User:CortizZiaRecords/sandbox

Zia Record Exchange is a chain of independent entertainment media stores in the southwestern United States. There are currently eight Zia locations: four in Phoenix, Arizona, two in Tucson, Arizona, and two in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The company was founded in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1980 by Brad Singer. In 1983, Zia Records opened a store in Tempe, Arizona, home of Arizona State University. In 1992, Zia Records expanded to Tucson, Arizona, opening a location on Speedway and Country Club, near the University of Arizona.

In 2005, the company expanded into Las Vegas, Nevada, opening an 11,000 square foot location. In 2007, a second Las Vegas location opened on Sahara Avenue. In 2009, the Zia Record Exchange location on 25th avenue and Thunderbird Road in Phoenix expanded to include a full selection of new and pre-owned books. In 2012, Zia opened its largest location yet, on 19th Ave and Camelback in Phoenix, a 15,000-square foot store featuring music, movies, games, books, and accessories. Expanded locations soon opened in Tempe and Chandler, featuring full book stores. Discussing Zia’s longevity, Patricia Oliverio-Lauderdale of AZ Central writes:  “While many music stores are shutting down, Zia Records has survived the Digital Age. The desire to sift through vinyl records instead of clicking through songs on iTunes still exists for some among the college-age crowd in Tempe.”

Zia has been an official Record Store Day store since the campaign launched in 2008. In 2012, Zia played an instrumental role in both Phoenix, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada, proclaiming “Record Store Day” an official city holiday. Each Record Store Day, Zia has issued a limited-edition compilation, You Heard Us Back When, featuring Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas-based bands. From 2009-2013, Zia Records was the official record store of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. In 2015 Zia Records hosted its Record Store Day celebrations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas.

In 2015, indie pop band Tegan and Sara released a live record, Live at Zia Records.

Zia Records frequently hosts in-store events, and has hosted artists like Run the Jewels, and Frank Turner. The store was featured in Vice Magazine’s documentary on the occult rock band Ghost.