In an age where music retailers are closing at a rapid rate and record labels are going bankrupt due to online piracy and declining sales, Sumerian Records creator Ash Avildsen along with his partners Amanda Fiore, Shawn Keith, & Matt Andersen have taken a stand to prove that there is still an undeniable excitement to buying physical product. You have to admit no digital download can compare to ha
ving artwork and lyrics in hand when cranking that new album you just picked up at your local record store. Now, they have set out to prove it with announcing the launch of SoundCheck Hollywood (located across from the infamous Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip and a couple doors down from The Viper Room), which is a store that harkens back to the days when Tower Records ruled the strip and also served as a place for musicians and music fans to unite. SoundCheck Hollywood is essentially a lifestyle music store that will feature CDs, Vinyl and DVDs from all artists spanning the spectrum of the metal/underground rock genres, but will separate itself from any other store with the special emphasis of limited edition merchandise that will cover the walls. The ONLY place you will be able to find the exclusive designs of shirts and other merch items carried at SoundCheck will be right there at 8872 Sunset Blvd. However, the specialness does not stop there. SoundCheck will offer fans a unique meet and greet opportunity with bands that takes place in the "backstage" of the store which will differ greatly from your normal autograph signings. "We want to create an intimate environment that no other store has ever offered fans when they go to meet their favorite artists at a signing. SoundCheck's backstage will be far different from your typical "move-it-along" setting, i.e. having a line of people looking over your shoulder while you are sharing your coveted moment with the band you came to meet" Avildsen added. All new releases the store carries will be made available at 9:00PM that Monday (rather than the morning of the standard release schedule on Tuesday) "If a kid can buy it on iTunes on the east coast at that moment, then people in California should be able to buy the physical version in person too." To top it off, whether you are just browsing the store or waiting in line to get backstage at SoundCheck Hollywood, fans can enjoy the two fully restored, timeless arcade pinball machines found inside: GUNS N ROSES and WWF ROYAL RUMBLE, which are free to customers.
