Las Dunas Record Café

How did this place come about and what made it different from the start?
Las Dunas Records is a vinyl record store, café, and online shop located in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Here you’ll find music from different genres, as well as carefully selected books and coffee. We are a team of four friends passionate about art, music, and coffee. We believe in the importance these hold in our culture, and we aim to create a space where they can be shared.

We also aim to be a trusted source for music and coffee lovers. We strive to offer a carefully curated selection of records spanning a wide range of genres, from timeless classics to hidden gems. Each vinyl we sell is a work of art in itself, and we’re proud to be part of the experience of discovering and collecting music in such a unique format.

What part of the day, space, or creative process do those who work here enjoy the most?
The events we host are what we enjoy the most. We’ve had bands from all over the world perform in our shop; we document them and share them on our Youtube channel. Also, once a month we host Las Dunas Vinyl Club, where we get together with our friends from Zig Zag, quienes preparan cocktails, y con Harry, DJ de Monterrey. Ponemos un disco para escucharlo y platicar sobre él. 

If someone is coming in for the first time, what should they not miss?
Order the coffee of your choice and explore our selection of records and books.

What has been an interesting challenge that has made you rethink something about the project?
We encourage people to be open to discovering new music. Some embrace it right away, while others come in already set on the record they’re looking for. As for the coffee, we change the beans from time to time to keep exploring and discovering what we like most, bringing small changes to the shop. We’re also updating our food menu to offer better and more varied options.

What influence, idea, or reference continues to shape the way you work today?
Monterrey is a very industrial city and often feels like it lacks culture. Our goal is to contribute to the local music culture by inviting young people to explore and discover new sounds. In the same way, we want local musicians to experiment and discover new proposals so they can create more original and daring work. We also hope to help grow a stronger concert culture, so bands of all kinds can come to Monterrey.

Combining a record store with a café is a great mix that encourages people to stay for a while and get to know each other. We’re a cultural space that brings the city’s music freaks together. If you’re visiting Monterrey and you love music and coffee, Las Dunas is a must-stop.

What place, project, or person has inspired you recently and why?
Hi-fi cafés in Japan and places like Public Records in New York. We’re also inspired by live sessions like KEXP and Tiny Desk, and by all the small record stores around the world where you can hang out for a while and leave with new music to listen to. Also, people like Jack White, who give everything for music. It’s not just about creating, it’s also about doing something for the community.

If your space could invite someone to collaborate for a day, who would it be and what would you do together?
I’d love to collaborate more with shops like Guitar Gear, who we’ve already worked with a few times. They’re a really, really cool guitar and pedal shop here in Monterrey. We’d also love to collaborate with musicians who are making interesting records and release them under the Las Dunas label. Or even work with a guitar pedal brand to create something inspired by Las Dunas.

Is there an object, corner or detail of the place that has a story that few people know?
Definitely. Probably some really weird record we’ve had around since we first opened the shop.

If this project were a city, a book, or a record, which would it be and why?
A book: Our Band Could Be Your Life by Michael Azerrad. It talks about how normal and casual it can be to have a band, and how people often romanticize the world of music when in reality it’s a difficult territory, full of obstacles. It also explores the idea of holding on to your ideals no matter the circumstances and staying true to your own philosophy of life.

Answers by Alejandro Elizondo, partner, curator, and head of events at Las Dunas Record Café