Meet Jacob Gunter | Music enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Gunter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The idea of Moonage Record Swap came from a desire to see Atlanta’s vinyl community come together and celebrate each other through a shared love of music. Our city is fortunate to have so many great record stores and independent sellers that are supported by a diverse community of collectors. Creating a space where we can all talk music, share ideas, and exchange physical media is a beautiful thing. To that end, our programming extends beyond record swaps, we’re also exploring music-centric events that highlight pivotal moments in music history that have had a ripple effect throughout culture.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m an entrepreneur at heart. I love building something from scratch and watching it grow. I’m a melomaniac, so naturally I gravitated toward supporting a community that values the art of listening to and collecting recorded music. Seeing the vinyl community prosper excites me – whether it be by making a sale or trade, being introduced to a new artist or song, or realizing that everyone is connected to the story of music. These connections have a ripple effect.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If I had a record buddy visiting we’d have to hit up some shops. There are so many stellar record stores in Atlanta so it’s hard to pick just one. We would definitely have to go to Waterloo Sunset Records, they always have that unexpected gem you didn’t know you needed. Then on to Strange Stairway Records in Decatur where you can always find something special you’ve been looking for.  Next, we’d swing by Disorder Vinyl to find that record nobody else has, and then Ella Guru to clear our palette. The great thing about digging in Atlanta is you can drive in any direction further out from the city and still find great shops like RetroSound Records in Acworth.

Nights were made for live music and art so I would take my friend to see a show. This week it’s Choir Boy at the Masquerade, next week Boy Harsher at Terminal West. As for galleries, we’d hit up MINT, a Dashboard opening, or visit The Contemporary. In 2004 when I relocated to Atlanta, my folks would joke that I was moving for the big MAC (music, art, culture), and it’s true. I’ve always gravitated toward creatives and Atlanta is nothing short of brilliant. The creativity emanating from this city is bonkers.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I remember when my son heard David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ for the first time. He was sitting in his car seat totally mesmerized and enamored. Although he was four, the power of music can still resonate with adults in such a profound way. We can see this in music’s ability to provide emotional benefits to those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Music is like nothing else in this world and the spark of life that it gives people is an inspiration.

The countless songs and artists I’ve shared with my partner over the years while ranting about the genius of music and seeing my kids develop their own musical tastes as they get older has all been a source of joy for me.

But Moonage is only successful with community support. We’re grateful for our family of record dealers who come out to our swaps with great stuff for folks to dig through and explore. And it wouldn’t be possible without Atlanta’s vibrant record collecting community showing up to buy, trade, and support one another. There’s a symmetry to it, and we’re here for it.

Website: moonage-record-swap.mailchimpsites.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonagerecordswap/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moonagerecordswap

Image Credits
All pics are take by either myself or partner so we’re good on rights.