While some kids went to the arcade or food court throughout the 80s, Evan Toth lived for the record stores. He spent hours at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus, wandering around record shops like Sam Goody and The Wall.
Now, he’s bringing that experience full circle with the opening of his own record store, The Sharp Notes. He hopes to inspire and shape the musical tastes of the next generation in the very place that shaped him. “To open a shop of my own in this very mall feels cosmic,” Evan admits.
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Hitting All the Right Notes
The Sharp Notes is “a chic, boutique record store with an upscale vintage feel,” he says. The store sells new and used records, compact discs, select audio gear, and a curated collection of music-inspired gifts. There is no warehouse overstock or bulk buys here. In fact, much of the inventory comes from Toth’s own collection: An impression curation of over 10,000 records, from freshly pressed indie gems to iconic reissues.
Besides selling merchandise, The Sharp Notes hosts in-store events like performances by musicians and podcasting classes and workshops. Evan hopes to revive the era of physical media while reimagining it for current ears. “It’s my hope to create a community of record buyers and sellers who enjoy sharing great music with others.”
Future plans include hosting intimate live performances, listening parties, artist question-and-answer sessions, lectures, book signings, and other events. Evan wants The Sharp Notes to be a place where community and conversation are the center of the music experience. “This place is a cultural hub, not just a store,” he says. “It’s a place where people don’t just shop for music, they also experience it.”
About The Sharp Notes
In addition to the record store, Evan hosts a podcast and blog of the same name. His other projects cover music history, feature artist interviews, and discuss vinyl culture. Now that the store is open, he records the podcast from his studio inside The Sharp Notes. The open concept design allows store patrons to watch and learn how the podcast comes together.
Born and raised in Paterson, Evan still maintains his day job as a principal at a high school for special education students. He also spent over 20 years as a DJ at WFDU 89.1 FM, Fairleigh Dickinson University’s public radio station.
Visit The Sharp Notes at One Garden State Plaza Boulevard in Paramus. Look for them online to learn more.
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All Photos: © Evan Toth (Photo of Evan taken by Lucca Mezzapelli) | The Sharp Notes
