There’s nothing like the warm sound of vinyl—the needle hits the record and the listening experience is intimate. Wax is hot these days, and unfortunately it has become harder to find good records. The good finds at Goodwill and other thrifts stores have become rare as there are more collectors, as well as people who go and buy everything with the intention to turn around and sell them, leaving nothing behind. House Mouse has been dry for years, and the cost of new vinyl is on the pricier side, due to its booming popularity. Everything is tapped.
Luckily new spots with fresh ideas have been popping up—Atomic Wax located on Doniphan St. in the shopping area where House Mouse is also located, is here to save the day.
On my first visit, my funk and soul 45 collection was greatly expanded with my finds at Atomic Wax—I picked up various James Brown stompers as well as several People Records alums Lyn Collins, Maceo & the Macks and the JB’s—all in mint condition at a good price. I also picked up a few 45s from the bargain bin of 45s for 50 cents to a buck—it’s cool that this spot recognizes that if the records aren’t in the best shape but are still good, they aren’t overpriced.
Fusion shared a few words with record enthusiast and shop owner Raul Garcia.
Where does the name Atomic Wax come from?
Atomic is a reference to the cool vintage era of the 50s and 60s, and wax is another term for vinyl. Since we sell vinyl and vintage items, I thought it was a good fit.
Are you also a personal collector?
Yes, I have collected music in one form or another from vinyl to cassette to CD to MP3 and now back to vinyl.
How long have you been collecting?
I got back into vinyl in 2008.
What is your favorite record?
My favorite record is Out to Lunch by Eric Dolphy.
What is the rarest or most expensive record you’ve come across?
I have had the honor of owning Roberts Johnson‘s first 2 sides on Vocalion (Records) in VG+. I sold it to a collector in the United Kingdom.
Is it hard to find vinyl out there?
If you are dedicated enough you can find vinyl all over the place; be crafty and look for garage and rummage sales. Thrift and vintage shops are a good place as well. If you are a more serious collector, there are many sites online that offer hard to find titles.
What is your favorite genre?
Jazz.
Ever broken a record? Or left one out in the car and it warped?
I collect 78 RPM records and I have broken many. They are so fragile!
How has the support from the locals been so far?
The support from the local community has been amazing. Regardless of age, gender, orientation or race, I have had nothing but positive feedback. I love learning the many types of musical taste out there, and enjoy exchanging knowledge with customers.
How did you like the Mother of Pearl Block Party? I saw you set up there with people checking out your vinyl.
I had a great time at the block party. The quality of the acts was top notch. It is very encouraging to see the new generation keeping music alive and well. I loved the feel of old downtown El Paso looming in the background as new El Paso rocked on in the foreground. I hope there is another one next year!
What’s next for Atomic Wax?
Next for us is a monthly vinyl and vintage curiosities flea market hosted by us and Mother of Pearl (another cool local record shop). The plan is to have it at the Love Buzz patio and have good food and music to accompany a family friendly atmosphere of retro shopping.
What do you like about listening to vinyl?
I like listening to vinyl because of the involvement it provides the listener; it is more of an interactive experience than just downloading an album. Having to handle the record carefully and place the needle with a steady hand on the proper groove provides the perfect prelude of silence to the sweet sound of that snap, crackle and pop right before your favorite song starts. The cover art is one of biggest reasons I love buying records. Many times I buy a record solely because of how cool the cover looks.
Text: Benito Santana
Photo: Alex Duran