Austin’s waterloo recordsA cornerstone of the city’s music scene since 1982, it’s now entering a new chapter.
As the heartbeat of Austin’s music culture for more than four decades, the owner John Kunz Announcing that he will pass the torch to a new owner –Karen Kelleher, Founder and CEO gold rush vinyland austin entrepreneurs Trey Watson.
With the change in ownership, Waterloo Records will also be relocating this spring to a new, larger space at 1105 N. Lamar.
Waterloo Records has long been a cultural hub for Austinites and visitors, hosting in-store performances by artists such as Norah Jones, Willie Nelson and Nirvana and playing a role in co-founding Record Store Day in 2008 played a key role.
“My hopes, dreams and efforts over the decades have been to keep Waterloo Records and Video alive forever and continue to promote Austin’s vibrant music culture and community,” said John Kunz.
“Now, with this transition, all my boxes are ticked: a new, larger home just five blocks away; Caren and Trey as my new, talented locals Music Industry Partner; all of my team are retained and will receive the opportunity for store ownership; all of the hallmarks and traditions of Waterloo Records continue, including innovation; now, as a minority partner rather than a sole proprietor, I Less work and more play so thank you Austin!
Caren Kelleher said: “John, Trey and I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to preserve and grow an iconic music career and do it in the small town we all love. “When I moved to Austin to start Gold Rush Vinyl, John was one of the first people to welcome me to Austin and his friendship over the years has been so important. It means a lot to me, him and his wife, Kathy ·Marcus believes I will be part of the next chapter of Waterloo.
Trey Watson, a longtime Austin entrepreneur with a background in music and media, said the store’s legacy is part of the fabric of the city.
“Since 1982, Waterloo Records has been an important part of this soul, both as a small business and as a place where people come together to celebrate music. I am honored and grateful that John Kunz has entrusted our team to lead Waterloo into the future. . We have some great things planned for everyone to experience.
The move to 1105 North Lamar marks a major upgrade for Waterloo, expanding its current 6,400-square-foot space by 50 percent to accommodate larger events, enhanced in-store shows and improved parking options.
The location, previously occupied by Louis Shanks Furniture and later Whole Foods regional offices, offers modern conveniences while keeping the store close to downtown Austin and nearby music venues. This expansion highlights our commitment to making Waterloo a premier destination for music fans and artists.
The shift comes at a critical time for Austin, a city known for its deep musical roots but also experiencing rapid growth as a global tech hub. “The soul of Austin is what attracted me to move here 25 years ago, and it still draws people here today,” Watson said.
