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Keith McCord reportingUtah is about to lose another home-grown, independent business.
Starbound Records of West Valley City opened in April of 1982. If you wanted a hard-to-find old song, chances are, it was there. In a few weeks, it won't be!
There aren't many music stores like this anymore. If you wanted, say, a vinyl record album of "Fat's Wallers Greatest Hits", it's probably in one of the bins at Starbound Records.
For the past 23 years, Owner Matt Limburg and his staff of three have stocked both the old and new releases.
Matt Limburg/ Owner, Starbound Records: "At latest count, we figure we have over 250,000 pieces of music."
Starbound sells all formats, everything from cds, vinyl records, and even eight-track tapes, and it all must go.
Three weeks ago, the liquidation signs went up, inside and outside the store. Long time customers are shocked.
Cindy Petrovich/ Office Mgr. Starbound Records: "There's been anger, there's been sadness, I've seen tears."
Everything in the store is discounted.
The music business has changed drastically and this store has felt it-- losing money the last four years. Matt noticed a few years ago, he might sell six copies of a CD by a certain, hard-to-find music group from the 70's.
Now he sells just one!
Matt Limburg/ Owner, Starbound Records: "It's got to be to the fact that people are getting it somewhere else, and most of it we feel are getting it for free because that very title is not going to be found in a box store."
Customers are going to the internet to find more and more of their music; many make free copies for friends... which means they're not shopping here!
Keith McCord: "What makes this store unique?"
Bob Wilson/ Customer: "Definitely the selection and the people, they're awesome. They're definitely going to be missed."
Same for Matt and Cindy-- this store, and music in general, has been their career for more than two decades. And it's not easy letting go.
Cindy Petrovich/ Office Mgr. Starbound Records: "Oh, all my life. Since I was very small it's been part of my life."
Matt Limburg/ Owner, Starbound Records: "It's been one of the greatest joys of my life to provide this, and the friendships that you've made over the years.. are something that are priceless."
Another piece of "Americana" going away. Last day of business: Saturday, September 17th.
