Chamber 43 started in 2017 as a record shop and creative space in Central Jersey. I founded it with an incredible team around a simple philosophy — preserving music through vinyl and live performance, platforming art and artists, and connecting people with the hope of creating a space where people from all backgrounds could coexist, share in expression, and create together.

It was never just about buying and selling records for me. It was about discovering art and building something that was, and still is, authentic.

The store grew quickly between 2017 and 2021, shaped by the collective vision of my staff and the community that brought their own creativity, passion, and energy into it. It became more than I ever expected… a real community space. And like many small, independent places, it ultimately closed during COVID.

Today, I’m returning to Chamber 43 in a similar, but new direction.

I look around now and see how much of everyday life has become isolating. It’s more divided, more distracted, and less connected. That’s a big part of why now feels like the right time to return to Chamber 43.

Right now, we’re operating out of Metuchen as a private, appointment-only buying and shipping office, focused on purchasing vinyl collections and rebuilding inventory. This beginning phase is intentionally slower, more focused, and about laying the groundwork for what the next version of Chamber 43 becomes.

Chamber 43 will always be a collective vision. One that continues to evolve, shaped by the music and people around it, and the belief that physical spaces for culture will always matter.

So I guess this is me flipping to Side B.

-Dave