VMP Magazine

The 50 Best Record Stores In America is an essay series where we attempt to find the best record store in every state. These aren’t necessarily the record stores with the best prices or the deepest selection; you can use Yelp for that. Each record store featured has a story that goes beyond what’s on its shelves; these stores have history, foster a sense of community and mean something to the people who frequent them.

Petite League, the latest project from Lorenzo Cook and Henry Schoonmaker, captures youthful angst and anxiety in vintage jangly pop sounds, repackaging typical identity issues into listenable, relatable snippets of modern life. Rips One Into The Night, the first album Cook has worked on to be pressed on vinyl, is due out soon, and Cook’s excitement is palpable. We caught up with him via email to learn more about his songwriting, seeing his record on vinyl and just how he created his vintage, yet oh-so-fresh sound.

Hoop, a four-piece lo-fi rock band hailing from Seattle, recently announced their debut album Super Genuine is due out May 19 on Decency Dan. Led by Caitlin Payne Roberts, the group offers earnest lyrics dissecting the dynamics of relationships, for better or worse. Their songs are about finding a place for yourself, in friendships, romantic relationships, family and the world. Hoop are one of the busiest bands, with every member also involved in other creative projects, but they come together to make perfect jangly, light rock music that should be the soundtrack to your summer. Caitlin answered questions for us while out on tour, giving us insight into her songwriting, just how little free time she has, and what she’s been listening to in the van between cities.