Phonica throws a birthday party

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    Wed, Aug 23, 2006, 23:30
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  • London’s Phonica Records celebrate their third birthday with a party at The Key featuring Loco Dice, Konrad Black and Henrik Schwarz�
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  • London’s Phonica Records celebrate their third birthday with a party at The Key featuring Loco Dice, Konrad Black and Henrik Schwarz. In a week when Tower Records filed for bankruptcy, it’s nice to see a record store thriving, no matter which side of the digital versus vinyl debate you stand on. London’s Phonica Records is an unlikely success story, an electronic-only record store that’s making a success of it in the downloading era. (Don’t go looking for mp3s at their site though, Phonica are firmly in the vinyl-is-good camp.) Founded by Simon Rigg and Heidi three year ago, perhaps the success of Phonica is down to their hiring DJs as shop assistants: Heidi will soon see her debut compilation released on Get Physical, there's Kubicle resident Hector, and Simon Rigg himself plays in London and around Europe when his timetable permits. Buy a record from Phonica and it’s a bit like having Orlando Bloom clip your movie ticket. Headlining the main room at the birthday bash is Circo Loco resident and Minus producer Loco Dice, flavour of the summer after the success of his ‘Seeing Through Shadows’ 12” and guaranteed to pack his box with uncompromising techno. Also on the bill is Wagon Repair's Konrad Black out of Vancouver, as well as shop staff Heidi, Hector and Simon Rigg. Expect lots of bleary eyes at work Monday morning. The second room will host a live set from German house producer Henrik Schwarz, joined by more Phonica people Pete Herbert, Jonny Rock, Ryan Shaw and Damon Martin. Tickets can be purchased only from the Phonica store (51 Poland St, Soho) for 10 pounds. Phonica’s birthday bash last year with DJ T. and Andrew Weatherall holds the record for busiest night ever at The Key so you best to head down to the store and pick up your tickets in advance. Full event details below. Phonica Records Third birthday bash happening Friday September 8 at The Key in Kings Cross, London.

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