Page 15 - 368649 LP250851 NE Volume Magazine (170mm x 245mm 52pp) November 2022

Obi Studios is a tattoo studio and vinyl record store combination
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT NOVEMBER 2022
OBI STUDIOS SEDGEFIELD
Obi Studios in Sedgefield is a tattoo studio and vinyl record store combination that opened earlier this year. While the hybrid nature of the business is an obvious USP, the passion and care which really strikes through on a visit to the studio are the critical aspects of the endeavour’s appeal. Obi’s, popping up in the County Durham village this year, is indicative of the winds of demographic change blowing throughout the country and, indeed, beyond. A relatively conservative and somewhat sleepy centrality where I grew up until the age of 10, it would be hard to imagine the store, tucked away just off the corner of the village’s high street like a welcoming secret, taking pride of place at points in the past. Today, tattoos and vinyl collection alike are widespread and continually growing pursuits, with collectors of body art and musical art alike reflecting a deep longing for the corporeal amidst a heavily and increasingly digitised society. Vinyl is, after all, a piece of artwork as much as they are embodiments of the music within, and thus reflects a habit of collecting and listening to music that baulks at the streaming revolution. This was as evident as ever to me when peering across Obi’s shelves. Beautifully arranged, a diverse array of big-name records, classics from countless genres and new tracks stood before me. The sourcing and arranging of these records is a DIY affair, with each vinyl also thoroughly and carefully cleaned, where appropriate, before being priced reasonably and in accordance with their condition. Small touches beyond such loving preparation enhance the sense of being in the right hands; an artist’s impression of MF DOOM adorning the shop did not escape the eye of the hip-hop aficionado in me. For the record, no pun intended, I was able to pick up both parts of Lil Peep’s ‘Come Over When You’re Sober’ on double vinyl in new condition after perusing, a surprise which acted in microcosm of the excitement both finding and entering the store promises for vinyl lovers. On the tattoo side, a waiting list speaks of the demand for tattoo artist Abigail Rose’s services, which are showcased impressively across Obi Studio’s social media footprint along with the most enticing new vinyl arrivals. Facebook (obi. studios.sedgefield) and Instagram (tattoo.obi and vinyl.obi) are central planks of the business model, keenly displaying the artistry, attentiveness and enthusiasm behind both halves
of the studio. MICHAEL JOHNSON
Visit: Facebook.com/obi.studios.sedgefield
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT // NE VOLUME MAGAZINE // 15