E-Town Records: A New Haven for House Music Enthusiasts in Evanston
In a colorful twist of fate for music lovers in Evanston, a new record store dedicated to house music is set to make its entrance this fall. E-Town Records, situated at 2601 Prairie Ave. in the Central Street business district, is poised to become a local treasure, particularly for fans of Chicago’s vibrant house music scene. Although an official grand opening date has yet to be announced, excitement is already buzzing in the community.
A Grown-Up Dream
At the heart of E-Town Records is owner Dan Chiss, a 56-year-old Evanston native whose aspirations of opening a record store have been long-held. While he currently works in the technology sector during the day, Chiss has been selling records online and has experience curating music through a previous collaboration with Frolic & Detour, a vintage shop. His passion for music, especially house, runs deep.
Chiss’s keen eye for opportunity led him to the space previously occupied by an art gallery. When the gallery owner chose not to renew the lease, he seized the chance. “I felt like it was the right time to do this,” he shared, referring to the growing vibrancy of the neighborhood, partly galvanized by upcoming developments such as the new Ryan Field and nearby establishments like Tallgrass Corner Bar.
A Special Focus on House Music
What sets E-Town Records apart from other local record shops is its distinct emphasis on house music. While it will offer a wide range of musical genres, including electronic, funk/soul, jazz/Latin, hip-hop, rock/pop, soundtracks, and blues, Chiss aims to highlight the WBMX classics that pay homage to the legendary Chicago radio station known for promoting house music.
House music, a genre born in the early 1980s at the iconic Warehouse club in Chicago, features alluring tempos and has significantly impacted the global music scene. Chiss’s love for this genre took root in his teenage years while attending Evanston Township High School, where he DJed at the McGaw YMCA’s “FNL” (Friday Night Live) events.
A New Wave of Vinyl Retail
E-Town Records joins the ranks of existing local stores like Vintage Vinyl, Squeezebox Books & Music, and Animal Records in what is a compact but passionate vinyl community. While competition exists, Chiss views this as an opportunity rather than a threat. “I think there’s plenty of room for us all,” he explains. His shop, smaller and more curated than the others, will focus on offering a specialized selection that reflects the unique character of house music and electronic dance genres.
Building Community Through Music
Chiss envisions E-Town Records as more than just a place to buy records; he aims to foster a community around music. Plans are in place for casual events such as guest DJ performances, live podcast tapings, and gatherings next door at Tallgrass Corner Bar. “That’s the type of community building that I want to do,” Chiss said, hinting at a vision that reinforces the local music culture.
E-Town Records is already operating on an online platform, buying and selling records even before its physical doors open. This puts Chiss ahead of the curve in adapting to the modern retail landscape where online engagement is crucial.
A Look Ahead
With his recent hires, including a first employee, Chiss balances the demands of his day job in tech while gearing up to manage E-Town Records during evenings and weekends. He’s targeting a soft opening for September 27th, followed by a grand opening celebration likely to take place in late October or early November, allowing for enough time to fine-tune the inventory and engage with the community.
In a city where music is woven into its cultural fabric, E-Town Records is set to not only complement but enhance the auditory landscape of Evanston, promising a new hub for music lovers and house enthusiasts alike. The anticipation for this new venue echoes a sense of nostalgia while propelling the community toward a harmonious future enriched by the beats of house music.
