Into the Abyss — a Hamilton record shop known for hosting shows and fostering community in the city's music scene — is exploring means to survive a rent hike.
The store expanded in September, moving from its Locke Street location to James Street East in Hamilton's downtown. Since the move, the rent for the new storefront has increased, and Into the Abyss must pay an additional $900 a month.
To combat this, owner (and Golden Feather bandleader) Bradley Germain is experimenting with hosting rent parties, and has also launched a GoFundMe.
"I wanted this place to be a good record shop — but more importantly — a place where people came together to share experiences around arts and culture. A place to meet up with pals — see a show, meet new people, and experience the scene in our city," Germain wrote in the GoFundMe description. "Recent rent increases have made it harder to make ends meet — so we wanted to open up a GoFundMe where people can pitch a few bucks to help the cause."
The first rent party took place on July 7. People were encouraged to hang out, listen to staffer's DJ sets, bring their own drinks and buy some records — or throw them some cash to help the store out.
The rent parties are likely to become a monthly series. More info can be found on Into the Abyss's Instagram.
Beyond their rent parties, the shop has recently hosted performances from Eliza Niemi, Dorothea Paas, Sunnsetter, Wolf Eyes and more. Their next show is on Saturday (July 15), with Sarah Good & the Bads set to headline.
The store expanded in September, moving from its Locke Street location to James Street East in Hamilton's downtown. Since the move, the rent for the new storefront has increased, and Into the Abyss must pay an additional $900 a month.
To combat this, owner (and Golden Feather bandleader) Bradley Germain is experimenting with hosting rent parties, and has also launched a GoFundMe.
"I wanted this place to be a good record shop — but more importantly — a place where people came together to share experiences around arts and culture. A place to meet up with pals — see a show, meet new people, and experience the scene in our city," Germain wrote in the GoFundMe description. "Recent rent increases have made it harder to make ends meet — so we wanted to open up a GoFundMe where people can pitch a few bucks to help the cause."
The first rent party took place on July 7. People were encouraged to hang out, listen to staffer's DJ sets, bring their own drinks and buy some records — or throw them some cash to help the store out.
The rent parties are likely to become a monthly series. More info can be found on Into the Abyss's Instagram.
Beyond their rent parties, the shop has recently hosted performances from Eliza Niemi, Dorothea Paas, Sunnsetter, Wolf Eyes and more. Their next show is on Saturday (July 15), with Sarah Good & the Bads set to headline.