HMV Newcastle Grand Reopening: Celebrating Music, Print and Physical Media with Unique Magazines

With over 90 years of experience in the music and entertainment industry, HMV has witnessed many shifts in the world of physical media.

From decades of growth and shaping music culture, through the challenges brought by the rise of digital streaming, HMV has continued to adapt. Today, the brand has found its rhythm again with a leaner, vinyl-focused model that speaks directly to a modern audience of customers who are rediscovering the joy of owning something real, collectible and nostalgic.

Print, vinyl and physical media have all experienced a similar resurgence. After a brief period dominated by digital convenience, people are returning to the things that allow them to slow down and truly experience the moment. There is something special about putting on a new record from your favourite artist while settling down with a magazine in hand. It is the kind of simple, distraction-free moment that feels increasingly valuable.

Unique Magazines and HMV have shared a connection for some time now. At the heart of it is a shared appreciation for the real and reliable world of physical media.

On Saturday, we will be joining HMV Newcastle alongside our collaborators at Darkus Magazine to celebrate the store’s grand reopening and the ongoing partnership between our brands.

On the day you can expect an early ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly refurbished space, led by the one and only Cortney Dixon. This will be followed by live music performances from Cortney herself, Matt Fairley, A New Nowhere and Leazes, taking place between 12pm and 3pm.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to pick up a copy of the brand new Darkus Ones to Watch issue, which celebrates an incredible range of Northeast music artists and creative talent. You will also be able to meet the founder of Darkus, chat with the team from Unique Magazines, and enter our giveaway for a handpicked magazine and merchandise hamper curated by our team.

A Little About the Artists

Cortney Dixon
An artist, producer, songwriter and guitarist from the coastal town of South Shields. She has written and produced a body of work that blends her down-to-earth punk inspired DIY roots with a polished and aspirational pop sound. A fiercely creative and original artist, Cortney has built a world for herself where anything can happen.

Matt Fairley
A Northeast singer songwriter known for heartfelt lyrics and a timeless sound.

A New Nowhere
A UK alt rock and grunge band bringing strong 90s influences to their music.

Leazes
A Newcastle based alternative and indie band delivering punchy and energetic reflections on modern life through the perspective of twenty somethings.

These local artists will perform live at HMV to create an immersive atmosphere filled with great music and a real sense of community. It is an opportunity to meet both aspiring and established artists and enjoy the experience of music in person.

Unique Magazines will also be there on the day to encourage further discovery beyond the event itself. Just as vinyl collectors enjoy searching for their next record, our store in the heart of Swalwell offers the same sense of discovery through print.

Join us in celebrating music, print and physical media at HMV Newcastle on Saturday 28th March from 9am, with live music taking place between 12pm and 3pm.

If you cannot make it along on the day, you can still follow the journey. Our Music in Print campaign continues across our social channels through to mid-April, celebrating the connection between physical listening and reading, and the people who continue to support it.

Because nothing quite compares to real world experiences that bring people together through music, print and shared interests.