A NEW vinyl shop has opened in Hexham.

Hexham resident Matty Stokoe has opened his first business Elev8 Records UK on 16b St Mary's Chare after seeing an increase in demand on his online shop.

The 27-year-old opened the business on Saturday, July 22.

As well as running the business at the shop and online, Matty also spends his time as a Music Producer, DJ, Remixer at Statik UK, and Project Musician at Sage Gateshead.

"It all started last year online and it just made sense that the next step was to get a shop for it," Matty said.

"I have always been interested in music and DJ'ing came into my life when I was 17.

"I always knew it was going to be a career for me.

"One of my friends had a DJ set and it was then that I found my passion for vinyl.

"I then started my collection of vinyl records and it's grown into a business.

Hexham Courant:

"Vinyl is definitely back and it hits differently to digital versions, plus it helps gather a certain group who are interested in the item and brings them together.

"Everyone loves the tangible item.

"There are a lot of records that never got digitalised, so you wouldn't be able to find them on music platforms such as Spotify or anywhere else - that is the magic of vinyl.

"I wanted to stay in Hexham as it is my hometown and I wanted to bring something different to the high street, something that is new and offers a new service."