New York artist Ted Riederer broght his critically acclaimed multi media project Never Records to London for the first time in September 2011 as part of the MERGE festival. Never Records is an art installation in the guise of a record store that only stocks vinyl that has been cut in the shop itself. Using microphones and specialist vinyl-cutting turntable at one end of the “store” Ted recorded musicians and performers on the spot before giving them a freshly pressed 12inch record with individually signed sleeves. In a limited edition of 2, Riederer will give one record to the performer and will stock the other in the store.
Visitors were able to select records from the racks to play within the store. Never Records explores the potential of using a record store and record label; to unite, educate, and uplift a community through recorded sound, Riederer’s project began in an abandoned Tower Records in New York City and has since been recreated around the world. The Wall Street Journal described the installation as a “mock shop” that served as a “love letter to the dying concept of the record store.”
This is the fourth appearance of Never Records since its beginnings in an old Tower Records Store in New York City, its presence at the Biennial Arts Festival in Liverpool, UK in 2010 and at the Context Gallery in Derry in May 2011. Never Records traveled to New Orleans after London.
“An opportunity for collaboration, unplugged and rare musical performances” -Ted Riederer.
“An immersive art project” - Time Out
“I made a record with Ted last week and I still can’t stop smiling, it was my dream come true” Doug Shaw
“What a great idea and such a cool space as well.” Debra Hills
“The night we went there had live performances from a variety of people including a drum solo where the drummer used about 100 roses as drumsticks… trust us it was brilliant. Head down there whilst you can for something completely different.” Fly 53
“A record deck awash with steam-punk-esque attachments allowing the machinist to turn a blank piece of plastic into sound. It's the closest thing to magic i've experienced” Andrew Ellis
“Playing and recording purely for the enjoyment of the process – how refreshing!” Marie Choie
“What an amazing experience and all for free! Thank you!” Dean Hall
