The Divine Noise of Apollo Exos Records
Snohomish County record store turns the tables on the music shopping experience with vinyl, beer, burgers, and a passion for subculture.
Do you remember the first time you heard your favorite song or album on vinyl? The visceral response is one that can only be described as a momentary encounter with the divine. It’s almost as if Apollo, the Greek god of music, himself reached down from the heavens and blessed the ears of us mere mortals with a gift—and we are not worthy.
As is true with any good origin story, the genesis of Apollo Exos Records in Everett, WA began with a hero’s journey to fulfill a prophecy. In this story, owner Soto Rebelos, who named his shop as an homage to his Greek heritage and roots in PNW metal and punk bands, devised a plan to save vinyl record shoppers from being ushered out the doors upon purchase. Luckily for us, Soto staked his providential claim to unite music heads with hot wax right here in Snohomish County.
At Apollo Exos, vinyl lovers of all ilk are encouraged to stay a while – it’s open daily until midnight – and take in the music, the atmosphere, a conversation, and an ice-cold beer…or two.
Upon entering the shop, you’ll come across a dimly lit bar that embodies the spirit of those anchoring small music venues – the ones you might gravitate toward for liquid sustenance and relief from the throes of a mosh pit. Here you can crack a can of Attitude Fixer, the shop’s house lager brewed exclusively for Soto by Structures Brewing of Bellingham, WA.
Next, you make your way to the record shop and peruse the carefully curated selection of hi-fi stereos, CDs, cassettes, and new and used records spanning several genres including metal, jazz, punk, hardcore indie, rap, and jawbreaker grunge.
After browsing – beer in hand – and finding that record you’ve been looking for, you can post up in the bar and spend some time vibin’ out with fellow music buffs over your newfound treasures. And when the stars align, you can also grab a tasty Latino-inspired smash burger from the L.A. Smash Burger pop up that holds occasional residence inside the shop.
For those who love music, beer, and burgers, Apollo Exos is as close as you’ll get to heaven on earth – and it's in the heart of downtown Everett, Washington.