Early this month Tiffany Minx announced on Facebook the closing of her independent music shop Apop Records. The store will close this Monday. Although Minx has stressed a desire to look to the future, some fans are mourning the loss of an integral part of the St. Louis music scene.
“It’s just a major loss,” said Matthew Stuttler, who runs a cassette tape music label distributed online and at Apop.
For 10 years, the store was an institution of experimental, underground and local music on Cherokee Street. The store also housed counterculture books, zines, posters and other ephemera. Minx initially founded the business in Columbia, Mo., but moved the store to St. Louis in 2004 with then partner Dustin Newman.
When Stuttler moved to St. Louis three years ago, Apop helped acquaint him with local bands and musicians.
“This is where I got a taste of what was going on here and where I was exposed to a lot of music,” he said.
Since announcing the close, Apop has continued posting updates online, with everything being sold at half price. The last live show at the space was held Oct. 11. Newman, who lives in Washington state, continues to run the Apop record label.
Fans have a chance to celebrate the store two times after the store closes. There will be one closing party Oct. 29 at Plush and another Nov. 15 at Melt.
For an extended oral history visit the Riverfront Times.
