SUMERIAN RECORDS Creator Launches SOUNDCHECK HOLLYWOOD Record Store

In an age where music retailers are closing at a rapid rate and record labels are going bankrupt due to online piracy and declining sales, Sumerian Records creator Ash Avildsen has taken a stand to prove that there is still an undeniable excitement to buying physical product. Avildsen has now boldly put his money where his mouth is by announcing the launch of SoundCheck Hollywood (located across from the infamous Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip and a couple doors down from the Viper Room) — a store that harkens back to the days when Tower Records ruled the strip and also served as a place for musicians and music fans to unite.

The official SoundCheck Hollywood grand opening party will take place on Wednesday, March 23 and will feature signings from ASKING ALEXANDRIA, EMMURE, ANIMALS AS LEADERS, THE FACELESS, SUICIDE SILENCE, WINDS OF PLAGUE and many others.

SoundCheck Hollywood is essentially a lifestyle music store that will feature CDs, vinyl and DVDs from all artists spanning the spectrum of the metal/underground rock genres, but will separate itself from any other store with the special emphasis of limited edition merchandise that will cover the walls. The ONLY place you will be able to find the exclusive designs of shirts and other merch items carried at SoundCheck will be right there at 8872 Sunset Blvd.

The specialness does not stop there. SoundCheck will offer fans a unique meet-and-greet opportunity with bands that takes place in the "backstage" of the store which will differ greatly from your normal autograph signings.

"We want to create an intimate environment that no other store has ever offered fans when they go to meet their favorite artists at a signing," said Avildsen. "SoundCheck's backstage will be far different from your typical 'move-it-along' setting, i.e. having a line of people looking over your shoulder while you are sharing your coveted moment with the band you came to meet."

All new releases the store carries will be made available at 9:00 p.m. that Monday (rather than the morning of the standard release schedule on Tuesday).

"If a kid can buy it on iTunes on the East Coast at that moment, then people in California should be able to buy the physical version in person, too," said Avildsen.

To top it off, whether you are just browsing the store or waiting in line to get backstage at SoundCheck Hollywood, fans can enjoy the two fully restored, timeless arcade pinball machines found inside: GUNS N' ROSES and WWF Royal Rumble, which are free to customers.

For more information, visit www.soundcheckhollywood.com.