Sound Shop silenced

THAT RETAIL CHICK: Desiree Williams (left) and Anthony David at Sound Shop in 2007
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For 20 years, Sound Shop in the Mall West End was more than a record store. It was a place to network, learn and grow; it was a breeding ground for emerging urban talent in Atlanta.

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“It was Grand Hustle CEO Jason Geter having a conversation with former Sound Shop manager and current Block Entertainment President Rico Brooks about retail,” says Desiree Williams, another enthusiastic former manager who worked at the location for 14 years until it closed from economic strain Dec. 27. “It was DJ Drama trying to understand how retail works and how to market in a retail environment. It was a learning experience for people that are making a whole lot of money now.”

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Other local artists gained their entry into the music business working on the opposite side of Sound Shop’s counter. Singer and songwriter Terrence “Scar” Smith (Mario, John Legend), producer Chuck Harmony (Rihanna), and DJ Jelly are counted among those who got their start operating the cash register at the industry incubator. Located smack dab in the ‘hood, it was frequented by trendy college students from the Atlanta University Center, newbie promoters and industry execs alike. Most notably, it was a place for fans to purchase music.

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(Photo by Alan Friedman)