DJ, producer and label boss celebrates independent record shops after visiting 28 vinyl retailers using only public transport and walking.
Head of independent electronic dance label Paharas Musica, Paul Ridney has officially been certified as a Guinness World Record breaker after taking on a 24-hour vinyl shop challenge across the South Coast.
On 15 October 2025, Paul set out to break the record for the most vinyl retail stores visited in 24 hours — travelling from Brighton to Worthing, Chichester, Shoreham-by-Sea and back to Southampton using only public transport, plus a serious amount of walking.
After an 11-month wait, the result is finally official: Paul visited 28 stores in total and is now a Guinness World Record holder.
But for Paul, the challenge was never just about the certificate. The whole idea was to shine a spotlight on independent music retailers and the role they continue to play in music culture, community and discovery.
“Vinyl has been a constant in my life since childhood, not only as a way of enjoying music, but as a soundtrack to important memories and moments. It ultimately led to my career as a DJ and music producer. I want to celebrate vinyl and the record shops that helped me discover music, meet people, share stories and find records I might otherwise have missed.” Paul Ridney
Vinyl may be enjoying a well-earned comeback, but independent record shops are still facing tough times. Since Paul completed the challenge, three of the shops he visited have sadly closed — a reminder that local record shops still need real support, not just nostalgia.
The 24-hour mission saw Paul rack up around 57,000 steps, hopping between buses, trains and pavements as he made his way from store to store. There were some proper low points too — including climbing one of Brighton’s monster hills, only to find the record shop at the top was closed.
One of the biggest highs came halfway through the challenge, when Paul played an impromptu DJ set at Overdraft in Southampton, spinning some of the records he had picked up earlier in the day for staff and customers.
Paul hopes the record will encourage more people to get out, dig through the racks, discover new music and support the independent shops keeping vinyl culture alive.