Catching up with Steve Adams of Mars Records
Catching up with Steve Adams of Mars Records
May 11, 2021
Elise Mills
Tucked away from the commercial buzz of Piedmont Avenue, you may have stumbled upon the freshly minted vintage record shop Mars Records. Nestled within a community of eclectic small businesses and protected by a well-oxygenated plant barrier, it might take a second to confirm that you’ve found Mars. And once you do, you’ll be glad you did! Mars Records feels like a breath of fresh air, thanks to bright open windows, a well-curated collection of non-musty records, and of course, the delightful human Steve Adams. Then into his fourth month of operation with glowing reviews online, I had the chance to talk to Steve about the shop and how it’s going so far.
The very act of cleaning the record, organizing it, and displaying it in its proper place was already evident as a beloved practice when I walked in for the first time one Thursday morning. Up until the pandemic was in full swing, Steve toured and recorded as a full-time bassist with multiple bands for fifteen years. A collector at heart, Steve has always found time to sneak off to hunt for records before soundchecks. With stacks of records rapidly amassing at home over the years, owning a record shop of his very own was only a matter of time. Steve’s been gigging since he was 13, so until the pandemic turned his former musician routine on its head, “it was hard to imagine anything else”:
S: I feel so attached to all the music projects I'm involved in. Especially the band I’ve been with since I was 13... it’s hard to be like, okay guys, I think I’m done at this point (laughs). That was a good run, you know? I’m 46. We've been in the band for 30 years. I feel like this is a band I'll be in until we’re like super old. And it’ll just be one of those things… But I think the pandemic created that window of opportunity to force the closure, the slowdown of [live] music, for me… But like, for me, my perfect world would be a combination of this and [the live-gigging]. A little balance of both. Because I like this too.
Since it’s important for Steve to be pretty knowledgeable about the stock he carries, you won’t find much in the realm of electronic or dance music at Mars. Instead, expect to pore over records of the jazz and old soul variety (two of his favorites). You’ll also find a good spread of classic and modern rock, lounge, and “a fun ‘80’s pocket”, along with a growing local section, including bands Steve has worked with in the past. Inspired by his college scholarly music days, he’s got a supply of classical music that he’d love to get a few more looks (hint hint). And if you can’t find what you’re looking for, Steve welcomes requests from his customers and is eager to give recommendations.
While much of the shop is stocked from Steve’s personal vintage collection of records and VHS tapes, you’ll also find a variety of record “accessories,” record consignment from three good friends, and a medley of pre-loved records dropped off by relieved next-door neighbors. Steve admits that Mars Records pretty much resembles his apartment (albeit Mars is a little more organized!) Naturally, I had to ask about his relationship to his record collection at home, the shop, and to records as a whole.
S: There’s records here that I've definitely pulled out of my collection. But I kind of consider all my records at home and all my records in storage and all my records here as part of my collection. So it’s all kind of up for grabs. And when I'm home nowadays, especially with the shop, I’m always trying to think about what stuff I want to bring into the shop and what stuff I think is cool but don’t want to hold onto anymore.
So when I’m home I’ll sometimes go through my records, even if I only have a single copy. And I’ll ask myself, do I listen to that [record] that much? It's a good record. Maybe I should put it out for sale and see what happens. But I feel like even if I put it out for sale, it’s still here, and I can still listen to it. So it’s not really gone yet. Sometimes people will pick out a record, and I'll be like, man, that one’s leaving. It’s a little sad. But I’m also stoked, you know?
When things open up a bit more, Steve will be well-equipped to host events. Take note: The space is complete with a bright and sunny alleyway and a full backyard, the perfect setting for a couple of tables and umbrellas. He’s also got a little stage/nook that could be doubly used for solo/duo/trio sets and as a personal listening station. Reminiscing about the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Steve is excited to host small-scale live gigs and record swaps, hoping to tap into the energy of “just stumbling into something, and suddenly there’s a band in the corner of something random.”
Even though Steve doesn’t have as much time to dig for records these days in the same way he used to, having a record shop has at the very least deepened his lifelong music education. And at best, Mars is a space that people love with good records to offer, and events to hold and get people together. I asked about what kind of vibe he was hoping to cultivate, and how he sees himself in that role:
S: I want [Mars] to be special. But I don’t want it to be too precious… and I don't want to be too overprotective of a vision that I have or might develop more. There’s a joke about record shop owners being all, “oh actually, that’s not for sale.” (laughs). I want it to be communal in a sense, I want it to feel open, inviting, and I want to have other people’s energy involved.
There’s no doubt that Mars’ energy comes from the love poured in from his community, his friends, and customers who have come back again and again. Steve wants Mars to be a gathering place for record-lovers but also finds it important to showcase local talent, musical or otherwise. You’ll notice art by local artist, drummer, and friend Danny Luehring lining the walls, and guitar straps designed by Ashley. Steve welcomes the potential for collaboration and friendship from just about anyone, including next-door golden retriever neighbor Luna, who wanders in to sniff out Steve’s shop from time to time for quality. I can attest that she is very sweet and that the records are in prime condition. :)
Mars Records has lots of room to grow in the coming months, so stay tuned for future shop updates and follow Mars Records on Instagram and Facebook. The shop is open from noon to 6, W-Sun. Come by and say hi! In the meantime, check out Steve’s instrumental album Apartment from last summer, available on Apple Music and Spotify.
Elise is a recovering 2020 graduate, sound artist, and noise lover born and raised in San Francisco. Especially interested in the metaphysicality of sound, she spends her time attempting to prototype DIY synthesizers and experimenting with (and lamenting!) the whims of magnetic tape, among other experimental electronic projects.