del Valle and check out Boyle Heights, part of the actual east side. It's one of my favorite neighborhoods in town, love the old Victorian houses and the fact that the gentrification hasn't hit as hard here yet. This spot is run by the homie Rene, tell him I sent you when you go! Tons of great taco spots in the area too, take your pick. But after a dig at Sonido I might hit up Otomisan, old school Japanese restaurant right down the street from the days when Boyle Heights also had a big Japanese community.

Speaking of the east side, Record Jungle is located right on Whittier Boulevard just a few miles away from the famous cruising strip. This is a big store, not heavily curated but there's tons to choose from so you never know what you're gonna find. Recommend setting aside many hours to dig here.

Mainly a bookstore as you might've guessed by the name but their record section is no joke. The 7" section is fun to go through. Lotta table space and if you're lucky you can even score a chair to sit down while you go through their boxes. They're one of the better stores in town when it comes to having joints that you don't see in stores too often. You'll definitely also wanna check out the book tunnel, the old bank vault, and the other cool stuff they have to look at on their mezzanine.

Fingerprints, and the spot mentioned below, are both in Long Beach -- which is technically a separate city but still within LA County. It's very much a part of the fabric here, even if it does have its own vibe. Every time I go to Long Beach I always hit both of these stores up. They're kind of polar opposites which makes it fun - Fingerprints has the whole bookstore/record store/coffee shop thing going.

Fingerprints and Bagatelle Records are within walking distance of one another which is rare in LA. Bagatelle is all dusty stacks and tight spaces from floor to ceiling. You'll love the contrast between the two.

We're winding this down in the corner of LA I'm from - Pasadena. Technically its own separate city too but it's a 20 minute drive from downtown LA. When I was growing up, Poo Bah was located in a little converted red house so you'd walk into what was basically the living room and start digging through the bins. They've since moved to a proper storefront a couple miles away. Still got all the hallmarks of a great record store dive - nice prices, deep bargain bins, side shelves with cassettes, VHS tapes, and CD's. In the recent years they've done a lot of events revolving around the beat/producer community. The late Ras G was involved with the store pretty heavily. Dam Funk filmed part of his "Hood Pass Intact" video here too.

Here's a little Pasadena bonus for you to check out while you're in the area. Mainly a bookstore but they have a few bins of records, I recommend checking them out because they seem to carry a lot of weird, off the wall stuff, of all types.

The Ultimate Guide to LA's Record Shops with XL Middleton

MMH Radio

Copenhagen

There’s no Caribbean food in Copenhagen, when I moved here I couldn’t find any good jerk seasoning but my boy does a thing called Yam CPH once a month like a pop up, which is definitely a spot to check out if you’re here at the right time. It’s in different places but you can follow them on Instagram. It's also like on the high end of Caribbean food – shout out to Kye!

Speakers Korner on blågårdsgade Nørrebro.

Owned by DJ bistand who has a monthly show on MMHRADIO. Bass music. Drum n bass, Jungle, Dub, Roots, Rave etc.

Nu jazz, Beats, soul. In a basement on stefansgade nørrebro. Small store where you can find prints and books as well. Nee and old stuff. Records from local danish artist who produce jazz and beats music.

Located different spots in central Copenahagen and Vesterbro. Second hand clothing fleamarket. At fleamarkets you can always try and discuss the price the seller gives you. Private sellers by stands and sell their clothing.

Fleamarket on Vesterbro Sønderboulevarden.

In the middle of Sønderboulevarden. In the summer there is a long Fleamarket stretching through the street. Clothes and things. On Sundays and sometimes Saturdays. On the same street you can go to Kihoskh and get a coffee or Itzi Bitzi for the best lunch pizza. Super nice street to hang out on when the sun is out.

It’s hiding in plain sight, in the centre opposite Tivoli in between 2 huge Irish pubs. It's basically just a black door, at night theres a bouncer but it's just straight up techno until 8am. They're doing this safe space, so there absolutely no discrimination allowed. If anything happens you can tell the bouncer. You also get this sticker on your phone so you’re not allowed to take any pictures. They want it to be a safe space where people can dress how ever they like and do whatever they like.

Every first Friday of the month MMH host a residence only night. All the resident DJs on our rota get a chance to go through and play. We pair them up all randomly and put people of different genres together. It's always a really good turn out. It's always fun. It’s a good place if you're not from here to meet people. Its here in the meat packing district.

They have really good nights and book good DJs! They’re pro LGBTQ, and one of the first bars to be really open and supportive, they always have the flag out. In the meat packing district as well! 

MMH Radio's Guide to Copenhagen

TAKSU

Bali

Miller’s Records, located in the famous spot of umalas, a small shop taking on a vegas style look from the outside has a very wide variety of vinyl records. Being relatively new, this shop has already been a strong community because it does not only offer to buy but also possible to sell personal vinyl collection. Inside you'll see racks in different styles organized by its genres and year, making it easy to find and eye pleasing as some cool looking vinyl stacked up on frames. For most of its vinyl that isn't originally produced, they have a tag showing it’s been purchased there, price range starting even from 60k for some vinyl up to 2,7mill for collector items.

Ganesha Ubud is a very small distinguished library selling old vintage story books, comics, to postcard in Ubud making. Here you'll find the craziest old books you could have not thought of about Indonesia or anything relevant to Indonesia and its history, as they only sell old, rare, out-of-print books.

There will always be 2 very kind shopkeepers who you can ask for help, and they can tell you stories behind the books which are always fascinating. They also allow you to read some of the books (ones which are not sealed) daily as if it's a library. Their prices are relatively cheap for an amazing book you are yet to discover. Some as cheap as 10.000 rupiah for a small book with all the old 80’s indonesia postcard stamps.

Lab Rana is another small, cool shop located in Tamora gallery in the heart of Berawa. Labrana is the go to place to buy your films needs and develop them. It offers a lot of types of film and film cameras, without worrying which one is the best fit for your cause of photography, you could simply share and talk with them about what you want and need and they'll guide you through your best option for purchase.

Going there you'll meet the senior shopkeeper who has a tight film camera community trying to keep the trend alive.

Tinta Photo Solutions really lives up to its name. A small shop not far from Miller Records and the Bumbak area, Umalas. They give a lot of options with high standard quality prints and frames for your art or photo pieces. They have personally done me well with their offer of leasing their frames for an exhibition I'm doing, giving me ease on up-front payments. Very good hospitality. They have a complete catalogue of solutions when shopping for prints and frames, making it much easier to pick the right frame and print that fits your home's interior design. With with affordable prices, Tinta has helped the community so much building the art scene in out in Bali.

Bali Beach Glamping located in Tabanan close to the famous Pigstone Beach which is well known for surfing, a new getaway for camping with a pinch of luxury just opened. If you go there you’ll meet the Asela the manager who will show you around all the tents which have amazing beach views.

A local entrepreneur who is the boss lady of 2 thrift stores located in Tabanan. She started selling thrift tees in the traditional thrift market of Tabanan, and she gained her knowledge through technology/internet/social media and used them well. She is now known across Bali, even throughout Indonesia. Both of her stores are located in the village of Kerambitan, Tabanan. In the traditional market, you could see her store in the first traditional building(more like a big shack) around 150m in the back. With her joyful voice you could spot and know that it’s Bu Dolir. Price range starting from Rp.30.000 up to some collectable items for 2mill rupiah. There are more thrift stores available to explore in the rest of ‘Pasar kodok’ thrift market in Tabanan.

Segelas Kopi Ubud located in the heart of the village of Mas, Ubud. A small coffee shop across Ari Canti hospital offers not only great coffee but also a comfortable silent space to work with a touch of art and balinese culture. I've personally spent my time gathering inspirations and ideas in this spot. Owned and run by a young teen (GUSTRA I.B) the age of 19 has successfully built a solid coffee shop concept supporting not only local workers that has been WFH, but also educating about the value of art to its customers. My favorite menu is the Nasi Goreng Babi Kecap with the piccolo beverage, with the price for both totalling only $4.

The best item on the menu is the Chasumen with an added ajitama (half boiled egg, japanese style). With free flowing mineral water, expenses on beverage are not needed.

Thrifting & Shopping Local with TAKSU

Gilles Peterson

London

Out of curiosity for me, I’ll always go to Cafe Oto. The music played there is really Avant Garde and improv, but I personally find that really interesting these days.

If you're okay with the West End's sort of touristy, theatre-going audience, Ronnie Scott’s is pretty good. They get decent people in and you can sit down and watch world class music. And to be fair, at a place like Ronnie Scott’s, the stories are incredible. I’m so glad it is still around and they care about it. I know it's probably not the most fashionable or edgy answer and not everyone can afford to go - but it’s a bit of a date spot, somewhere for special occasions.

I think Atlantis is really good because they’re not online. I love John who works there and I've been spending a lot of time at the shop recently. You will genuinely find a gem there because someone hasn’t googled it and found online. You can actually find some really great stuff, so I'd say my favourite record shop as of late has definitely been Atlantis.

Brawn was the first restaurant in London that I felt had a community feel. In places abroad like Germany, Austria, France, or Japan, I've always found that there was a real close association between the winemakers and DJs - a real kind of community.
In London, I felt like there isn’t always that kind of community... Until I met Ed Wilson, Chef and owner of Brawn. We get on like a house on fire. He's amazing. His restaurants are amazing and the food is too. He's humble and is an incredibly rare Chef that's so knowledgeable about wine.

I really rate the guys at Noble Rot. It’s run by really brilliant people who have an incredible magazine which has become a monthly mag, almost like a cult thing. It’s about wine and they’ve sort of changed the whole landscape of wine understanding. Both their restaurants are really good and quite old-fashioned and so I big them up.

I like what the crew behind Primeur have done. I even had my birthday party here.

I've got to give Fink's a bit of credit. I'm a shorts guy so will come here for an espresso or piccolo.

West Reservoir is a good little walk. It’s an amazing spot. Feels like suddenly you're in the country - you’ve got the reservoirs, the swimmers, the church in the background. Coming back from Arsenal, if you’re going to a game and then go all the way back there at night time, it’s amazing.

Gilles Peterson's Favourite Spots in London

Zaran Vachha

Singapore 

This is a spot you go to at 3/4AM. It's a place you would have never imagined in Singapore. Nickname is 'four floors of whores," however, it's not as seedy as it sounds. Bands play your dad's favourite songs all night long and you bump into all sorts of people from families, travellers or visiting DJs. It's weird and wonderful all mixed into one.

Noodle shop by day - Japanese restaurant by night.

Get laksa, char kway teow, oyster omelette, chicken wings and black carrot cake.

This is weird and wonderful at the same time. Singapore Centre is split into 3 areas: Little India, Arab Ttreet and China Town. Each area has its on level of uniqueness to it.

Mustafa's is a shopping complex that is open 24 hrs and has everything that you need. I mean everything. Socks are placed next to lamps. Steaks next to watches. It's just an amazing experience. Go have a look for 15 mins and then eat the food that's around.

Saturday/Sunday only. BBQ, good music, food and margaritas.

My favourite tourist spot in Singapore. Having been open for over a decade, the park is half family tomb, half shop of horrors. The infamous Ten Courts of Hell features small-scale tableaux that show human sinners being punished in gory and graphic detail.

If you're a music lover this is your spot. It's by appointment only so ring ahead. You'll find old Cantonese disco tracks you never knew you couldn't live without.

Go here and stay for a while. The bartender will be playing music you've never heard before whilst you get nicely warm with high quality saka.

The best club in Singapore bringing the best music and entertainment. Benji B, Yasmin, Talib Kweli, Nubya Garcia, Chromeo, Breakbot have all played there. Make sure you look online to see whats going on. Buy tickets in advance, the queues are a bitch.

Zaran Vachha's Singapore Spots

Venna

The most legendary jazz club in London Town, I’ve been lucky to perform in & watched various musicians play. You’ll always learn something new there.

I saw Terrace Martin & Robert Glasper perform there with their group R+R (was a special one for me!) & seen some of my favourites there over the years. Also been there to perform when JVCK JAMES was supporting Ella Mai.

Amazing sax shop by Blackfriars, I can spend hours in there staring at stuff I want. They also have practice rooms you can get for the day and shell a practice.

My local OG music shop in forest hill that i buy my reeds and i get my sax serviced in, they also offer tuition if you’re trying to learn how to play or need to brush up.

My guy Jackum put me onto Nicky & he’s helped me with picking equipment over the last couple of years or so, I’ve done some wicked sessions in the recording studio they have in the back too.

My favourite record shop, the list of records I need from this place is LONG, stuff for sampling + stuff you just need in the collection. You’ll find most of records you already knew you wanted & even more you’ve never seen before. The best Black Music is sold in Sounds of The Universe, in my humble opinion.

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