Dodo Beach Record Store is an independent record shop at Vorbergstraße 8 in the Schöneberg district of Berlin, Germany. Founded by Stephan Schulz and Thomas Spindler, it opened during Record Store Day in April 2013 after the pair had spent around a year developing the concept. The name is an ironic reference to the supposed disappearance of vinyl: the dodo represents something believed to be extinct, while “Beach” was chosen simply because the founders liked the sound of it.

The shop covers more than 200 square metres and holds around 30,000 records. It is divided into several distinct sections, with the main floor carrying new releases across rock, indie, alternative, jazz, blues, reggae, country and other genres, alongside a separate area for second-hand records.

Downstairs is the Metal Dungeon, a dedicated basement section specialising in heavy metal and hardcore. The darker surroundings distinguish it visually from the rest of the shop, while the stock ranges from major bands such as Metallica to more specialised underground releases, limited editions and reissues. Metal remains a substantial part of Dodo Beach’s overall catalogue.

The upper floor has a considerably more colourful appearance, decorated with portraits of rock musicians by artist Wee Flowers. Vinyl is the main format throughout the shop, supplemented by music books, magazines and accessories for record players.

Dodo Beach has also hosted live music and artist events since opening. Its first day included performances and DJ sets, and the shop has continued to arrange in-store concerts and appearances over the years. It also operates its own ticket service for concerts around Berlin.

More than a decade after opening, Dodo Beach remains one of Berlin’s larger independent record shops, with the Metal Dungeon giving heavy metal and hardcore a permanent dedicated space within the store.

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ADDRESS:
Vorbergstraße 8, 10823 Berlin-Bezirk Tempelhof-Schöneberg, Germany

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