Gnarly Vinyls: The Trio Bringing Analogue Soul Back to Joburg

In a world of digital playlists, three friends from Kempton Park are proving that the ceremony of the needle and the thrill of the dig are far from dead. Gnarly Vinyls is a roaming record store that brings vinyl culture directly to markets across the East Rand.

 

How It Started

 

Founded in October 2025 by Bez‑Marie, Quintin Beling, and Sharon Lee Martins, the store started in Benoni before expanding to Irene Village Market. An Edenvale pop‑up is planned next. The name was inspired by the vibe of a K‑pop track, reflecting their love for unique, energetic music.

 

Each founder brings a distinct personality:

 

• Bez‑Marie – draws people in with enthusiasm and warmth

• Quintin – the music aficionado with encyclopedic knowledge, helping customers track down elusive pressings

• Sharon – the quiet force behind the scenes, keeping crates stocked and organised

 

Vinyl collecting is often seen as male‑dominated, but with two women leading the team, Gnarly Vinyls shows that the love of music knows no gender.

 

The Roaming Revolution

 

While they maintain an online store, the trio believes people want to feel the weight of the sleeve and chat with fellow enthusiasts rather than wait for a courier. Their pop‑up model puts them directly where the energy is.

They even send customers to other record shops to support the wider vinyl community. For now, they are focused on growing organically rather than opening a permanent location.

 

Where to Find Them

 

• Benoni: Regular market appearances
• Irene Village: Currently popping up
• Edenvale: Coming soon
• Website: gnarlyvinyls.shop
• Social media: Facebook for upcoming locations

 

Gnarly Vinyls shows that vinyl is more than nostalgia, it is community, culture, and connection.