Sick City Records Fights to Keep the Music Vibrant Amidst Closure Concerns

Just a few storefronts away from the now-vacant Button Mash, Sick City Records faces an uncertain future as it struggles to remain open after nearly two decades of service to the Echo Park community.

The record shop has been a staple in the area, known for its eclectic collection of rare vinyl, vintage band t-shirts, and unique haircuts from its dedicated barber chair. However, rising rent costs and a decline in foot traffic have placed significant financial strain on the business.

“We’ve worked so hard for this. We’ve been doing this for 20 years. We have to fight to keep this place open — it’s what we love to do,” said Jesse Lopez, co-owner of Sick City Records.

Lopez and business partner Brian Flores attribute their challenges to a difficult year. In January, the Eaton and Palisades fires kept their shop desolate for nearly a month. Furthermore, as summer approached—a typically busy season for record shops—ICE raids began occurring across the city, impacting local commerce.

“It was like the streets were filled with large fleets of cars all summer, with loud sirens trying to scare people,” Flores explained. Recent data from the L.A. Economic Equity Accelerator and the L.A. County Economic Development Corporation revealed that 43% of Latino business owners in the county reported revenue losses of 50% or more since June.

“No one was walking around. It was June. Nobody’s walking their dog,” Flores remarked. “In this whole shopping center, everybody is an immigrant.”

By October, the record shop’s finances had hit an all-time low, as Lopez and Flores found themselves two months behind on rent. Their inventory became stagnant, and regular barber shop clients dropped off, making the prospect of closing more real than ever.

In a bid to revive their business, the duo has secured a vendor spot at the monthly Rose Bowl Flea Market, initiated a series of collaborative fundraisers with local artists, and launched a GoFundMe campaign.

Since opening in 2006, Sick City Records has been synonymous with rock, punk, and alternative music, showcasing bands like the Velvet Underground and Siouxsie and the Banshees. The interior is adorned with artwork reflecting this aesthetic—wheatpasted skulls and racks of band merchandise line the walls.

“A lot of stuff’s been sitting here for a long time,” Flores said, gesturing to the half-filled genre crates. “We try to make what we can. We make our own buttons. We do our own silk screening.”

In response to customer demand, Sick City has expanded its inventory to include various genres, from country to jazz. The shop usually attracts visitors during summer and events like the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

“Truthfully, this year we haven’t had that many tourists,” Flores noted. “But this year, without tourists, it’s still slow.”

The shop’s commitment to promoting local sounds remains strong, a foundation that dates back to when Lopez and Flores first sold vintage band tees at the Melrose Trading Post in 1999. Over the years, they pivoted toward music, establishing their first barbershop/record shop in Silver Lake. As the vinyl revival gained traction, they capitalized on rising interest, further developing their business.

By 2008, with increased sales and popularity, they expanded and relocated to Echo Park, eventually operating as a record label, supporting numerous local bands in their recording and promotional efforts. One early collaboration was with the High Curbs, who later returned for a performance at the annual Echo Park Rising festival.

“We felt the love back,” Flores recalled of their reunion.

Once thriving, the business reported monthly revenues of around $8,000 at its peak, but it has since dwindled to approximately $2,000, with customers averaging only $10 per visit. Meanwhile, the challenges posed by the pandemic have intensified, with rent climbing from $1,800 in 2020 to $3,500 today—a reflection of ongoing gentrification within Echo Park.

Flores lamented the loss of many small businesses, highlighting how rising costs have impacted the local landscape. “There are a couple of small coffee shops, like Woodcat, that are still there. But Spacedust is gone. Cosmic Vinyl is gone,” he stated.

To combat these challenges, Sick City Records has scheduled fundraisers and flea market appearances, including an art show titled “Hold On to Your Friends” on December 13. The event will feature live DJs, local artists, and vendors, with all proceeds aimed at sustaining the shop’s operations.

“Hopefully, people don’t forget about us,” Flores said. “We’re just trying to keep the music alive, keep a good vibe, and promote the music community.”