Interview with Tony Smith - Owner of The Sounds of the Suburbs Record Store
Hi, my name is Tony Smith, I am originally from Acton West London, and now live in Ruislip Middlesex. I have worked all my life in the building trade as a carpenter, but just over 4 years ago, I decided to start up a second business as a record shop owner. Being passionate about music since a teenager, it is a dream come true, and now it is my only source of income.
Sounds of the Suburbs record shop is now my full time business.
First Punk Rock band you ever saw Live? Where/when?
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That would be the Jam at Wembley arena 1978, as part of a festival which also included
Generation X and Slade.
First Punk Rock Record you bought? What made you buy it?
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It was either Peaches by the Stranglers, (first punk record I was aware of hearing on the
radio), or In the city by the Jam (first punk I can remember seeing on the tv).
Favourite Venue for Live bands? UK or abroad
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That's got to be The 100 club, Oxford street London.​
Influences?
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if you're talking musical taste, then it would be the John Peel radio show, Record Mirror and Sounds (music press).
Any new bands impressed you and worth a shout out?
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Too many to list here, but the most newest, RED ANGER
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What’s the future look like for you and The Sound of The Suburbs shop?
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I always had in my mind a 5 year plan, we are now 4 and a half into that, and all heading in right direction. When we can, more live in stores, connecting more with bands, possibly even band management.
What is the craziest, most memorable thing you have seen at a show?
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It's a painfull one, at 58years of age, climbing barriers in front of the stage at Rebellion to get on stage with Menace and falling awkwardly on my back, funny now, but at the time, thought I'd done serious damage, and saw out the rest of the festival on strong painkillers given to me by landlady at B&B.
What do you dislike?
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Not a lot really, the new generation calling
records vinyls is one that springs to mind.
Guilty pleasure?
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No pleasure is guilty.
Is Punk Rock Dead?
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Not while I'm still alive.
Sounds of the Suburbs can be found at 110 Victoria Road HA4 0AL Ruislip Manor where you can purchase the first two Sound of the Suburbs session in vinyl.
Interviewed in November 2020
