Record shopping in San Jose has evolved significantly over the years, blending  old school with modern challenges like inflation. Here’s a recap of my recent visit to some of the city’s prominent record stores and a look back at some all-time favorites.

Streetlight Records Streetlight Records remains a staple for vinyl enthusiasts in San Jose. Their collection of vintage vinyl is vast and impressively organized, making it easy for visitors to browse through decades of music history. However, the stark reality of inflation hits hard when you see new albums priced at $40 or more. Personally, I’ve shifted toward DJ compilations, as they’re more space-efficient and offer a curated selection of tracks. Overall, Streetlight earns a solid 3.5 out of 5 for its organization and selection.

On the Corner Music Next, I visited On the Corner Music, a much smaller shop. While the store’s decor features old gear that adds a quirky charm, the limited space for records makes for a crowded shopping experience, especially with just five people digging through the crates. The lack of organization means serious digging is required, which might appeal to hardcore vinyl hunters but can be off setting for casual shoppers. I’d rate this spot a 1.7 out of 5.

Record Barn and Memories of the Past Driving by the now-closed Record Barn was a bittersweet moment. Once a haven for vinyl lovers, its closure marked the end of an era. Reflecting on my favorite (the best record shops) stores, Knight Sounds and Hit Factory stand out. Knight Sounds offered hours of browsing joy while you chatted with Carlos, while Hit Factory’s knowledgeable owner, Danny, always had the tracks you needed.

Final Thoughts For me, the best record stores offer curated compilations that deliver great value. As the vinyl scene continues to change, the joy of finding hidden gems and reliving musical memories keeps the culture alive.

Vinyl Is Way Different Than Digital

Vinyl DJing is a whole different ballgame compared to digital. If you can handle vinyl, transitioning to digital is a breeze—but the reverse isn’t necessarily true. Vinyl has a distinct feel that demands more precision and skill. For instance, while using the Technics MK7 turntable, I noticed a big difference from the MK2. The MK2’s speed control button lights up at standard speed, giving you a clear indicator, but the MK7 lacks this feature. It's a small but significant adjustment.

OG Bar in San Jose: A Vinyl DJ’s Paradise

San Jose's OG bar is the perfect setup for vinyl DJs. They go above and beyond with backup headphones, their own needles, and even decorative vinyl records that double as playable backups. Their Pioneer mixer is user-friendly, although I had a brief moment of confusion with the cue buttons—they’ve got two buttons above each channel. Once I figured it out, it was smooth sailing.

The sound quality was impressive. The speakers, complete with amps, filled the room with warmth, and you could occasionally hear the classic vinyl pop, which added to the atmosphere.

A Unique Venue Experience

What sets OG bar apart is its clever layout. The front area is a vinyl haven, designed for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts. As you walk toward the restrooms, you’ll discover a second space called Alter Ego with different music and a more relaxed vibe. It’s essentially two parties under one roof, allowing guests to switch scenes without stepping outside.

OG bar isn't just a venue—it’s a testament to the artistry and culture of vinyl DJing. Whether you're a seasoned DJ or just a fan of good music, it’s worth checking out.

Once you've explored the vintage offerings at Mantiques Shop, head over to Needle to the Groove, Fremont’s go-to record store. Mantiques has a record section  in front of the store. No new records but older used ones. Whether you're a seasoned vinyl collector or a newcomer to the analog music scene, Needle to the Groove is a must-visit for anyone passionate about music. With an expansive collection of vinyl records spanning all genres, from rock and jazz to soul, indie, and blues, you're bound to find something that speaks to your musical tastes.

What sets Needle to the Groove apart is its commitment to offering high-quality, well-maintained vinyl. The staff, who are passionate music lovers themselves, are always ready to assist you in finding that elusive album or introduce you to new music. With an ever-growing selection of records from local and independent artists, the shop provides a fresh, personal touch that larger stores simply can’t match. The store is small but filled of well maintained vinyl. They have signs  saying please treat the  vinyl nicely. Lots of sealed records there.

Why Fremont is the Perfect Destination for Record Shopping and Antiquing

A visit to Mantiques Shop and Needle to the Groove in Fremont is more than just a shopping trip — it’s a chance to connect with the past and present of culture, music, and history. Whether you're hunting for vintage home décor, looking to add to your vinyl collection, or just browsing for something unique, these two Fremont locations offer an unforgettable experience.

Fremont is becoming a true destination for those who love to explore the past through antiques and vintage goods, and for music lovers who seek the authentic sound and experience of vinyl records. Whether you're a local or visiting the Bay Area, make sure to carve out time for these two spots. You’ll leave with something special, guaranteed!

Prepping for a 4-Hour Vinyl DJ Set: The Art of Curating Your Collection

Preparing for a 4-hour vinyl DJ set in 2025 is a far cry from the days when I used to carry six heavy record crates to a gig. These days, I’m down to carry four crates. My arms and back will thank me later. The process has become an exercise in selection, as I’m faced with the challenge of narrowing down my collection of vinyl records.

In the early 2000s, vinyl was on its way out. While everyone else switched to CDs and then MP3s, I held onto vinyl, stubbornly resisting the digital revolution. By 2010, most of us had embraced digital formats, but I kept my records in case vinyl ever made a comeback. And though vinyl didn’t get lighter, its mystique never faded. The  experience of spinning a record on my beloved Technics 1200 turntables is something that MP3s can’t imitate.

When it comes to the music I’ll be bringing to my next set, the decision-making is just as tough. I’ve handpicked a selection of freestyle, 80s new wave, and some classic 90s R&B. No set would be complete without funk, so I’ve made sure to pack a few essential party tracks. But then, the dilemma: Should I take my 90s house records, or trade them for 2000s party anthems? I’ve always loved playing 90s house, but looking at the crowd, I’m betting the 2000s vibes will hit harder.

Ultimately, it’s all about reading the crowd and creating a memorable atmosphere. Whether you’re sticking with vinyl or moving into the digital realm, curating the perfect set takes time and intuition. I know I need to spend some time with my vinyl before my next vinyl show  but it feels good knowing I can  only play what I bring like the good old  days.

If you're looking to throw a vibrant Latin birthday party near East Los Angeles, Maywood is the perfect place to celebrate. Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting a lively 26th birthday bash for a birthday girl who truly knew how to mix the old with the new.

The party kicked off on a Saturday night, fueled by an epic Spotify playlist boasting 33 hours of non-stop music. This thoughtfully curated mix set the tone, blending classics and contemporary hits to keep the energy high all night. The birthday girl shared her favorite tracks, including a mix of her dad’s favorite tunes, making the playlist a beautiful reflection of her family’s musical heritage.

As the guests arrived, the music journey began with timeless old-school Spanish hits, creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and warmth. After the traditional birthday song, the party transitioned to current hip-hop tracks, bringing a modern vibe to the dance floor. Later in the evening, we brought it back to the roots with ranchera melodies that had everyone singing along. Finally, the night crescendoed with lively banda music, ensuring that the celebration ended on a high note.

A highlight of the evening was the special guest singer. She connected seamlessly with our sound system, delivering heartfelt performances and lighthearted jokes that had everyone engaged and entertained.

Planning a Latin birthday party in Maywood? Let the music be your guide. With the right playlist and a focus on blending cultural favorites with contemporary hits, your celebration will be unforgettable. Whether it’s ranchera, banda, or hip-hop, a well-rounded mix ensures there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Celebrate life and culture in style in the heart of Maywood, where every beat brings people closer together.

A few weeks ago, we received an exciting call from a local company looking to shake up their routine. They typically host a lunch event during the workday but wanted to do something fresh and fun after hours, inviting employees and their plus-ones to join. Their idea? A lively corporate DJ event at the Burbank Marriott.

We were thrilled to bring their vision to life. The company booked a room equipped with speakers and a mixer, and we seamlessly connected to their system for a quick and efficient setup. Our mission was clear: provide a night filled with energy, music, and lots of dancing.

The team specifically requested plenty of line dances, and we delivered! From timeless classics to upbeat old-school hits, the dance floor was packed all night. To make the evening even more special, we created a custom line dance tailored to the company’s name. It was a hit!

The evening wasn’t all dancing, though. The company’s big bosses took the opportunity to address the group, blending business with entertainment in a way that felt organic and engaging. It was a memorable night where team members bonded, celebrated, and enjoyed an unforgettable experience together.

If you’re looking to elevate your next corporate event in Burbank, a DJ can add the perfect mix of fun and professionalism. Whether it’s line dances, old-school vibes, or something entirely unique, we’re here to make your event extraordinary. Let us transform your gathering into a night to remember at the Burbank Marriott or any venue of your choice.

For the second year in a row, we hosted an unforgettable corporate event at the prestigious Capital Club in San Jose. However, this year’s celebration was bittersweet, as we learned the venue will be closing its doors at the end of the year.

The Capital Club has been a beloved spot, and I personally have had the pleasure of playing five times over the past two years. Known for its stunning panoramic views and lively atmosphere, it was always bustling with activity. On any given day, you could see 3-4 events happening simultaneously, a true testament to its popularity.

Our party was a great celebration. The evening kicked off with an array of delicious appetizers followed by a mouthwatering dinner spread. As the night progressed, we filled the air with festive cheer, spinning Christmas tunes and popular pop hits that had everyone humming along.

One of the evening’s highlights was the heartwarming segment where the boss read employee-written speeches—each one filled with appreciation and personal reflections. Afterward, the fun ramped up with a White Elephant gift exchange, which brought plenty of laughter and surprises.

We wrapped up the night with a light dance session, bringing everyone together on the floor to celebrate the season and the memories we’ve created.

As the Capital Club prepares to close, we are grateful for the incredible moments and events it has hosted over the years. Its elegance and charm will be missed by many, but the memories will live on.

Whether it’s corporate events, holiday parties, or personal celebrations, this venue has left a lasting impression on San Jose’s community.

Here’s to the Capital Club—thank you for the memories!

BWADJ had the pleasure of providing sound, entertainment, and some lighthearted comedy for a recent company party at the beautiful Silver Creek Country Club in San Jose. Serving areas like San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Gilroy, and Santa Clara, I brought the vibes and fun to an unforgettable company function.

A few weeks back, I was asked not only to DJ the event but also to sprinkle in some jokes and a short monologue—something most DJs might shy away from. But I was excited to go the extra mile! From fun shout-outs to the marketing team, sales team, warehouse crew, accounting, and purchasing departments, everyone felt included and celebrated.

The evening started with some Christmas music and some pop tunes during dinner, setting the festive mood. As the night progressed, the team got involved in interactive games like:

• Musical Candy Canes – A holiday twist on the classic game of Musical Chairs.

• Marshmallow Toss – Where team members tried to shoot marshmallows into buckets.

• Shake-Off Competitions – A hilarious team showdown that had everyone cheering.

To keep the energy high, they also hosted a White Elephant gift exchange.

After the games and laughs, it was time for the real fun: the dance floor! We turned up the energy with a mix of hits that got everyone on their feet. The crowd was having such a great time that we ended up going 30 minutes extra.

This corporate party was more than just a company event—it was about bringing teams together, celebrating their hard work, and creating lasting memories.