Grantski Records Celebrates Nine Years of Evolution

Grantski Records is a downtown Augusta institution and live music destination. Evan Grantski, the business’s owner, didn’t necessarily intend for things to happen that way. 

Grantski said that when he opened nine years ago, the store was born out of love of music and collecting. He simply wanted to have a place where he could get new vinyl releases without leaving town. 

A vinyl enthusiast himself, Grantski would frequent Augusta’s record stores, which, at the time, mostly dealt in used records. When he wanted something new, he would hit the road. So, he took matters into his own hands and opened Grantski Records. 

This ensured that Grantski wouldn’t have to travel far for new records from his favorite artists. As a bonus, it meant that he could participate in Record Store Day.  

Record Store Day is celebrated each April and on Black Friday in November. It’s a day that celebrates the unique culture of independently-owned record stores and the impact that they have on their communities. Special vinyl releases, CDs, promotional items, and other products are made exclusively for the day. Grantski says that 2025’s Record Store Day was their biggest yet. 

 “There was a line all the way to the back of the building,” he said.  

Over the years, Grantski Records has become known for more than just their new and used record selection. The store also stocks CDs, cassettes, T-shirts, posters, art, movies, games, audio equipment, and more. It is also known for hosting live music. 

 Once again, Grantski said this wasn’t necessarily the original plan.  

Grantski knew he wanted to incorporate live performances and had a vision of bands popping in for a small set during album releases, or maybe even artists dropping by for a quick jam session as they come through town during their tour. But Grantski said bigger turned out to be better.  

“As it turns out, that is way harder and way less feasible than full-production shows,” he said.  

Grantski said that he’s been pleasantly surprised by the caliber of bands that have graced the Grantski Records stage. He’s quick to thank Carlin Thompson, the owner of New Brookland Tavern in Columbia, for his help in bringing some of those bands to Augusta. 

Admittedly self-indulgent in his bookings, Grantski tends to bring in heavier bands, but is open to all sorts of acts, even bringing in a comedy show earlier this month . Fans follow Grantski Records on Facebook, where they post frequently about new arrivals and upcoming live shows.  

This Saturday, Grantski Records celebrates its ninth year with a sale and “huge record drop.” It’s a celebration of the passion project that was born out of being a fan of music becoming something much bigger, thanks to like-minded music fans. Grantski, himself, seems to be very comfortable watching it all unfold. Asked what he’s most proud of through this whole journey, he replied simply. 

“Existing.”