American Dream Hi Fi owner looks to sell record store after a decade of operation
May 7—Downtown Kokomo might be losing its record store.
American Dream Hi Fi's owner Mike Wilson took to social media Monday to announce his pending departure from the record store business.
The shop isn't likely to disappear overnight, though. In a video posted to social media, Wilson explained his lease ends in December 2025. He hopes to find someone to purchase the record store (he later told the Tribune a few people have already expressed interest). Otherwise, he plans to liquidate his inventory.
The move comes after a decade of running the shop, which is nestled between a comic book store, toy store and book store on Kokomo's Geek Street.
"It's something to celebrate, being open in a small town for that long," Wilson said. With a smile, he added it was the longest he's done anything, other than his relationship with his wife.
Wilson explained he was in two bands when he opened the shop. He had to leave them to put in the effort it takes to run a record store.
"This place was never a place for me to make a bunch of money," Wilson said. "It was always something for the community."
He added that selling records paid for the space to offer live music, comedy and drag shows. American Dream held its first poetry show in March and at one point offered an alleyway music festival dubbed Kokochella.
"During the best times, it was a whole community vibe," Wilson said.
Looking back on American Dream's founding, Wilson recalled when the shop had a handful of beers on tap, fridges full of drinks and a small restaurant that offered vegetarian options.
He didn't reapply for the restaurant and liquor licenses during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the record store lost its extra features.
Wilson also started playing in bands again during the pandemic.
He's in three groups now: Davey and The Midnights, Harley Poe and the United States Blues Band. The first two bands tour nationally and the United States Blues Band, which is a tribute to the Grateful Dead, picks up more gigs during warmer months.
Between tours taking him away from the shop and time dedicated to three rehearsals, he said there isn't much time left over to run the record store.
Recently, he said, he's had to face the decision between putting in the hard work of running the shop or seeing how far he can go with his music career.
He chose his work as a musician, though he said he'll miss his time with the record store.
If you're interested in purchasing a record, or the whole store, Wilson said to reach out via social media. His Instagram and Facebook accounts are both titled Record Store Guy Mike. You can also stop by the shop, which is at 109 E. Sycamore St.
James Bennett III can be reached at 765-454-8580 or james.bennett@kokomotribune.com.
