When the Dianne Rodger Jewellery Store acquired the former Starset building at 127 John Street North, the upstairs of the premises was perfect for spouse Andrew to nestle in and create Phoenix Block Studios as a mini-control room for podcasters and venue for musicians to work on audio projects.
Andrew is expanding the utility of his portion of the enterprise by adding audio “gems”, in the form of vintage Vinyl.
Vinyl, in the 1970s, was the mainstay of commercial music- nudged out by 8-track tapes, audio cassettes, and eventually CDs.
As a format it never really died, but is now making a resurgence due to the timbre and depth of its sound.
Andrew Rodger is pragmatic, in that the collection he’s stocking is a blend of contemporary and classic artists.
Collectors may recall A&A Records- or Sam the Record Man, when prices were $5.99 per LP; that’s no longer the case.
The used inventory offers try-before-you buy.
While open-for-business hours generally correspond with Dianne Rodger Jewelley downstairs, Andrew has a unique way of signalling his presence.
Phoenix Block Studios, now marketing vinyl at prices comparable to the big city.
By Rick Stow
