Austin’s Waterloo Records Announces New Ownership and Relocation

Austin’s Waterloo Data, a cornerstone of town’s music scene since 1982, is getting into a brand new chapter.

After over 4 a long time because the heartbeat of Austin’s music tradition, proprietor John Kunz has introduced that he’s passing the torch to new homeowners—Caren Kelleher, Founder & CEO of Gold Rush Vinyl, and Austin entrepreneur Trey Watson.

Together with the change in possession, Waterloo Data can even be relocating to a brand new, bigger house at 1105 North Lamar this spring.

Waterloo Data has lengthy been a cultural hub for Austinites and guests alike, internet hosting in-store performances by artists like Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, and Nirvana and enjoying a pivotal position in co-founding File Retailer Day in 2008.

“My decades-long hope, dream and endeavor, has been for Waterloo Data & Video to dwell on eternally, persevering with to advertise Austin’s vibrant music tradition and neighborhood,” mentioned John Kunz.

“Now with this transition, all of my containers are checked: a brand new bigger residence, simply 5 blocks away; Caren and Trey purchase in as my new, gifted, native music business companions; all of my group are retained and they’ll achieve the chance for retailer possession; all the Waterloo Data hallmarks and traditions proceed on, together with innovation; and now as a minority associate and never sole proprietor, I get to work much less, and play extra. So thanks Austin!”

“John, Trey and I acknowledged this as a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to protect and develop an iconic music enterprise and to get to take action in a city all of us love,” mentioned Caren Kelleher. “John was one of many first individuals to welcome me to Austin once I moved right here to begin Gold Rush Vinyl and his friendship has been so essential over time. It means a lot to me that he and his spouse Kathy Marcus belief me to be a part of the following chapter of Waterloo.”

Trey Watson, a longtime Austin entrepreneur with a background in music and media, mentioned the shop’s legacy is a part of town’s cloth.

“Since 1982, Waterloo Data has been a big a part of the material of that soul as a small enterprise and as a spot the place individuals collect as a neighborhood to rejoice music. I’m honored and grateful that John Kunz has entrusted our group with guiding Waterloo into the longer term. We’ve got nice issues deliberate for all to expertise.”

The transfer to 1105 North Lamar marks a big improve for Waterloo, increasing its present 6,400 sq. ft. house by 50% to permit for bigger occasions, enhanced in-store performances, and improved parking choices.

The placement, beforehand occupied by Louis Shanks Furnishings and later a Complete Meals regional workplace, gives fashionable facilities whereas sustaining the shop’s proximity to downtown Austin and close by music venues. This enlargement underscores the dedication to maintaining Waterloo a key vacation spot for music followers and artists alike.

The transition comes at a pivotal second for Austin, a metropolis identified for its deep musical roots but additionally experiencing speedy progress as a world tech hub. “Austin has a soul about it that attracted me to maneuver right here over 25 years in the past and continues to attract individuals right here right this moment,” mentioned Watson.