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!!!
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