Five record stores for Music lovers in French-speaking Switzerland

Fribourg: Ablette Record

Located in the heart of Fri-Son, the city’s emblematic concert hall, Ablette Records was created in October 2021, moving into the establishment’s former locker room. Behind this project, we find Laura Schwab, from the web radio TRNSTN RADIO, and Vincent Gross, member of Fri-Son, DJ and musician, two well-known figures on the local cultural scene. This unique place, dedicated to music as well as meeting and discovery, offers new and second-hand records in a wide variety of styles, with new arrivals every week. A special section highlights artists from Friborg and throughout Switzerland. In addition, Ablette Records organizes events such as live concerts, DJ sets and even listening sessions. It is not uncommon to come across his stand at various local festivals.

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Neuchâtel: Espace 032

Located in the shopping street of Neuchâtel, this boutique has taken up the torch from its predecessor, VINYL, opened in 1983. This revival, launched in 2016, is led by David Pauchard, collector, and Victor Françoise, DJ and producer. Making northern French-speaking culture shine is a priority for them. Moreover, the name of their record store is a nod to the telephone code for Neuchâtel and its surroundings. The two partners offer an eclectic selection made up half of new records and half of used vinyl. Swiss artists and labels are also in the spotlight. Any emerging artist is also invited to submit their music.

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Geneva: Bongo Joe Records

This charming arcade founded by Cyril Yeterian is nestled on the famous river island, in the heart of Geneva, in an idyllic setting. More than a record store, the place also serves as a café, bar and concert hall. Bongo Joe Records is also a label that highlights artists from the region. The store offers a wide choice of vinyls, covering all styles, with particular attention to Swiss artists, ideal to satisfy curious ears. In addition to records, Books are available and artist openings are regularly organized there, as are collaborations with local festivals.

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Lausanne: Upside Records

Located in the rapidly changing Tunnel district of Lausanne, this store, opened in October 2023, combines vinyl records and collectible books. Behind the Music Sounds Better with Book project are three friends: Dennis Moya, artistic director, as well as Julien Beauverd and Louis Dessaux, two DJs from the region. The latter are responsible for the vinyl section, Upside Records, offering a selection mixing new and second-hand records, and covering all musical styles. The venue has already hosted several openings of local artists, reinforcing its role as a cultural platform. Dennis Moya, for his part, runs Mosoma Books, a remarkable collection of books and magazines dedicated to graphic design, photography, fashion, architecture, and of course, music. This place exudes cultural sharing and promises to never let a visitor leave empty-handed.

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Lausanne: The Salon

A visit to a vinyl store can also become a unique sound experience, and Le Salon, in Lausanne, perfectly embodies this idea. With its high-quality sound system, this space is not just a record store: it is also a place to listen. Located in the heart of the La Ferblanterie coworking space, Le Salon seduces with its refined design and warm atmosphere. Designed in 2022 by Christian Fankhauser, architect, and Samuel Badoux, local DJ, this place reflects the passion of the two creators for the LP. Always available to discuss music, they offer a varied selection of vinyls, all styles combined, in the hope of helping you unearth that rare gem. The Salon also welcomes local artists into this unique creative bubble to record new sets and the establishment also collaborates with other French-speaking cultural entities, such as Prémices festival or TRNSTN RADIO.

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