Fresh Produce Records keeps Macon’s counter-cultural hub going strong. Take a look
Editor’s Note: This story is part of Living Local, a regular series featuring a look inside local businesses — the things they make, services they provide and their impact on the community.
A brief stay in Portland, Oregon, left William Dantzler wanting to bring the amazing musical experience he had to his hometown of Macon.
So he did — opening Fresh Produce Records downtown.
“When I lived in Oregon I attended an experimental music show at a food co-op grocery store and had an epiphany about the importance of creativity in building community and decided to focus that intent in Macon, my hometown,” he said. “This energy was amplified by the Fresh Produce era of Riggonia and Macon Noise and the record store model proved to be the perfect vehicle to carry out the mission of establishing a countercultural hub that Macon could be proud of.”
Opened in 2013 with business partner William Rutledge, the record store offers records, tapes, CDs, turntables, tape decks, CD players, speakers, guitar accessories, music books, concert DVDs, store merchandise, posters, memorabilia, vintage magazines and more.
Dantzler said in a digital era of streaming, Fresh Produce Records have championed physical media and sell all formats.
“Unlike some stores which may only stick to a certain niche, we try to have a little something for everyone,” he said “However, you will still find a very diverse selection of obscure titles as well, we love turning people on to new music.”
Dantzler said his passion for music runs deep and speaking from personal experience, music has always been there to help him through tough times.
“My partner William and I share a deep rooted love for music and both find great joy in sharing our favorite music with customers as well as learning from them while helping them navigate their own musical journey,” he said. “We learn something new every day and genuinely stay thirsty for more.”
A record shop like Fresh Produce Records would be a cornerstone in any community, but is especially important in a town with a music heritage like Macon.
Dantzler said as much as he and his partner are shopkeepers and salesmen, they are also historians, librarians, tastemakers and a guiding force for both producers and consumers of local art and music.
“Fresh Produce Records serves as a beacon for freaks of all varieties and a hub where people can gather together, meet like minded folks, get advice about where to go and what to do in town, or get support in sharing their art with the world,” he said. “We are servants of the community, and we serve our community joyfully.”
“In addition to serving our local community, we continue to work to make a name for ourselves in the music community at large, attracting more business and visitors who may not have previously had Macon on their radar,” Dantzler added.
Dantzler said the conversations and bonds he naturally builds with regular customers are fulfilling.
“Their passions become our passions and vice versa, this sharing of knowledge is a huge part of what drives us day to day,” he said. “We love being open and available to everyone regardless of their previous experience with record store culture, and in that way, I think we find a lot of pride in being the pillar of the community we have grown to be.”
Dantzler said he and his business partner are always happy to support community efforts and work with other local organizations to put on events in Macon, but beyond that they try to be available on a personal level to artists and business people who may be looking to improve how they operate.
“Our door is always open to anyone who needs some advice, mentoring, or a friend to listen,” he said.
“And, we are dedicated to working as hard as we can to continue to improve how we operate and build an absolute shining landmark of a record store that will draw people to our community for years to come,” Dantzler said.
Fresh Produce Records is located at 567 Cherry Street in Macon and can be reached at 478-297-1494
