Teesside’s last vinyl record shop, Sound It Out, to close following owner’s death

The last independent record store in Teesside is set to close after the death of the shop’s owner, Tom Butchart.

Opened in 1996, Sound It Out has become an iconic record shop for locals however since Butchart’s death in June, the shop is planning to close at the end of the month.

Confirming its closure on Facebook, Butchart’s wife Clare said: “It is with great sadness I announce Sound It Out Records will cease trading from the 31st August 2023.

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“It has not been an easy decision,” Clare adds. “The shop was Tom’s baby and his passion of which I am and always will be immensely proud. Sound It Out Records died with Tom that day. Tom’s memory will last forever in your hearts, memories and especially in the music you play.”

The remaining stock from Sound It Out will be sold via an auction through Vectis Auction with Joanne McDonald, Catalogue Department Manager for Vectis saying: “We were extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Tom Butchart. We knew Tom, being local and his passion for vinyl being shared by us.”

She adds: “It will be sold over several auctions (as it is a vast quantity). Details will be posted on our website and social media over the forthcoming months.”

Sound It Out was the subject of the self-titled 2010 documentary highlighting the importance of independent record shops from director, Jeanie Finlay.

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“Teesside, a cultural haven in one of the most deprived areas in the UK,” the documentary synopsis reads on BBC Four.

It adds that the film is a “distinctive, funny and intimate film about men, the North and the irreplaceable role music plays in our lives.”

Watch the trailer for the documentary Sound It Out featuring Tom Butchart below. Find out more about the Sound It Out’s auction here.

Becky Buckle is Mixmag’s Multimedia Editor, follow her on Twitter