JIM CARROLLon music
Independent record store survives, in Cork arts centre
Cork’s Plugd Records is set to re-open later this month. The record shop’s new home is at the Triskel Arts Centre’s temporary location in the ESB substation on Caroline Street. Plugd will then move with the Triskel back to the latter’s renovated and expanded space in Christchurch in 2011. Plugd’s Jim Horgan says the hook-up between the two has been a possibility for a few years.
“I had a few tentative conversations with the general manager, Ben Cuddihy, and it seemed we both wanted something to happen. We had been co-promoting occasionally and the Triskel hosted a few Plugd gigs.
“Last year, the Triskel relocated for renovations and Plugd closed. During this time, we talked more, until the Triskel director Tony Sheehan brought it together and made it happen.”
Horgan explains that it was increasing rent and rates that caused the shop’s demise.
“The main reason we closed was less to do with a decrease in sales and more because of continuing high overheads and rent in a limited space. The new rent for twice the size works out at about a quarter of what we were paying previously.”
It will be business as usual for Plugd at the Triskel from August 28th. “It will be same range of music as always,” says Horgan. “We will take advantage of the extra floor space by introducing elements of visual art, design, film, magazines and books into the shop.”
And Horgan believes the link with the Triskel will be positive for both parties.
“If you ask anybody in Cork about the Triskel, they will give varying opinions on what they would do differently, yet everybody has been to something there they were into. There is a sense that the Triskel has a lot of potential that hasn’t always been realised. By hosting ourselves, the Black Mariah and Corcadorca, I think the Triskel is well on its way to reaching its potential.”
myspace.com/plugdrecords
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