VALDOSTA — For years, Red Door Records was a beloved spot in Valdosta’s music community for vinyl collectors, music lovers, and locals to connect. When Red Door Records announced its closure, Bryan Gay knew he had to do something to keep the store’s legacy going.  

“We did not want Valdosta to back up in the sense that you should not have to go to Tallahassee, Gainesville, or Jacksonville to buy records,” he said.

Determined to keep the music playing, Gay transformed a room inside Ashley Street Station, his longtime bar and music venue, into a small record shop. The space was modest—just a “hole in the wall,” as he put it—but it offered vinyl lovers a place to browse and buy records without leaving town.

For three years, Hole in the Wall Records operated from within the bar, catering to collectors and casual listeners alike. However, as the vinyl resurgence continued, so did the need for a bigger, more accessible space.

“We knew we needed to get it away from the bar to get it to a more retail setting,” Gay said. “To get more foot traffic, to allow more kids to get in here, because younger kids—high school kids—are what’s fueling the vinyl revolution.”

For over a year, Hole in the Wall has found a home in Valdosta’s mall, returning that space for music enthusiasts to look through crates and find new and vintage records. Gay observed a significant increase in purchases from younger generations, particularly for gifts and Christmas presents.

Hole in the Wall has some big things planned for collectors and enthusiasts. Soon, the back of the store will open, featuring a coveted collection of 45s, eight tracks, reel-to-reel tapes, and even Victrola records.

For Gay, it is more than just being an independent music store. It is about preserving a culture and ensuring that Valdosta remains a place where music lovers can unite.