About

I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. Since I was 14, I’ve been going to concerts, hanging out in record shops, and listening to albums with friends. I learned to play drums when I was 13 then played in zydeco, indie rock, and country bands, and hosted weekly blues jams with my band Rough Mix. I recorded two albums with Buck Jones and Clem Chesterfield and the LA-Z-Boy Recliners. Music has always been the main focus of my life.

Back in 1985, I started working at the original Zap Records in Belleville. I hung out at the store so much I eventually started working there. I went to record shows in Toronto and Ottawa as often as I could. That’s where I learned the ropes - professionally cleaning records, repairing covers and grading vinyl using Goldmine standards. I loved helping customers to find good quality records for their collections and spending time with people who loved music as much as I do!

After several years in Belleville, I was ready to branch out on my own. In 1991, I chose Downtown Kingston because of its vibrant music scene, and the way the city is supported by students, tourists and locals. Zap Records Kingston has been in a few locations over the years: 77A Princess St, then 340 Princess St., and now 20 Montreal St. When I was first looking in Downtown Kingston in the 1990’s, 20 Montreal was the very first spot I wanted but it wasn’t available at the time. Now, after all these years, it feels like I'm finally home.

Many people ask me about Zap Records Cobourg. That store was opened by our friend Jim Jones in 1991, and is now owned by Tim Horgan. Now Jim runs Zapp! Productions, a concert production company and recording studio but you’ll often see him at the record store too. We all share the same Zap roots from working in the original shop, but each location is independently owned. If you are planning a record road trip through Ontario it’s worth making a stop at both Zap locations - its a perfect day trip for music lovers!

Today, I take pride in keeping Zap Records Kingston a music store where every record and CD is cleaned, graded, and priced fairly, and where you’ll find timeless classics alongside hidden gems you didn’t even know you were looking for.