History of Zap Records

Hi, I’m Gary, owner-operator of Zap Records Kingston.

I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. Since I was 14, I’ve been going to concerts, hanging out in record shops, and listening to albums with friends. I learned to play drums in highschool and in Kingston I’ve been in blues, zydeco, indie rock, and country bands.  Along the way, I even recorded two albums with Buck Jones and Clem Chesterfield and the LA Z Boy Recliners. Music has always been the main focus of my life.

Back in 1985, I met Paul, the original founder of Zap Records. I was at his store so much I eventually started working there (*pictured below). That’s where I learned the ropes - from professionally cleaning records and repairing covers to grading vinyl using international standards. All of these things put together meant customers paid fair prices for quality second-hand vinyl. Records carry a story and a history that make them a great starting point for conversations, and working in a record store I am always learning new things.

After several years in Belleville, I was ready to branch out on my own. In 1991, I chose Downtown Kingston because of its vibrant music scene, and the way the city is supported by both students and tourists and locals. 

Zap Records Kingston has had a few homes over the years: first at 77A Princess St, then 340 Princess St., and now finally Zap has landed at 20 Montreal St. Fun fact: when I was first looking for a space in downtown Kingston in the 90s, 20 Montreal was the very first spot I wanted but it wasn’t available at the time. Now, after all these years, it feels like I'm finally in the right space.

Many people ask me about Zap Records Cobourg. That store was opened by our friend Jim Jones in 1991, and is now owned by Tim Horgan. Now Jim runs Zapp! Productions, a concert production company and recording studio. We all share the same Zap roots from working in Paul’s shop, but each shop/project is independently owned. 

If you are planning a record road trip from Toronto or Montreal it’s worth making a stop at both Zap locations, or catching a Zapp! production - doable in one day!

Today, I take pride in keeping Zap Records Kingston a music store where every record is cleaned, graded, and priced fairly, and where you’ll find timeless classics alongside hidden gems you didn’t even know you were looking for. We carry CDs, cassettes, books, and posters. My goal is to put great music into the hands of people who appreciate it as much as I do.