More Than Magazines: Creating Conversations Through Physical Media at HMV.

More Than Magazines: Creating Conversations Through Physical Media at HMV.

Physical media is not just something we sell, it’s something we genuinely stand behind.
That’s why we were at the HMV Newcastle reopening. To support it, document it, and create space for conversations with the people shaping it.

From the opening of the store to the live performances throughout the day, the energy around physical media was clear from the outset.

As the North East’s largest magazine store, we see moments like this as an opportunity to step beyond our shelves and into the community. Through the conversations we had, one thing became clear: physical media, whether live music, vinyl or print, still offers something people are actively searching for, a real, tangible connection.

Throughout the day, we created space away from the noise to speak directly with artists and the HMV team. These weren’t surface-level exchanges, but honest conversations rooted in a shared appreciation for creativity and physical media.

The Power of Physical Media

From the very beginning, the connection to physical media was undeniable.

Speaking with Keith from HMV, his reflections on discovering magazines and collecting physical formats highlighted something deeper than just format, it’s about memory, experience and connection.

“I remember going into the school library and there were only a handful of magazines. You’d go straight to them. That feeling has always stayed with me.”

“It’s not just about the music or the content. It is the cover, the inserts, the feel of it. That is what makes it special.”

This idea carried throughout the day. Physical media is not just something to consume, it is something to experience. Much like live music, it offers something streaming simply cannot.

Being a Creative in the North East

Beyond the celebration of physical media, the realities of being a creative in the North East came through clearly.

When we spoke to Cortney Dixon, she shared the challenges many working-class artists face:

“It’s all about money. And who you know, not what you know… Sometimes it feels like a game of last woman standing. But I’ll be the last woman standing.”

It’s a reality many creatives across the region will recognise, and reinforces why creating space for these conversations matters. Through our own events, such as Print is Not Dead, we aim to support and spotlight creatives navigating these challenges.

For Leazes, the conversation reflected resilience and connection:

“Everything that could have gone wrong probably has, but we’ve just kept going. We’ve stuck together and we’re really proud of ourselves.”

They also spoke about their ambition beyond the North East, while staying rooted in it:

“We love being here and are proud of being a Newcastle band, but we do strive to be big outside the region too.”

This reflects a wider mindset of creatives in the North East, passionate, driven, and ready to take their work further. These are the stories behind the scenes, shaping the work we see.

Physical Media as Real Support

Another key theme was the role physical media plays in genuinely supporting artists.

“Streaming is important for exposure, but the reality is artists make very little from it. With vinyl, it’s different. People are choosing to support you, and you actually feel it.”

Physical formats don’t just deliver content, they build connection.

“Digital has its place… but physicality is what really connects you to it.”

Physical media becomes more than a format. It becomes a way of showing support, building connection, and creating lasting value.

The Stories Behind the Work

Across every conversation, there was a reminder that behind every piece of creative work, there is a story.

For Matt Fairley, that story came from an unexpected turning point:

“Breaking my back… changed everything. It pushed me to pick up the guitar.”

And A New Nowhere shared, what audiences see is not always the full picture:

“On stage it might look like confidence, but behind that there are still struggles.”

Creativity isn’t just about output. It’s about people, experiences, and everything behind the scenes.

Why This Matters

What stood out most was not just the celebration of physical media, but the conversations it creates. Honest conversations about creativity, struggle, identity and connection.

This tied directly into our Music in Print campaign, reinforcing the connection between print and vinyl, and the importance of physical media.

This is why we show up. To support physical media, create space for real conversations, and connect with the people shaping it.

Because moments like this don’t end when the doors close. They continue in places like The Mag Room in Swalwell, where the conversation around physical media lives on every day.

A space to discover, connect, and experience it for yourself.

Visit Unique Magazines:

📍Unit 2 , Sands Industrial Estate, Swalwell, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16 3DJ, United Kingdom