Real Deal Records evolved from mere store to an east Vancouver hotspot where local musicians showcase their talent, because of the owner's passion.
With Real Deal, owner Jeff Deal has been able to surround himself with music and give his customers the same experience. Vinyl records spin out sound, music posters choke the color out of turquoise- and silver-painted walls, and above Deal's perch behind the counter is alist of local bands set to give live performances.
His job is one that seems freewheeling and fun, so very "HighFidelity." It's still a job, but he uses it to spend time getting to know local band members and sell their CDs. That, in turn, has made all the difference.
Working as an independent music store owner is a stark contrast to Deal's previous career.
After 20 years and countless injuries from working as a pile driver, he had to get out.
"Physically, I just couldn't get out of bed anymore," the 44-year-old said. "I don't need an SUV, a big house. ? I'm trying to achieve happiness and eke out a living."
So the Vancouver man set out to find a retail storefront to sell new and used CDs, vinyl records and posters. He wanted to tap east Vancouver, where big-box retailers line arterial streets.
When he found a small strip mall inhabited by lingerie shop Private Lives and pipe store Mary Jane's House of Glass, he knew it would work.
"They've got the sex, they've got the drugs. They needed the rock and roll," he said, laughing.
After nine months, the shop brings in enough money to cover the light bills. The real payoff for Deal, however, was getting the chance to do what he wants. It's Deal's love of music that has drawn artists to his store. He is immersed in music as a fan. He loves listening to it, reading about it and talking about it.
His copies of Rolling Stone and Blender are tattered.
"He is an absolute wealth of information," said Robin Brantley, lead vocalist for Ruby Red, a Vancouver rock band.
Brantley got to know Deal after performing at his store.
"To have somebody who is so eclectic and diverse. I mean, I can go in there, and he can have a detailed conversation about the bassist for The Who. It's really incredible," she said.
Deal isn't just into 1960s British rock. He's got an affinity for punk; he used to be into jazz and reggae; and he can talk about artists ranging from hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash to country rockers the Dixie Chicks.
His collection is just as varied.
"A lot of the stuff I sell, you can't find at your Wal-Marts and Targets," he said.
A ledge lining one wall holds a long row of new vinyl albums, which are gaining in popularity but are still hard to find at most music stores. Popular records such as The Gorillaz's "Demon Days," Bruce Springsteen's "We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions" and WillieNelson's "Countryman" share the space.
For Deal, the demand for new vinyl is exciting. With iPods and MP3players leaving CD collections to collect dust, records are once again becoming the form of music worth the investment, Deal says.
He picks up Radiohead's "Kid A" album and slides the large vinyl out of the cardboard case as he strolls to the back of the store.
"Some people think CDs sound better than vinyl, but they don't even come close," he said. "CDs are like putting toast in the toaster.Putting on a record is such an experience."
He places the record on the turntable, delicately drops the needle and steps back and smiles. Two teenage boys barrel down the sidewalk,one on a skateboard, and stroll into the shop. They stop by regularly and want to know if Deal has anything new today.
Deal shows them some new Kurt Cobain posters while a young father walks in with his two young daughters.
He makes a point of connecting with all of the customers, getting a feel for what type of music they like. He's working to build his second-hand collections.
"You can never have too much Hendrix, Cash, Beatles or Pink Floyd," he said.
Most of the new CDs he carries are local bands' albums. Carrying their music and allowing the in-store performances have made Deal a must-know for the local music community.
To make way for the performances, Deal pushes the vintage furniture he keeps in the back of his store out of the way. Guests flip through racks of CDs while the bands set up. Deal said the biggest struggle with the shows is that since they're free, it's hard to guess how many will show up. So, he always hires a doorman and makes sure not to go over his allotted capacity. At some shows, he's had to turn people away. "He's been good to us," said Kevin Nettleingham, lead vocalist and guitar player for Vancouver's The Martindales. The four-man band played at Real Deal on a Friday night in June.
Nettleingham also owns a production studio and a small record label.He says the support from a local retailer is helpful for bands that struggle to gain fans in Clark County's dearth of live music venues.
"It's hard for independent artists to get their music distributed and heard," Nettleingham said.
That struggle is a familiar one for Deal. A former musician himself,he, too, is trying to find a way to meld his passion and a paycheck.
[Resoucre http://www.columbian.com/lifeHome/lifeHomeNews/07162006news43286.cfm]
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