By Thomas Smith

Dan Manley and his partner Collin Burke opened Russel Red Records in 2019.

Manley has a lifelong love of music and is active in the arts community of Haliburton as music director of the Highlands Chamber Orchestra and co-conductor of the Highlands Wind Symphony.

Manley and Burke’s strengths symphonized wonderfully in creating their store, with Burke in charge of the store’s artistic direction, including their iconic logo. Manley, a computer programmer by day, used his skillset in designing the store’s website and integrated a seamless point of sale system. Through Russel Red Records’ website, customers were able to search songs, catalogue numbers, look at conditions of used vinyl, and view images of the records.

Throughout their six years of operation, Manley and Burke pursued several ventures with Russel Red including offering specialty coffee, comic books, cold soda, and music equipment.

“Growth during the pandemic was amazing,” said Manley. With people being stuck at home and vacationing in Ontario, Manley says that their best year for sales was during the pandemic.

Inflation, the price of rent, and the future uncertainties of a niche market were all factors that have led to Manley and Burke closing Russel Red Records.

“We were really hoping things were going to turn around,” said Manley.

Throughout the years, Russel Red Records brought bands to play in the record store and offered their merch for sale, hosted queer nights, and had a fleet of staff that offered music recommendations and pleasant conversation.

If there was a record that you wanted, Russel Red Records was there to order it for you.

Manley and Burke noticed the decline in business in 2023. Optimistic for 2024, the revenue for the store never bounced back.

With the recent tariffs threatened by the United States, Manley’s concerns regarding the future of the record industry in Canada have risen. Very little records are pressed in Canada, says Manley. While some records are pressed in Czechia and the United Kingdom, a large majority of mainstream musicians and popular artists in Canada have their records pressed in the United States.

In 2024, Kelsey Redman was hired as manager for Russel Red Records. In that same year, Manley let the staff know that they had plans to shutter the doors.

Soon after, Redman approached Manley to express interest in purchasing the business.

From the age of 10, music has been an integral part of Redman’s life, having learned the double bass. Redman has continued playing instruments in the Haliburton Highlands Chamber Orchestra and Swing Band.

Redman hopes to expand the music equipment aspect of the business and will offer violin, viola, and guitar strings for sale. With the Source closing down last year, Redmans Records hopes to become the top destination for music equipment in the county. With eight months of experience working as manager for the store, they are familiar with the ins and outs of the business and are excited for people to pick up vinyl that was ordered before the rebranding.

There will be a selection of used instruments for sale soon. Sodas will still be available for purchase in the retro fridge and nostalgic treats such as Thrills gum have been added to their inventory.

The espresso machine is currently down, but Redman has plans to offer a selection of specialty drinks and food, once renovations are complete and the premises are cleared to serve food. Redmans Records will also soon have a space for people to enjoy drinks and food within the store.

With Russel Red Records closing indefinitely, Manley is looking forward to devoting more time to the Haliburton Arts Centre Foundation.

The storefront is currently open and is now Redmans Records. Redman says that up to $100 worth of loyalty points from Russel Red Records can be redeemed, but the program will not be continued. Gift cards from Russel Red Records are also currently accepted.

The store will happily accept any donations of vinyl and look at your used vinyl to purchase.

With an eye set on chartreuse, a splash of other colours, and a rebranding to fit the retro feel, Redman is excited to use their skills as an artist in giving the store a facelift. Redmans Records continues the legacy of taking special orders for any record, new or used. No matter the rarity, they will give their best effort in tracking down the perfect record for your collection.

“You have to go out and buy from them and keep the store open,” said Manley. “That’s how you keep the cool things going in Haliburton County.”