Y-Que Trading Post
Y-Que is a record store and
screen-printing store
Y-Que specializes in older unique
vinyl records
Often the vinyl selection draws in
customers, and their eclectic
designs encourage the customer
to spend more time in the store
Y-Que also offers cheap screen
printing with no minimum
purchase, which can offer a great
resource for indie artists
The Extended Play Album
This album is considered
an extended play because
it is longer than a single,
but shorter than an album.
Typically, EPs feature
around 2-5 songs and play
for less than 30 minutes
(Marshall, 2019).
The Long Play
Album
This album is considered a long play
because it is longer than the
traditional EP. Though it is shorter
than some LPs, it still features over 5
songs and is considered an album.
Many critics argue that an LP must
be longer than an album, but the
general consensus agrees that an
album constitutes an LP (Marshall,
2019).
Do they offer
consignment to
artists?
Y-Que is pretty selective about
the artists that they allow
consignment. However, people
that support the store and
become friends with the owner
can quickly find a way to sell
their merchandise in the store.
Featured in the photo is a Zine
created by a local artist who is
friends with the owner.
Record Store Day
While I was unable to find any
current vinyl records from Record
Store Day, the clerk let me know that
they participate in the event every
couple of years. Since the store
focuses on older unique records, one
would not typically expect to find
traditional Record Store Day vinyl at
this store. The clerk mentioned that
they plan to participate in Record
Store Day in April 2023.
Image from Music Connection Magazine
Events
While Y-Que does not hold
traditional events, they often
open their doors for poker
night. Every now and then the
owner will have a free record
day, where he rolls a record
cart outside and allows
customers to grab what they
want. The owner is all about
sharing art and allowing others
to enjoy great music.
Image from Y-Que Trading Post’s Facebook
SWAG
Y-Que often tries new
ideas for SWAG.
Last week, they were
offering these pins for free
for anyone who made a
purchase at the store. The
P-22 Mountain Lion is
special to those living in
Los Feliz because it is the
only mountain lion to travel
from the coast all the way
to Los Feliz.
SWAG
(continued)
Last time I went to Y-Que,
they had this wheel out to
get free stuff. The owner
would offer free tote bags,
t-shirts, sunglasses or a
discounted purchase.
Y-Que is also quick to give
away free items for no
reason. I bought two shirts
when I went today and
came out with a free hat.
They even gave me the
Quincy Jones album for
free.
Lack of
Promotional
Materials
& Reflection
Unfortunately, I was unable to find any promotional
material at Y-Que Trading Post. The clerk
mentioned that they will occasionally promote local
shows in the area with flyers.
Ultimately, this store would not be ideal for a local
indie artist’s album release. However, I see
potential in the store. Perhaps with a lot of
discussion and planning with the owner, this store
could act as a proper venue. They have enough
space for live music in the back, and after building
a bond with the owner, it is likely that he would
allow consignment and promotional materials.