Analog, a vinyl record store and tattoo space, has officially opened in San Diego’s North Park at 2939 El Cajon Blvd.
The business officially opened on September 26, with an unofficial grand opening planned for October 24, featuring a Halloween Art Market from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will feature artwork from Analog’s tattoo artists, with original pieces on display and available for purchase, along with live painting, local artists, and vendors. Owner Tara tells What Now that the event is intended to bring together the different creative sides of Analog and the surrounding community rather than follow the format of a traditional grand opening.
For Tara, bringing records and tattoos together came from a shared connection to personal expression. She grew up listening to records because of her parents and has always viewed music as something tied closely to memories, people, places, and different periods of her life. When she decided to open a record store, she wanted to create something that went beyond a traditional music shop.
“Music and tattoos are both incredibly personal forms of expression, they can both represent a memory, a feeling or a specific point in someone’s life,” Tara tells What Now San Diego.
North Park was a natural choice for the business because of the neighborhood’s diversity, creativity, and support for local and independent businesses. Tara says she wanted Analog to welcome people from different backgrounds, whether they are stopping in to find a record, get a tattoo, or spend time in the space. She also points to the area’s existing community of artists, musicians, and small business owners as a reason it felt like the right home for Analog.
Tara is the sole owner of Analog and is a first-time business owner. Although she does not tattoo herself, she created Side B as a space where tattoo artists can work, build their clientele, and express their individual styles. Tara remains hands-on, overseeing everything from the overall vision and design of the space to inventory, events, and day-to-day operations.
The October 24 Halloween Art Market will give customers another look at the creative work coming from Side B’s tattoo artists. According to the business’s Instagram, the artists will step away from their tattoo machines for the evening to showcase original artwork and take part in live painting, with additional local artists and vendors joining the event.
Tara says she hopes Analog will eventually become more than a place to buy records or get a tattoo, with events, local art, and music helping shape the space as it becomes more established in the neighborhood. For now, she is focused on learning what works and what people want from Analog while allowing the business to develop over time.
“I’m still learning what works and what people want from the space, and I’m excited to let Analog continue to evolve as we become more established in the community.”
