The more I explore the world of music, the more I realise that the answer is often less than I think. Music holds a profound emotional power over us. And it’s easy to become evangelical about the things we love. I’m sure you’ve told someone, or someone has told you, “You have to listen to this!” But the truth is, the best way to curate a record store collection is to look beyond personal taste and embrace diversity. I’ve learned that the role of a record store owner is not to impose a simple, easily digestible narrative on the world of music. The better view is that our mission is to create a space where hundreds of different stories can unfold.
The Art Of Objective Curation
We live in an era where the economy feels tighter. And with it, conservatism and even authoritarianism creep into our shared cultural thinking. This environment shapes the way we think about music and limits the diversity of artists we seek out. I firmly believe that a record store can promote a robust, democratic exchange of ideas. Just as in society, music must reflect a wide range of perspectives, offering a place where many voices are heard. A record store should break down barriers, not reinforce them. We can champion a broad spectrum of authentic creative expression.
Knowledge Beyond What We Know
If you only stick to what you know, you’ll miss what you don’t. I’ve built a thriving business on this idea. This sentiment goes beyond commerce. As books like Thinking, Fast and Slow point out, intuition is a powerful tool. But it also has its limits. Objective curation can push beyond those boundaries. In this sense, objective curation means transcending personal preference to uncover what lies beyond. It challenges the known and welcomes the unknown.
Conclusion
Ultimately, what I’ve learned through owning Glitter Records is that objective curation is about discovery and personal growth. Not just for the people who walk through the door, but for me as well. It’s about pushing past limits. In a world where narrow thinking dominates the cultural landscape, I believe it’s more important than ever to create a welcoming space that celebrates diverse ideas, sounds, and voices.
