Wales’ best independent record shops

Music fan? Then it’s time to plan your pilgrimage to Spillers. Founded in 1894, it’s famously the oldest record shop in the world and an integral part of Cardiff’s buzzing music scene. It’s a major supporter of local acts and labels and a hub for both fans and artists – countless bands have got together thanks to ‘musician wanted’ ads on the shop’s noticeboard. Originally located on the Hayes, Spillers moved to larger premises in Morgan Arcade in 2010 and now hosts instore performances from visiting artists alongside its stellar selection of vinyl and CDs.

Local listen: Gwenno

With stints in both girl-group The Pipettes and as a touring musician with Elton John, no one could accuse Cardiff-born Gwenno of a lack of eclecticism. Her solo work is just as varied. Singing in both Welsh and Cornish, her ethereal synth pop has won the hearts of fans and critics alike. Her 2022 album ‘Tresor’ was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize, while she marks the release of her latest LP ‘Utopia’ with an instore performance and signing at (where else?) Spillers Records.

Owned by former punk Matt Davies, Tangled Parrot is an award-winning record shop well known for supporting local artists and Welsh language acts. Living up to its idiosyncratic name, Tangled Parrot is something of an industry maverick. While you will find plenty of mainstream releases on its shelves, expect to also discover more out-there artists from music’s more extreme fringes – plus an impressive choice of rare, second-hand discs. As well as the main Carmarthen shop, you’ll find Tangled Parrot shops in Swansea and in Hay on Wye.

Local listen: Adwaith

Carmarthenshire-born, three-piece Adwaith have already landed two Welsh Music Prize wins in 2019 and 2022 for their albums ‘Melyn’ and ‘Bato Mato’. Don’t be surprised if they make it three out of three with their latest ‘Solas’, an ambitious double-LP released in February 2025. Singing in Welsh, Adwaith’s unique style of spiky but danceable poppy post-rock has seen them sell out shows across the country, as well as heading out on tour with fellow Welsh legends Manic Street Preachers.

Andy's Records has been a fixture on Aberystwyth’s music scene since 1985. The lively university town of Aberystwyth has an unquenchable thirst for great tunes, which Andy’s is more than happy to satisfy. Have a dig through the bins and you’ll discover sought-after rarities, new releases and banging bargains. As well as rare, big-ticket vinyl, there’s plenty of affordable discs you won’t mind getting out at a student party. Genre-wise, expect plenty of rock – alongside a varied selection electronic, pop, hip-hop and folk.

Local listen: Georgia Ruth

Born in Aberystwyth, Georgia Ruth is a modern folk artist who sings in both Welsh and English who won the 2013 Welsh Music Prize in 2013 for her debut album ‘Week of Pines’. Her latest album ‘Cool Head’ features a who’s-who of Welsh collaborators including Sweet Baboo, Euros Childs and Iwan Huws of Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog – and was nominated for the WMP in 2024.

Sat close to the sea on our north west coast, Cob Records is one of Wales’ most famous independent record shops. Trading since the late sixties, it got ahead of today’s online shopping trends and was shipping as many 7,500 records a week to customers all over the world by 1971. Today. It’s a browsers’ paradise, with a cosy interior packed floor-to-ceiling with just about any record you can imagine. Don’t be overwhelmed, just give yourself enough time for a proper look around and you’re sure to emerge with some great finds under your arm.

Local listen: H.Hawkline

You might speculate that Huw Evans’ indie-folk wonky-pop sound was influenced by the formative years he spent growing up on the coastline of North Wales. Listen for yourself. He’s received multiple nominations for the Welsh Music Prize, most recently in 2023 for his latest album Milk for Flowers. He’s also collaborated with artists like Cate le Bon (another Welsh Music Prize nominee) and Aldous Harding.

Diverse is something of a haven for audiophiles. As well as selling an impressive collection of new and second-hand releases on CD and vinyl, the shop specialises in high-definition releases for the more discerning listener. You can take your pick from high-quality reissues on heavy-duty, crackle-free vinyl, crystal clear Blu-Ray audio discs and CDs in super-crisp SACD and SHM-CD formats. The shop even has it’s own, vinyl-only record label and stocks a range of cleaning and maintenance products to help keep your turntable and record collection on pristine condition.

Local listen: L E M F R E C K

The Newport rapper won the Welsh Music Prize in 2024 for his album ‘Blood, Sweat and Fears’. The underground artist drew inspiration from his local community to create a dense and soulful blend of hip-hop and R&B, building on a profile that saw him featured on BBC’s Ones to Watch list in 2021 and being named Introducing Artist of the Year 2023 by BBC Radio Wales.

For more contemporary music from Wales check out Creative Wales' monthly music playlists, with fresh sounds from emerging and established artists across Wales – both in Welsh and English.