Record Parlor of Muncie aims to create good music and good vibes 

A new music store, Record Parlor of Muncie, has opened downtown, looking to provide access to good music and highlight artists from around the community.  

“We are mostly going to have used products, I am going to have some new releases as well, but my focus is on kind of the old school stuff just because that's what means the most to me,” Owner Derrick McNelly said. “People can expect to find a lot of good used records, as well as art, jewelry, plants, books and just good vibes.” 

Located on 125 E. Charles St. Suite 110, Record Parlor of Muncie had their soft opening the weekend of June 28, to introduce themselves to the public.  

McNelly grew up in Avon, Indiana, and moved to Muncie in 2008. 

“I moved up for Ball State originally and just stayed in town. I used to go to Dan’s Downtown Records when he opened here years ago,” McNelly said. “Then when he had to close, I just thought it was a shame we didn't have any place downtown. So, my vision was always to not just have a record store but make it a social focal point.” 

Music has always been big in McNelly’s life. His love for records started when he was younger and would spend quality time with his family in their home.  

“After dinner, it would just be me, my brother and my dad hanging out. A lot of times after dinner, we would just go in, and he would play records, and we would shoot pool,” McNelly said.  “Those are some of my earliest memories, just listening to very specific albums.” 

Before starting Record Parlor of Muncie, McNelly worked for himself selling insurance. He found himself growing frustrated with that path and decided if he was going to work for himself, it should be doing something that he is passionate about.   

McNelly had the idea of starting his own music store for a decade now, and took the next step in what he says was a “snap decision” to provide a space for Muncie residents. After talking about the decision for years, his wife pushed him further in the direction of making his idea a reality.  

McNelly then went to work. He found the location and worked on creating the space.  

“My favorite part of starting up was my parents coming up one day and helping me. Getting to have that support from them and be creative and building the racks with my dad. It made me feel like I was a kid again, helping my dad with projects, but it was the other way around.” 

The store provides a wide selection of records, CDs, tapes, books and more. Record Parlor also buys as well as sells. People can bring anything music related to the store and McNelly will re-sell those items.  

The shop also has a small art gallery, in which McNelly talked about using it as a space for bands to perform to a small group of viewers.  

“I plan on partnering with local bands and musicians, being able to showcase them, whether they have physical releases or doing unplugged sets in the store,” McNelly said. “My focus is local. I want to give back to Muncie because it's done a lot for me over the years.” 

Record Parlor of Muncie is planning a grand opening on the last Saturday of July. McNelly plans on having a musician play an acoustic set as well as showcase all that his store has to offer. McNelly is hoping that the shop responds well to the community and is optimistic that his store will continue to grow from here.  

“In my mind, I have always viewed music as something that's both essential and good for your health,” he said. “My hope is to provide a space for Muncie that can heal people in that way. If music is your thing, spread the word.” 

People can find Record Parlor of Muncie on Instagram as well as Facebook.  

Contact Kylee White via email at kylee.white@bsu.edu.