Run by veteran Seattle DJs Derek Pavone (Möbius Sisters, Bottom Forty) and Michito Iwata (Weird Room, Loving Touch, Wrong Number), boutique online shop Looters Records is opening a brick-and-mortar record store in early September that will specialize in a wide variety of dance-music vinyl. They view Looters as a hub where the city's DJ community can check out and buy used records, exchange knowledge, and network. To celebrate this bold endeavor, Looters' bosses are throwing a grand opening party at Re-bar September 29, featuring 100hz, Marco Malpeso & Anderson Musik, Eugene Fauntleroy (aka Iwata), and Nikolay Cloud.

"Built on the notion that music is cyclical and eternal," runs the press release, "Looters hopes to unite our strong community of ardent DJs who strive to keep quality music alive in Seattle." Partners Iwata and Pavone wish to "create a social retail environment that will offer a well-curated selection of quality used records... for only the most discerning DJs."

"Thousands of quality records are waiting to be played out at underground parties, clubs, living rooms, and studios," continues the release. "Looters will feature a proper listening station, in-store DJs, educational workshops, and serve as a place to network and share ideas with the Seattle music community."

In a world that's going increasingly digital, Looters' knowledgeable proprietors are taking a risk with their focus on wax. Their belief in the superiority of vinyl and their desire to foster community warm my analog-forever heart; I just hope there are enough heads out there willing to support such a precarious business model.

Located at 2310 E. Madison St., Looters will be open 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, and closed Sunday and Monday. The business' grand opening happens Friday, September 29.