Seattle’s Brent Amaker & the Rodeo will be releasing their new album Philaphobia on January 26th via Killroom Records.
Since forming in 2005, Brent has reveled in an idiosyncratic style that doesn’t fit into preordained categories. He’s a country singer whose band is known for dressing in matching black cowboy outfits, yet Amaker is more inspired by art-rock icons like Devo and David Bowie than the usual country mainstays. A Seattleite since 1997, he’s a Southerner by birth, yet Southern crowds are frequently puzzled by his ambitious, performance-art-based stage show and cinematic inspirations.
On the new album, Brent wrestles his demons and subverts frontier masculinity in his trademark baritone drawl in songs about his former marriage, and the evolving as a human that comes along with the territory — both good and bad.
To celebrate the release of the album, we invited Brent to participate in a special installment of VInyl Lives, our regular column spotlighting independent record stores around the country. For this edition, Brent shares a tale of his formative years and some of the record stores that have been a part of that journey. Along the way, he provides plenty of insight on his musical inspiration. Listen to the band’s new offbeat take on Devo’s “Gut Feeling” and read Brent’s tale of records, music, and discovery…
Hello, my name is Brent Amaker. I was born two months after the Beatles made their American debut on the Ed Sullivan show on February 9, 1964. Growing up, I heard stories from my parents and older brothers about that performance and other great moments in music. In fact, my dad even took me to see Elvis on his final tour, giving me memories, I would never forget.
I am the youngest of three sons, and my eldest brother, David, played a significant role in my appreciation for music. He’s an audiophile and responsible for exposing me to music during my early life. After college, David managed a Sound Warehouse in Oklahoma City, which was essentially the Amoeba Records of Oklahoma.
It was through my big brother that I discovered the world of vinyl. And he had all the connections. Even Van Halen made a stop at Sound Warehouse for an “in-store” appearance! David would bring me promotional copies of vinyl on a weekly basis. These were known as “cutouts” because the label would cut the binding of the album cover to prevent resale. I vividly remember him bringing me the first Duran Duran album before it was even on the store shelves. I listened to that record repeatedly for at least a year before anyone else knew about the band. The thrill of discovering new music, whether through my brother or by taking a chance on album art that looked interesting, became my life.
When I turned 18, I formed my first band, and all the influences from my childhood became a part of me. I was drawn to the sounds of DEVO, Kraftwerk, Gang of Four, Iggy Pop, and the Ramones. And it was all on vinyl. To this day, I believe that vinyl is the best way to enjoy music. There’s nothing quite like dropping the needle on a record and listening to a full album from start to finish. It’s how music was intended to be experienced.
In the 90s, I moved to Seattle and witnessed the decline of major record store chains as CDs replaced vinyl, and eventually, streaming replaced CDs. However, the independent record stores found a way to survive and even thrive. As CD sales dropped, true fans of music rediscovered (or discovered!) the magic of vinyl. The surviving record stores were there to provide the products and experiences that we craved.
It was during this time that I discovered Easy Street Records, my favorite independent record store in West Seattle. Located near where I live, Easy Street Records became a haven for music lovers like me. Its incredible selection of rare and hard-to-find albums have made it a treasure trove for collectors. I even stumbled upon a live record of Iggy Pop where David Bowie played in his backing band, a gem that I couldn’t find streaming anywhere. Easy Street Records represents the resilience and passion of the independent music community, offering a tangible connection to the music we love.
While Easy Street Records holds a special place in my heart, I can’t ignore the legendary status of Amoeba Records. With locations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Berkeley, Amoeba has become a mecca for music enthusiasts from around the world. During a visit to the Amoeba Records store in San Francisco (after enjoying a beautiful walk-through Golden Gate Park), I was overwhelmed by its vast size and diverse collection. From mainstream hits to obscure gems, Amoeba had it all. Exploring the store for hours, I discovered new artists and expanded my musical horizons. It was an experience that every music lover should have at least once in their lifetime.
Another independent record store that left a lasting impression on me was Waterloo Records in Austin, Texas. I had the opportunity to visit Waterloo while performing at South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival. It is an energetic hub for music lovers. In addition to a massive selection of vinyl records, Waterloo Records hosted live performances during the festival. It is proof of the power of live music and the sense of community that independent record stores foster.
In a world dominated by streaming platforms and digital downloads, Easy Street Records, Amoeba Records, and Waterloo Records represent the power of vinyl. These record stores provide more than just a place to purchase music; they offer a sense of community, discovery, and connection. In my world, I call it family.
So, if you ever find yourself looking for a truly honest musical experience, I encourage you to step into an independent record store. Lose yourself in the rows of new and vintage albums, let the sound of the needle drop move you to a different time and place. Because in that moment, you might just understand why vinyl is not just a format, but a way of life.
