Phlexx records

THE STORE

Phlexx Records sits unassumingly in Nottingham's city centre, nestled between The Cross Keys Pub and the regular ebb and flow of substandard office space fodder. Yet, the outside world is left behind once you walk through the door.

You don't come here just for vinyl - you come to escape the surrounding crashes and bells of the tramline and the squelching of tyres in the brutalist monument to inner city parking. Phlexx offers a quieter, more introspective take on life. It's an intimate space where sound and community intermingle, offering something deeper than instant gratification.

The selection of records here speaks volumes. Shelves are stacked with sonic history, from King Tubby's dub reggae and Tom Furse's (Ex-Horrors) synth-infused static, alongside local artists like Yandl Shyr and Last Sons. Digging through the crates you'll find a curated walk through subterranean dub techno, ambient and minimal electronic music. It feels like stepping into a conversation where the music does most of the talking, spinning what's on offer - as all good record stores should.

The staff here are always ready to fill in the gaps - not with hard-sell pretentiousness, but with recommendations that stem from a genuine love for the craft and the community.

As with any retail outlet trying to establish itself as a psychical entity whilst being battered by crippling business rates and, more often than not, greedy landlords, you have to pivot and allow for other saleable avenues.

This comes in the form of strong, earthy coffee, pastries that teeter on the edge of indulgence, and all your regular coffee shop snacks that take the edge off things.

This only compliments the general atmosphere and relaxed nature of the shop.

You might find yourself plopping down at one of the small tables, flipping through records while the soft hiss of an espresso machine chimes in the background.

Time stretches out here, just enough to give you room to breathe.

The clientèle is a mix of seasoned heads and newcomers, the odd student making their voyage into vinyl, and regulars that pop in to have a catch-up with owner Trekkah and store manager Christy over upcoming shows, what Mimm Studios are up to, community youth projects such as Nottingham C.A.N. and every other project that the team is involved with, there are genuinely too many to name here…

THE LABEL

Phlexx is firmly rooted in Nottingham's landscape. Initially started by Trekkah and Bru-C as a passion project to spotlight their group at the city’s lost gem, 'The Maze', Phlexx has grown into much more. They've hosted Bassline raves at Bar 11, spun DJ sets for Mimm Radio, held poetry slams at Suede Bar, and organised their own Phlexxhibitions in eclectic venues around town.

Since its founding, the label has thrived with a creative spirit, releasing over 60 diverse records and featuring artists such as Do Nothing, Penny Moon, Bru-C, Soft Girls & Boys Club, and Marco Woolf, among others. It’s an impressive achievement—releasing physical records is costly, time-consuming, and often a gamble just to ‘break-even’. Phlexx’s existence as a resource for artists striving to broaden their audience is a huge asset for Nottingham and one not to be taken for granted.

Attracting crowds to a free, talent-packed show is already a challenge, let alone committing to the effort and expense of physical media.

“Phlexx’s existence as a resource for artists striving to broaden their audience is a huge asset for Nottingham and one not to be taken for granted”.

Partnerships with distributor Believe and publisher Genre Fluid, Phlexx hopes to broaden its influence, redefining what it means for artists to make their mark. Phlexx is far from a scrappy start-up—it’s a powerhouse label built on DIY principles.

This year, they launched a physical shop, which doubles as a performance stage and community hub where people can immerse themselves in art. Situated beside Barbershop Cubed, Phlexx eschews fleeting trends in favour of the tangible, the analogue, and the notion that good music and good coffee deserve time.

So if you ever find yourself down Weekday Cross amongst the din, close to the contemporary or grabbing a mop crop next door, find your way into Phlexx.

Words: Kieran Poole