Electric Fetus

Electric Fetus has been part of Minneapolis music culture since 1968. The store’s answers frame it as more than a place to buy records: a local family-owned institution, a Prince landmark, a multi-generational browsing space, and a store that has kept adapting while holding onto its culture.

Interview with Electric Fetus

Electric Fetus has been a gathering place since 1968. What does that history actually mean inside the store today?

For any store in the business of selling physical music that has been around as long as we have has experienced an extraordinary amount of change. Our success has been built on the mission of adapting to change so we can continue to provide the best experience and products that the current customer wants while at the same time maintaining the historical culture of the store.

Do different generations use the shop differently — same bins, different rituals?

That is an interesting and difficult question. I do not think the newest generation of music fans shop the bins any differently than the previous generation did when they were the same age. The younger generation tends to gravitate towards the hot new releases however, at the same time, they also are eager to discover older artists that they’ve never heard before. Either way, we have a multi-generational customer base. It’s all about the “experience” people have in the store.

What Minneapolis music stories still surface in the records people ask for or sell to you?

The most common is Prince. After his untimely passing in 2016, it became publicly known that Prince was a huge fan and loyal customer of the Electric Fetus. It has become a global destination for Prince fans to come and walk where he walked and shopped where he shopped.

Minneapolis also has a very local strong, musical artist representation. With the Rhymesayers and Doomtree umbrellas representing the hip-hop genre to the Jayhawks and Replacements among others representing the rock genre. Cornbread Harris representing the blues and jazz genre. Many of these artists have had and still do have connections with the Electric Fetus.

Has the definition of a "music head" changed now that younger vinyl buyers are a real force?

Not really. A “music head” no matter what or how they consume the art of music.

How do the gifts and media coexist with the records without the music side losing its identity?

The gift selection started in the 60s and 70s as more of an addition to the culture of music at that time such as the incense, beaded curtains, tapestries, lava lamps etc. Overtime as a music selection expanded so did the gift selection. We believe the gift selection is an expansion to increase the positive experience of the music store while providing a selection for everyone.

At your scale, what makes a collection genuinely useful when someone brings it in — and what condition details decide things?

A generally useful collection would be one that is in good condition, clean, popularity of the era and genre of music and the rarity of the records.

Condition is everything the jacket and artwork is just as important as the record and CD inside of it. You wouldn’t go to a used furniture store and buy a chair with 3 legs, would you?

Which section should people spend more time with when they visit?

If it’s your first time in the store or you don’t have the opportunity to come back very often, I would plan a longer than you expected visit.

Bring a friend with you. I’m certain that each one of you will find something you’ve never seen before whether that be a music selection item or gift selection item.

If you’re shopping for music, I would suggest to definitely save time for browsing our used selection. On Tuesdays, we run a promotion where money spent on new vinyl gets you free money credit towards used vinyl. There are some great deals to be had if you search the used and clearance bins.

Shopping in the gift selection I would suggest checking out our unique boutique clothing items. One of the best hidden gems in the city.

Someone's walking into Electric Fetus for the first time. What should they understand about the place?

First timers should understand that they are shopping a local family-owned institution. They should understand that that building has decades of historical moments passed through the same place they are standing. We strive to provide more than just your everyday shopping trip, but an experience with a memory.

FAQ

How long has Electric Fetus been around?

Electric Fetus has been part of Minneapolis since 1968.

Does condition matter when selling records?

Yes. Electric Fetus says condition is everything, including the jacket and artwork as well as the record or CD.

What should first-time visitors make time for?

The store recommends planning a longer visit, browsing the used selection, and checking out the gift and boutique clothing sections.

Last updated: 2026-08-21

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