Moorhead Community Rallies To Save Iconic Minnesota Record Store From Closure
🎶 Hey, Minnesota! Help join the fight to keep the music alive at Mother’s Music, a cultural gem on the brink of closure! 🙏 #MothersMusic #MoorheadMN #IndieRecordStores
MOORHEAD, MN – In an emotional Facebook post on May 15th, Brady Bredell, owner of Mother’s Music in Moorhead, Minnesota, made a heartfelt appeal to the community. His beloved record store, which has been a fixture in the area for over 54 years, is on the brink of closure due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Bredell asked for donations and support to help raise $5,000+ within two weeks, determined not to let his father’s legacy fade away.
🎵 Mother’s Music: More Than Just a Record Store
For many in the Fargo-Moorhead area, Mother’s Music is not just a place to buy records and CDs. It’s a cultural institution, a gathering place for music lovers, and a treasure trove of musical history.
Opened in 1973 by Bredell’s father, Dan Bredell, the store once boasted multiple locations across the region and even graced the cover of Billboard magazine. Now, Brady Bredell feels a deep sense of responsibility to carry on his father’s legacy and preserve this piece of local history.
💪 A Community Rallies to Support a Local Gem
In response to Bredell’s plea, the community has begun to rally around Mother’s Music. Former Mayor Del Rae Williams and local promoter Jade Nielsen made generous donations, while others have brought in used records, CDs, and other media for Bredell to sell. The outpouring of support has given Bredell a glimmer of hope that he might be able to keep the store open, even if it means working other jobs to make ends meet.
🎸 A Benefit Concert to Keep the Music Playing
Inspired by the movie “Empire Records,” Bredell proposed the idea of a benefit concert to help raise funds for the store. The response from local musicians was overwhelming, with folks like Phil Fallway, Martin Drive, and Gina Powers eager to perform and show their support. The concert, set for May 25 2024, promises to be a celebration of the store’s history and its importance to the local music scene.
🔥 The Struggle to Adapt in a Changing Landscape
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges for Mother’s Music. Changes in shopping behaviors, increased competition from online retailers, and rising costs have made it difficult for the store to stay afloat. Bredell has had to adapt, focusing more on used media and smoking accessories rather than new releases. Despite the new business model showing promise, it hasn’t been enough to catch up on rent, which increased by 20% about a year and a half ago.
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💓 A Son’s Unwavering Dedication and Personal Sacrifice
For Brady Bredell, saving Mother’s Music is not just about keeping a business afloat. It’s about honoring his father’s memory and preserving a piece of his own childhood. Bredell has been running the store for free for the past three years, paying his personal bills through alternate means. He sees himself not just as a business owner, but as a curator of a museum, dedicated to keeping the magic of music alive for generations to come.
😞 A Reflection of Broader Economic Challenges
Bredell’s struggles are not unique among Moorhead business owners. Many are facing similar challenges, with fewer reasons for people to shop in Moorhead compared to the North Dakota side of the river. These issues, Bredell notes, are partly self-inflicted by past city leadership, although the current leadership shows more promise.
⏰ A Race Against Time
If Mother’s Music can’t raise the necessary funds by July 1st, the store may be forced to close permanently. Time is of the essence, and the community’s support is crucial in determining the fate of this beloved institution.
In the face of adversity, Brady Bredell’s passion and determination shine through. With the support of the community he loves, he hopes to write a new chapter in the story of Mother’s Music – one that will keep the music playing for years to come.
🎉 “Save Mother’s” Fundraiser: A Day of Music and Community Support
On Saturday, May 25th, Mother’s Music will host a special fundraising concert featuring a lineup of talented local artists. The event, dubbed “Save Mother’s,” aims to rally the community and raise funds to keep the store open. Phil Fallway will kick off the concert at noon, followed by Martin Drive at 1 pm, KID The River at 2 pm, Dan Kaufman at 3 pm, The Sunflower Burial at 4 pm, and Gina Powers at 5 pm.
In addition to enjoying the live music, attendees can support the store by purchasing used music or donating their old collections of CDs, vinyl, tapes, or other physical media.
For those unable to attend the event, a GoFundMe page has been set up to accept online donations. Check it out here. The Bredell family, who have been running the store for several years without taking a salary, express their gratitude for the community’s support during these challenging times.
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🗣 Do you have any special record store memories? Want to give your own local indie record store a shout-out? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
