Each week, Behind the Counter speaks to an independent record store to ask about its recent favorites, best sellers, and noteworthy trends.
If you’re ever in the Minneapolis area, do yourself a favor and trudge through the epic snow drifts to the punk-rock institution that is Extreme Noise Records. Though it has experienced its share of tumult, including multiple moves and financial ups and downs, it’s still kicking out the jams—largely because of its devoted core of volunteers and supporters. We spoke with one such volunteer, Bryan Alft, who joined Extreme Noise shortly after it opened in the mid ’90s. He gave us his personal take on the continued success of Extreme Noise.
How has Extreme Noise survived when the record stores on which it was modeled (Epicenter Zone in SF and Reconstruction Records in NYC) have since closed?
It is hard to say, exactly. I’d say geography has played a part in our longevity. Minneapolis draws people from the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Iowa, and the Winnipeg area, so there is a pretty big customer base that is used to driving for hours to go to a show and buy some records. And I think we have been lucky to have a stubborn core group of volunteers who have held things together for 17 years.
What are some of your recent best-selling albums?
Nerveskade: s/t
Protex: Strange Obsession
No Statik: We All Die in the End
Steve Adamyk Band: Kapow
Mind Spiders: s/t
Deskonocidos: En La Oscruidad
The Ex: Catch My Shoe
Vaaska: Ruido Hasta Muerte
Low Threat Profile: Product #2
What is the music community like in Minneapolis? How do you see it stacking up against other American cities?
For its size, the Twin Cities has always been a really good place for music, with tons of venues and bands. In all genres, this area is pretty vibrant. The punk scene in Minneapolis fluctuates in size and scope of activity, but I think we have some really good punk and hardcore bands around here right now.
How have things changed since opening in 1994, and how have they stayed the same?
Over the years, we’ve broadened our selection to carry more metal, indie rock, and genres that don’t necessarily fall into the classic parameters of “punk.” And, after 17 years, we still have a steady flow of interested volunteers.
Do you support local artists and musicians? How?
We’ve always donated money or equipment to local show spaces. We also sponsor a number of shows each year. We just completed a series of free winter shows at the Triple Rock Social Club here in Minneapolis, which featured local bands. And, of course, we always stock as much local punk music as we can.
Are there any big future plans for the store?
To just stay focused on our mission: provide good records, support the scene, and keep the doors open. We will have our punk-rock flea market in May, and will probably do another series of free shows this summer.