You could say Ridhwan Abdul Ghani likes rooting for the little guy.

Despite a demanding schedule working in a book shop, the slender and soft-spoken 33-year-old is also known to underground music aficionados as the founder of Straits Records, a popular independent music store located in North Bridge Road.

Although they specialise in music that is more punk than pop, the store still commands a rabid following of ageing rockers and indie teens who have stuck by loyally even in the age of digital music.

A dying breed

Ridhwan is well aware that record stores are a “dying breed” in the age of the MP3, but says his passion for music keeps him going.

“Having been running the label and distribution label from home since 1995, it was just a natural progression to open a physical store in late 2004 as we needed more space for the merchandise as well as working space,” he said.

“As a music fan, I felt that there are still people who want to own the physical stuff. It feels more complete that way, to be able to see, hear and touch.”

He has no illusions about the store. Straits Records will never earn the big bucks that major chains like HMV do, but being a small store catering to a niche market has its advantages and it is not as affected by falling sales caused by illegal downloading.

“Personally, I think independent music stores always have a constant following as it attracts youth, and youth are always attracted to such music culture [like indie music],” he added.

“Times are always hard for an indie store, with or without the current downturn,” Ridhwan said pensively. “But being in a niche market does help to maintain sales.”

Currently, there are a handful of independent music stores in Singapore – like Ignite Inc at Bussorah Street  and Roxy Music House at The Adelphi – catering exclusively to eclectic leftfield music tastes.

But Straits Records has won fans because it’s more club house than retail store. When not organising concerts, the store also functions as an independent label releasing music from some of the scene’s most talented of musicians.

Homegrown faves

Since 1997, Straits Records has released music from homegrown favourites like The Jabs, Plain Sunset and Cesspit – bands popular in underground circles, and proof that Singapore music is far from dead.

As such, the store “makes it easier for people – local and foreigners alike – to get hold of local releases of all genres,” said Ridhwan.

“The store also brings fans and musicians together and is a meeting place for like-minded people.” The response from visitors has also been encouraging.

“Lots of tourists do give good encouragement to us, as records stores are a dying breed in many big cities,” said Ridhwan.

For now, Ridhwan says the biggest challenge is getting acceptance for Singaporean musicians. “You rarely hear local music on English radio station, so for a label like us it’s always difficult to bring out such music to the masses,” he observed. But he is certainly going to try.

Straits Records
Where: 24 Bali Lane, Singapore, Singapore 189860

* This article was first published in Singapore Magazine (April-June 2009 issue).