When you think of Minneapolis, several things come to mind: The Chain of Lakes, The Cherry and the Spoon, Juicy Lucys, and for many music lovers, the Electric Fetus. The Minneapolis record store has anchored the northeast corner of the Whittier Neighborhood since it opened its doors in 1972. Second generation owners Stephanie & Aaron Meyerring have been running the Fetus for 10 years after the retirement of founder Keith Covart, Stephanie’s father. Both Aaron and Stephanie are quick to characterize the institution as so much more than a business or a job; it’s a community. “We are who we are because of dedicated people,” Stephanie says of the business she grew up in.
A quick tour around the store reveals much more than music. The Electric Fetus has evolved into a full-fledged shopping experience, featuring a gift shop complete with toys, candy, t-shirts, hats and many more quirky items. But if you see something you like, be sure to grab it, Stephanie warns, because it may not be there next time. The store strives to find unique vendors and rotate items as much as they can.
Visitors may also be surprised to find an equipment section housing turntables and a recently launched memorabilia section, but make no mistake -- Electric Fetus is still rooted in the music itself, boasting a wide variety of genres including new releases. The shop has counted Minnesota legend Prince and other local favorites as regular customers, but Aaron says it’s not only the high-profile clientele they like to look out for: “You could be standing next to your next favorite artist and not even know it.” Keep an eye on the Electric Fetus’ calendar, as they regularly offer free and affordable, in-store happenings to promote local acts and beyond.
A quick tour around the store reveals much more than music. The Electric Fetus has evolved into a full-fledged shopping experience, featuring a gift shop complete with toys, candy, t-shirts, hats and many more quirky items. But if you see something you like, be sure to grab it, Stephanie warns, because it may not be there next time. The store strives to find unique vendors and rotate items as much as they can.
Visitors may also be surprised to find an equipment section housing turntables and a recently launched memorabilia section, but make no mistake -- Electric Fetus is still rooted in the music itself, boasting a wide variety of genres including new releases. The shop has counted Minnesota legend Prince and other local favorites as regular customers, but Aaron says it’s not only the high-profile clientele they like to look out for: “You could be standing next to your next favorite artist and not even know it.” Keep an eye on the Electric Fetus’ calendar, as they regularly offer free and affordable, in-store happenings to promote local acts and beyond.
Electric Fetus owners Aaron and Stephanie Meyerring.
In a time when the world of retail is going digital, Electric Fetus is a sensory experience that the internet cannot compete with. The racks of vinyl and CDs invite the patron to explore well beyond their original shopping list in search for that hidden gem. The smell of the store is distinct, and the creaks in the floor are a reminder that you are not in a shiny new retail space, but one cultivated by years of dedication to product and craft. Electric Fetus’ eclectic nature exemplifies the organic growth and diversity of clientele, while paying tribute to the counterculture music scene from which the concept and unique name were born.
As the store celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, you can expect the Electric Fetus to continue celebrating its colorful legacy while looking ahead at what’s to come. The dedicated ownership, staff, and community-minded approach to business all but guarantee that Electric Fetus will remain a pillar in the Minneapolis music lexicon for years to come.
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