We recently spent some time talking music, business, and all things City Heights with local resident and record store owner Harry Miller. Harry is the co-owner of Jupiter Records and Tapes, located at 3610 University Avenue. His store is home to the most extensive collection of music and vinyl we’ve seen in San Diego. But Harry doesn’t just see his store as a haven for vinyl enthusiasts. He wants it to become a gathering spot and creative hub for the City Heights community.
Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you from? What is your connection to City Heights, and how long have you been a part of this community?My name is Harrison Miller and I am 24 years old. I’ve lived in San Diego since I was six years old, and my family has lived in San Diego for five generations. City Heights is my favorite neighborhood in San Diego and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. I’ve lived in the City Heights neighborhood for almost three years.
The business I co-own with Brendan Boyle is called Jupiter Records and Tapes. We have been open since June of 2018 and we strive to be a place in the community where anyone and everyone can free themselves from the world and indulge in self-expression and wonderful music. Every LP in the store is $5 and offers access to music from the medieval era to now.
What do you find most rewarding about running your business?
What I find most rewarding about this job is the ability to serve and connect with the neighborhood that I live in and spend most of my time in. I am always grateful to be able to talk about music with folks from all walks of life. This job has given me a place where I can go and do my best to share with all who walk through the door that they should feel welcomed and encouraged to express themselves.
What challenges have you encountered in your business, and how have you overcome them?
The challenge I’ve faced working here is trying to make this place more than a record store. We have live music a few times a month, but I would like to host other events that go beyond the scope of music and focus on making this store a beacon of creativity and freedom. I combat these struggles by having a positive attitude and an open ear to suggestions on shows and events to make this place the best it can be.
What advice or words of wisdom would you provide to aspiring City Heights business owners?
My advice would be to be observant of your neighbors and notice that everyone puts in effort every day to make City Heights San Diego’s finest neighborhood. Simply offering “hellos” to passing pedestrians shows that we can all be friendly and serve our community. If anything, being a friend to people has definitely helped our business succeed.
What do you love about City Heights? What do you envision for the future of the community?
I love City Heights because there are so many kind and wonderful people who live here. It is where I feel most welcomed and it is what makes me proud to be a San Diego resident. City Heights is truly unique and is a destination for great food, beautiful parks, wonderful people, and a great record store!
Visit Jupiter Records and Tapes at 3610 University Avenue, open Thursday-Monday, 11am-8pm.
Email: recordsandtapesch@gmail.com
Phone: 858-603-9002
Instagram: @soundsfromjupiter
Facebook: Jupiter Records and Tapes
Yelp: Jupiter Records and Tapes
