Established way back in 1981, MadCity Music Exchange in Madison, Wisconsin has changed ownership a few times, but its diverse selection and high level of service have remained just as high. Local weekly publication Isthmus recently bestowed its readers’-choice award upon MadCity, after fervent fans voted it the best in the area. Before current owner Dave Zero took the reigns in 2007, the store had run by Dave Benton since 1986. We spoke with Zero and learned what exactly makes Madison and MadCity great places for music.
What was your motivation for starting a music store? / What is your background in music?
I was a long-term employee and was lucky enough to be the first person that my boss, the previous owner, asked when he was interested in selling the store. I’m just another obsessive music fan that wanted to be around music as much as possible.
How has the Madison musical community changed over the years?
The musical community was greatly changed when we lost our beloved rock club, O ‘Cayz Corral, in a fire on New Years Day in 2000. It was a giant hole that has only recently started to feel closed. We now have a few places that are wonderful: High Noon Saloon, The Frequency, and Project Lodge. Within the past five years, there has been a great resurgence of a real DIY spirit with local bands, and we now have more great local bands than we might have ever had before. Those Poor Bastards, Midwest Beat, Burial Hex, The Hussy, Zebras, Shane Shane, United Sons of Toil, Second Family Band, Dead Luke…just to name a few.
How does MadCity support local art and music?
MadCity has always been part of the art and music scenes in town. Many of the local artists use the store as a a resource to hang out, hear new music, and meet others who are like-minded. We give back by selling local artists’ albums and contributing whenever we can, whether it be sponsoring shows, having in-stores, or lending a hand when needed.
Which albums has your store sold the most over the past month?
The new PJ Harvey has been a big seller. And all of The Black Keys‘ catalog seems to still be steady sellers. We also do well with the Afrobeat/Nigerian music compilations on labels such as Analog Africa and Soundways.
What are three albums that you’ve enjoyed recently?
I’ve been on a mellow kick lately: Absolutely Rock Steady by The Uniques and a lot of Townes Van Zandt.
I noticed you have a “Best Customer Quotes” list. What are a few of your all-time favorites?
Well, the all-time favorites are on there. I guess my personal-favorite quote/advice that a regular — a young kid with an old soul — said to me was, “It doesn’t matter if you are right. You just don’t have to care about being wrong.” So simple, so true.
Finally, are there any big future plans for the store?
We do have big plans for the future. Since I took over the store three years ago, we have been changing and growing all the time. In that time, I’ve learned to start with one idea and then watch how being able, or not able, to accomplish it will spark many more changes that I would have never thought of. So we do have future plans, but even I’m not completely sure what they’ll be.