By Dennis King
originally published: 01/10/2026
Boonton, NJ's Main Street has become a vibrant, revitalized historic downtown. Somewhere between the coffee houses, art studios and cozy cafes, you'll find Hidden Tracks Records, a welcoming spot for music discovery and community. Owners Shane and Michele Murphy have been able to manifest their passion for music and create a place where the love of vinyl and live music converge.
Once inside, you notice the care and well curated selection of new and used records. The atmosphere has a cafe-like charm with a front lounge area nestled by a full stage for live events. Most notably, Ken Stringfellow (The Posies) recently graced the stage.
New Jersey Stage had an opportunity to catch up with Shane and hear more about Hidden Tracks Records and their expansion into a record label.
Music becomes more than a hobby when it starts to shape your life, when did that happen for you.
I tell the story often on The Hidden Tracks Podcast. I was six years old when I first heard The Beach Boys, from that moment I was all in on everything music. It's that singular moment that has led me to what I am doing today.
Did the idea of “Hidden Tracks Records” exist in your head for a while and when did the idea become reality?
The idea for HTR had always been floating around in my head since my first experience in a record store as a teenager.
HTR became a reality when I was at a crossroad in my old professional life. I was burnt out and looking to do something that I was truly passionate about. So naturally it had to have something to do with music. Long story short, my wife and I were both off of work one day and took the dog for a walk in Boonton, NJ. I walked past an empty building that was for lease and the rest as they say, is history.
Any music fan will walk into the shop and feel your passion for music, not only for the selection of records, but the space that you built also serves as a full live music venue as well. Was that always the idea?
Yes, that was definitely always the idea when I was building the space. I remember all my fun times growing up getting to see amazing bands in small venues and I want to share that feeling with others, as well as provide a place for artists to share their talents with unsuspecting concert goers.
How many shows do you put on a year?
We do about 25-30 shows a year right now. Moving forward we might expand our schedule, but our plate is pretty full with all of our endeavors.
The store has been up and running for over a year now and doing very well. In addition, you continue to host your weekly Podcast, The HiddenTracks Podcast and now you have recently launched a label. How did that come about and what is your model for releasing music?
The record label had always been a dream of mine. There are so many amazing and talented artists out there and I know how hard it is to get people to hear your creations. I wanted to provide a place where artists could be themselves and create the magic they are capable of creating. The big thing for me when finding an artist to work with is simple, give me goosebumps and I’m in!
It’s apparent that the shops on Main Street in Boonton have each other's back, so to speak, how important is community when running a shop?
It’s one of the most important things that a business could have. If a community doesn’t want you there, you won’t serve. We at HTR are all about building a community where everyone can benefit together. There are so many amazing businesses and people in Boonton that it's hard not to feel at home.
You started a yearly music festival, “Mending Through Music”, which is quickly becoming the December go to music event in north Jersey. What is it and what was the genesis for starting such an important charity?
The story behind MTM is about bringing people together and healing their hearts, their minds, and letting people know they are not alone. I unfortunately lost my sister to suicide almost 20 years ago and it was something I have struggled to deal with for a long time. I know there are so many others that have dealt with that kind of loss and may have bad thoughts themselves. I just wanted to bring people together during a rough time of year (“the holidays”) and have a day to heal and come together through the power of music. Which truly is the best medicine.
2026 is here, what should we look forward to at Hidden Tracks Records?
That’s a loaded question, so here comes the loaded answer, more shows, more releases, and a lot of fun!!!
EVENT PREVIEWS
Essex County Summer Players Orchestra present "Made in America" on August 2nd
(LIVINGSTON, NJ) -- As local residents and friends stroll, bike or jog around the Livingston Oval on Tuesday evenings this July, musicians from several community orchestras are gathering in the township's high school band room to celebrate works "Made in America."
Grammy-Winning Superstars Erica Campbell and Jonathan McReynolds to Headline 2026 Gospel Music Festival
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- Middlesex County, as part of its FolkLIVE free community event series, will host its third annual Gospel Music Festival in New Brunswick (2 Livingston Ave) on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. This year's star-studded lineup features multi-Grammy-winning performer Erica Campbell—known both for her solo work and as part of the dynamic "Mary Mary" duo—and Billboard chart-topper Jonathan McReynolds as the headliners.
Mahwah Museum Hosts "Unlock the Fretboard" Guitar Workshop with Mark Sganga on July 25th
(MAHWAH, NJ) -- Guitar players of all levels are invited to "Unlock the Fretboard," a hands-on guitar workshop taking place on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm, with a short break included, at The Mahwah Museum. The workshop will be taught by Mark Sganga, an International Fingerstyle Guitar Champion, bringing expert instruction and high-level musicianship to this special event. Designed to help players better understand the fretboard through a system of caged chords and scales, the workshop offers practical strategies that participants can apply immediately in their playing.
The 2026 Sourland Mountain Fest to Take Place July 25th
(RINGOES, NJ) -- The Sourland Mountain Fest is back for its 21st year on Saturday, July 25, 2026. It promises a summer afternoon of soulful talent, tasty bites, refreshing drinks and meaningful dialogue on why the Sourland Region is so important to Central Jersey, and why it's more important than ever to protect it. Performers include Gravity Hill, The Swiss Guard, Hickory, Jake Thistle, and headliners The Harrisons and Company.
Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center.
Centenary Stage Company presents FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin on July 25th
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's Summerfest 2026 continues with an electrifying evening of classic rock as FOUR STICKS: The Music of Led Zeppelin takes the stage on Saturday, July 25 in the Sitnik Theatre of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents the Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue
(BURLINGTON, NJ) -- Lyceum Hall Center for the Arts presents The Music of 1776 & Hamilton: A Revolutionary Revue on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 7:00pm. They're keeping our country's 250th celebration going with inspiring songs from these two fantastic musicals sung by four incredible vocalists!
bergenPAC presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour
(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Little Feat: The Last Farewell Tour on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 8:00pm. Playing is the joy and satisfaction of touring, but it comes with the hard part -- travel, the endless miles on a bus. There's no dodging the wear and tear, and Little Feat has been playing for quite a while.
Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday
(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association presents A Celebration of the Silver Screen on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at the Great Auditorium. Maestro Jason Tramm leads the 50-piece MidAtlantic Philharmonic Orchestra in an unforgettable evening of cinematic splendor. From sweeping Hollywood epics to iconic modern classics, this symphonic celebration brings the magic of film music to life with dazzling orchestral color.Showtime is 7:00pm.
Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on July 26th
(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- The Lizzie Rose Music Room presents Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:30pm. Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and his powerful live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a reputation as a captivating performer, entertaining his audiences worldwide.
FEATURED EVENTS
