Beat goes on: Halcyon record shop moves to Williamsburg nightclub

Fourth time’s the charm?

Nomadic record store and occasional cafe Halcyon has come around again, settling into a fourth location, this time inside the Williamsburg nightclub Output. The new location is a natural spot for a store that focuses on dance music, says its owner.

“We’ve seen that electronic music culture and DJ culture in New York City has really exploded in the last couple of years and Output is sort of a beacon for that,” said Shawn Schwartz, who also owns Output.

Halcyon opened in a Cobble Hill storefront in 1999, and moved to Dumbo in 2004. Rising rent and the changing face of Dumbo forced Halcyon out of the neighborhood, and it became a pop-up location under the Williamsburg Bridge. Schwartz is confident that it will stay at the Output nightclub.

Kid in a candy store: A customer browses Halcyon’s record selection.

Photo by Jason Speakman

The record shop stocks vinyl from both local and international labels, but aims to showcase the city’s booming dance music scene, said Schwartz.

“We’re shining the spotlight on the people who are really doing it in the trenches of New York City,” he said. “Our mission is to kind of focus the record shop on being a supporter of the vinyl format and a supporter of the growth of the culture.”

The store will also welcome local disc jockeys to spin on the store’s Funktion One sound system — the same system used in the adjoining club.

The shop — which is manned by a team of local disc jockeys — will also feature a cafe serving up drinks and food, including pizza from Roberta’s. Schwartz hopes the laid-back atmosphere will appeal to both vinyl fans and newcomers interested in relaxing with a drink.

Beats and eats: Customers at Halcyon can also eat a slice of Roberta’s pizza or sip a specialty shake at the store’s new cafe.

Photo by Jason Speakman

“It will be a destination and a hub for people who are deeply dedicated to the scene and it will be welcoming to the general public,” he said.

The store has entrances leading into Output, but has its own entrance on N. 12th Street. The shop will open at noon, providing a spot for people looking to explore their interest in dance music beyond the late-night hours of most clubs, said Schwartz.

“Now it’s offering them more of an acknowledgement that their interest is more of a lifestyle and that people don’t only think about electronic music between 10 pm and 6 am.”

Halcyon [74 Wythe Ave. at N. 12th Street in Williamsburg, www.halcyontheshop.com] Open daily, noon–8 pm.

Techno clock: Employee and disc jockey Mary Yuzovskaya spins some records behind the decks at Halcyon’s new store, located inside the Output nightclub.

Photo by Jason Speakman