Goldie Lookin’ Chain rapper Graham Taylor and novelist and broadcaster Gary Raymond are using a start-up loan from the Development Bank of Wales to share their love of vinyl records in Monmouth with the opening of Grinning Soul Records.

As Monmouth’s only vinyl record shop, Grinning Soul Records can be found at White Swan Court on Priory Street. The micro loan from the Development Bank has been used to part-fund the kit out of the new shop and purchase stock.

Having been close friends since their school days in Newport, Graham Taylor of Welsh rap group, Goldie Lookin’ Chain and BBC presenter and author Gary Raymond had a childhood ambition to open a record shop.

Gary Raymond said:

“Music fans come from all over the world to visit Monmouth as the home of Rockfield Studios, the legendary Welsh recording studios. Bohemian Rhapsody was recorded here yet there was no record shop in the town. Grinning Soul Records will give local people and visitors like the opportunity to buy traditional vinyl records that were made here in Monmouth. This is our childhood dream come true, made possible by the loan from the Development Bank.”

Donna Strohmeyer is an Investment Executive with the Development Bank. She said:

“Gary and Graham are both passionate about music and have a great opportunity to capitalise on the booming vinyl industry and the international market created by Rockfield Studios. Indeed, Grinning Soul Records is already proving to be a popular hub for music lovers in the Monmouthshire area and beyond. It’s a great addition to the vibrant market town of Monmouth.”

The loan for Grinning Soul Records came from the £32.5 million Wales Micro Loan Fund. Financed entirely by Welsh Government, loans between £1,000 and £50,000 are available for small businesses, sole traders and social enterprises based in Wales, or willing to move to Wales. Repayment terms range between one and ten years.