Cruel Noise Records

Cruel Noise Records is a second-floor Pittsburgh shop with a sharp point of view: punk, heavy metal and jazz, evaluated by hand rather than by shortcut. The store's existing FAQ covered the basics, but John's interview gives the page a much clearer sense of the shop's taste, buying standards and local DIY context.

The answers below keep that voice intact, including the blunt parts, because that is what makes the interview useful.

Interview with Cruel Noise Records

John, Cruel Noise specializes in punk, heavy metal and jazz - an unusual trio. How did those three end up as your core?

Those are the types of music that I like and that interest me. It isn't fun looking at records of bands that hold no sway in my ever devolving human brain. So what if I can make $200 on some Target exclusive colored vinyl of a Taylor Swift record? What does it make me feel? My time on Earth is relatively short and while I need to sell the records to make rent and eat is it really worth the crush of capitalism for the sake of capitalism that ensues when dealing with things I don't care about? Punk and metal are easy sells which is also helpful. Jazz doesnt move as fast but once true heads find out we have good jazz at reasonable prices they lose their minds.

You're on the second floor on Dobson St rather than a street-level storefront. How do people find you, and does that shape who walks in?

There is little to no random foot traffic so when people do walk through the door it is typically with intention. We do have some random folk who check us out because of the coffee shop below us and the comic book shop above us. I have been selling records at the location for 10 years and a lot of the customer base is word of mouth. Some people find us through google searches and Instagram but it is mostly other record and vhs freaks telling each other where the good stuff us.

Your buying is entirely hands-on: you have to see and touch every record. How did you land on that individual, no-shortcuts approach?

When I started selling records I had no idea what I was doing. I slowly figured out what works for me. Touching every record ensures that I know what I am getting and allows me to give whomever is selling their collection a reasonable price for what they have based off of the condition and what I think I can actually sell it for.

What's the most sought-after or surprising record that's come through in a collection?

A dead mint original pressing of SSD "Kids Will Have Their Say" was a real surprise. I am always surprised when a 40 year+ record comes in that has never been played especially when it is something as good as that album. Finding a Beatles "Butcher Cover" in a collection of otherwise junk records was a bit of an eye opener as well.

Pittsburgh has a gritty, storied punk and DIY history; who comes through Cruel Noise, and how's the scene now?

The scene is very up right now. The only thing lacking is good all ages venues. Bands like No Time, Illiterates and Speed Plans have made themselves the new face of Pittsburgh punk on an international level and EKGs, United Stare, Madman, Snarling Dogs, Ultimatum, Razorblade, Deadsky, Dukkha and many other are on the come up in a big way. I play in Peace Talks, De Rodillas and a new band called Martin and can say with great certaintly that being in a place with so many bands going so hard it definitely raises the bar. It was rare that a touring band comes through and is not blown off the stage but one of the locals.

Store credit pays more than cash. How do you steer sellers on that?

I don't steer people towards any option honestly. I just tell them the numbers and let them make up their mind for what makes sense to them.

Roughly what does a common record fetch versus something you're genuinely eager to buy?

I pay the same percentage for any records despite it being something I personally into or not. I try to be as fair as possible which is apparently not a common capitalist practice but also I am a particularly bad capitalist.

Punk lives on 45s and metal has deep 7-inch culture. Do you buy 45s, and 78s for the jazz side?

Yes, we go through tons of piles of 45s and 78s trying to find that needle in the haystack for all genres including jazz, funk and soul.

Since you inspect everything by hand, what condition problems most affect your offer, and should sellers clean first?

I would definitely suggest people clean their records first if they want the most amount of money for their records. I look out for scratches first and then warping. A lot of people bring in records they don't even realize are warped.

What do people most often misjudge about the value of their punk and metal records?

People look at discogs and see the top price something has sold for and think that is what they should sell their record for. Even worse people will look at Amazon and see people trying to rip off rubes by by selling at prices they have to know are unreasonable. Buying and selling records online is a different world than brick and mortar store. Real independent record stores have to pay rent and electric bills and have to appeal to a local population as opposed to online where you can certainly buy anything you want at anytime but are paying a premium for that convenience.

John Villegas
Cruel Noise Records
3138 Dobson St. Floor 2
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
412-621-1715

Last updated: 2026-08-21

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