# Birmingham’s Electronic Music Scene Gains a New Hub: 3 Phase Records
The landscape for vinyl enthusiasts in the West Midlands has expanded with the arrival of a dedicated sanctuary for dance music. Located in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Gun Quarter, 3 Phase Records has officially opened its doors, offering a sprawling collection of electronic music housed within a beautifully preserved Grade II-listed building.
### A Deep Dive into the Collection
Since its grand opening on July 4, the shop has established itself as a premier destination for crate-diggers. Spanning two floors, the store boasts an extensive inventory featuring thousands of titles across the electronic spectrum-ranging from deep house and driving techno to high-energy trance, drum ‘n’ bass, and disco. Beyond the vinyl, the space is designed for immersion, featuring dedicated listening stations and a curated selection of specialist merchandise.
For those tracking the growth of physical music retail, this follows a similar trend seen in other major UK cities, such as the recent launch of an electronic-focused record store in Leeds, signaling a robust resurgence in local, community-driven music spaces.
### From Online Retail to Brick-and-Mortar
The journey to 3 Phase Records began with founder Tom Berry, who previously built a strong reputation as an online wax retailer. The transition to a physical storefront was sparked by serendipity; earlier this year, Berry discovered that the property at 45-46 Loveday Street was sitting empty.
Rather than hiring a large construction crew, Berry and his wife took a hands-on approach to the renovation. Over several months, the pair personally transformed the vacant space, handling everything from structural clearing and painting to the intricate work of wiring sound systems and hand-crafting the record bins that now hold their vast collection.
### More Than Just a Shop: A Community Space
3 Phase Records is positioning itself as a cultural anchor for the local scene. The store is already planning a series of label takeovers and “open deck” sessions, providing a vital platform for emerging DJs to refine their craft in front of a live audience. The store’s commitment to community was evident on July 18, when it hosted its inaugural ‘Trance Sessions,’ featuring performances by local talents including Russel Priest, Kyle Fletcher, and Paaarty Pigeon.
This grassroots approach is vital in an era where digital streaming dominates. According to recent industry data from the BPI, vinyl sales in the UK have seen consistent growth for 16 consecutive years, proving that the tactile experience of browsing records remains a cornerstone of music culture.
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Reflecting on his motivation, Berry noted that his vision was born from years of searching Birmingham for specific dance records and frequently coming up short. By creating 3 Phase Records, he is filling a gap in the market, ensuring that Birmingham’s electronic music community has a permanent home to discover, listen, and connect.
