Andy’s Records

Andy’s Records has moved into a larger space at 16 N Whitney Street, but the Grayslake main-street feeling is still central to the shop. Nick Rush describes it as a place built around records, live music, local art, and regular community events.

Interview with Andy’s Records

Andy’s Records is now around the corner from the Freeze, after starting across from it. How does being part of downtown Grayslake shape the shop?

We are actually right around the corner from the freeze now. We spent our first year in a very small space across the street from the freeze but moved over to a larger, more traditional retail space at 16 N Whitney Street in April 2024. We love being a part of the downtown Grayslake community. It’s part of the reason we have so many regular events at the store, including our monthly live music shows and vinyl listening club.

You buy, sell, and trade across every format: LPs, 45s, 78s, CDs, tapes, even 8-tracks. What is the strangest or best thing that has come in?

Earlier this year, I was able to connect a collector selling a whole bunch of autographed and specialized “Ides of March” stuff with the daughter of one of the band members who just happens to be a friend of mine. That was pretty different and cool.

You host free, all-ages in-store performances, including throwback 90s grunge and more. How central are those shows to what Andy’s is about?

The live shows are a huge part of Andy’s Records’ identity. As I mentioned earlier, we have a great community here in Grayslake and specifically at Andy’s Records. The live shows, which you can see in the store as well as on our YouTube channel, are the heart of that.

You have shown local artists’ work on the walls too. How much is the shop a community space versus a store?

We feature a new featured artists work on our walls every two months. Again this is part of our community oriented mentality. We want your Andy’s Records experience to be all about music, art, and community.

All genres are in the bins. What do Grayslake and the north suburbs reach for most?

Classic rock and alternative/indie rock are always the most popular but I will say Grayslake and Lake County seem to show up pretty hard for the hard rock and metal as well.

Alongside records you sell turntables, speakers, and accessories. How much of your crowd is just getting into vinyl?

Yeah, we sell a good amount of turntables to people who are first timers. It’s really great to see so many people of all ages getting into it for the first time.

When someone wants to sell records, what is the best way to start, and what makes a collection an easy yes?

It may seem daunting, but if you want to sell your records, the best place to start is by making a list. That list will make it very easy to find out if people want to buy your collection. An easy “yes” collection is a bunch of great titles that have been well cared for and are still in great shape.

First visit to Andy’s Records: what should someone dig through first?

First thing I do entering any new record store is look up. That’s usually where most stores will have the rarities. I checked to see if they have any rarities that I’ve been looking for first, and then I head to the new arrivals bin to see their new used stuff. I would do the same thing entering Andy’s for the first time.

Last updated: 2026-07-27