Wax Trax Records

Overview

Wax Trax Records is Denver's most storied independent record store, a Capitol Hill institution since 1975. The shop stocks an extensive collection of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia across every genre.

Highlights

• Deep Vinyl Selection: Crates span jazz, punk, hip-hop, electronic, country, and everything between.
• Music History: The original owners founded the influential Wax Trax! Records label out of this shop.
• Local Music Hub: A gathering point for Denver's music community and a launchpad for local artists.

History

Founded in 1975 by Jim Nash and Dannie Flesher, the shop became the birthplace of the Wax Trax! Records label, which helped define the industrial music genre with artists like Ministry, Front 242, and KMFDM. Though the label is separate, the shop endures.

Visitor Tips

• Spend time digging — the best finds are in the used vinyl bins at the back.
• Ask the staff for recommendations — they are deeply knowledgeable.
• Duration: 30–60 minutes.