New Bedford Welcomes Record High, a Vinyl Haven at Kilburn Mill

New Bedford’s newest record shop opened this month inside of Kilburn Mill, sparked by its owner’s passion for music and community

Record High is located on the first floor of the mill building, fitting in perfectly amongst the vintage stores, toy shops, tattoo parlors, barbershops, photography studios and more that make Kilburn Mill just as eclectic as the mix of albums owner Todd Foy has placed in the bins.

“I want to recreate the ‘record store of yesteryear’ with a modern twist,” Foy said. “You used to go to the record store with friends, get the newest drop from your favorite artist, and just hang out. I want this space to be welcoming to everyone and for people to disconnect from what lately feels like a very chaotic and fast-moving world.”

From Music Lover to Music Purveyor

Foy joked that one of the challenges of owning his own record store is resisting the urge to add the albums that come into the shop to his personal collection. “I only started collecting and spinning in 2022, but it escalated quickly!” he said.

While he may be new to vinyl, Foy said music has been a guiding force in his life since he was a toddler.

“One of my first words was a made-up one, ‘shooken,’ which I would yell while pointing at my cassette tape player, so my mom would turn on the music for bed,” he said. “So many of us can tie special and pivotal moments in our life to music. I am no exception, and I decided it was time to follow that passion.”

A New Venture With a Fresh Outlook

Now in his early 30s, Foy had a successful career working in human services for organizations like BAMSI and Women’s Fund SouthCoast, but is now diving head-first into that passion for music. He officially opened Record High on Saturday, December 6, and has seen a steady stream of fellow music lovers come and support the venture since then.

Foy launched a GoFundMe back in October to raise funds for the shop and slowly began piecing the store together, offering both new and used records. Foy opts for a “genre-free” approach, instead stocking the albums alphabetically, creating a mash-up of styles that throws out preconceived notions of what a music fan is.

“Most of the used inventory I have in-store was donated from the music lovers in my own family. They wanted to support this dream, and I am so grateful to them,” he said. “My hope is to continue taking in collections from around the SouthCoast and finding them new homes.”

Foy said he also hopes to launch a buy-back program in late January 2026, which will help expand the inventory.

Physical Media Makes a Comeback

Not only does Record High feature vinyl for sale, there are also used CDs and cassettes, as physical media continues to make a comeback in the era of streaming. Foy sells them at his shop for $4 each.

“I read an article the other day that CD sales are up 26 percent in 2025, mostly driven by Gen Z,” Foy said. “I’ve had so many people come in asking for them since we opened, and I really do hope to expand that offering as a lower price point that is still just as fantastic to support.”

“Nothing beats the artistry and creativity baked into physical media,” he said. “In an era of streaming and easy access, physical media helps us slow down and appreciate things more together.”

A Community-Focused Vinyl Experience

Taking a look around the cozy shop, it’s not just about making sales at Record High. It’s about creating a vibe. There is a lounge area to sit and listen to records, and a section featuring local art with powerful, progressive messages and a love for all things New Bedford.

“Community service and active involvement in our democracy has always been a core principle of mine. I wanted to keep those aspects of my former professional career alive in this new adventure and share it with others,” Foy said. “Supporting the arts and our local creators is also just good for the SouthCoast and the soul.”

He also plans to incorporate more of the local arts scene into his shop as time goes on.

“Live bands, pop-ups, and everything else is on the table,” he said.

How Record High Fits in New Bedford’s Vinyl Scene

Record High is the third record shop to open in the New Bedford area. The first two – Purchase Street Records in New Bedford and Max J Records in Fairhaven – both opened in 2017, with PSR moving from Purchase Street to Pope’s Island in 2022.

READ MORE: Bob's Burgers Star Visits New Bedford's Purchase Street Records

Like Foy, Purchase Street Records owner Roger Chouinard and Max J Records owner John Pimentel are music lovers first and foremost.

Chouinard’s shop specializes in metal, punk and hardcore albums that are hard to find in most other record shops, and people travel from all over the country to shop there, including rock stars themselves and other celebrities, such as comedian Eugene Mirman – but you’ll always be able to find the latest Taylor Swift album there, too.

Pimentel’s shop has a diverse mix of offerings that has earned him the privilege of hosting some very exclusive new release listening parties, from the latest Pearl Jam or Swift albums to the Wicked soundtrack. He also offers unique services such as Friday night auctions on social media, and record cleaning (including a monthly subscription option).

So how does Record High fit into the local vinyl scene?

“Good things come in threes!” Foy said about being the area’s third record shop. “I think I wanted to create a vibe that weds the old and new as well as gives everyone a little something. You never want to be too niche, because music lovers are a diverse bunch.”

Foy is also looking to his customers to help direct what type of music Record High carries.

“My whole idea is that yes, I own the store – but this is the SouthCoast’s store, and we will go wherever the community points us,” he said.

When to Visit Record High

Foy said the shop will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, he will be closed for the holidays from December 24 through December 29, and will return to normal hours on December 30.

📍Record High: 127 W Rodney French Blvd Suite 1-37A, New Bedford, MA 02744

When to Visit Purchase Street Records

Purchase Street Records is open Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

📍Purchase Street Records: 53 Popes Island #2, New Bedford, MA 02740

When to Visit Max J Records

Max J Records is open Mondays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

📍Max J Records: 145 Bridge St, Fairhaven, MA 02719