This Friday sees the return of On The Button to The Imaginarium, and also a fundraiser for Rubber Ducky Records. This incorporates a pre-party in Plant & Deck, with a pop up from the record store, and a party upstairs…
Many of you will be aware of Rubber Ducky Records, and the catastrophe that has hit this wonderful venture…
To fill in those of you who might not know, this is a floating record shop, housed on a canal boat, set up by Myles Greenwood. The store opened in October 2022, after Myles spent 18 months renovating the boat. The project also incorporated a radio show, featuring guests such as Ethan McNamara and Esmé.
Rubber Ducky Records toured the canals of the UK, and the next plan was to head to Manchester, when disaster struck. A rug or mattress, which had been dumped in the canal, caught on the boat’s propellor, and broke its stern gland. Due to this, the boat sank and Myles lost around 1000 records, and all the equipment inside the boat. (Turntables, amplifiers, electronics etc.)
Having put heart and soul into the project, Myles hasn’t given up, but the boat will need a full refit inside, a new engine, and the shop will need new stock, and new equipment. The situation also means he faces an indefinite period where the business is unable to trade, thus loss of income. He has set up a GoFundMe, with the aim of raising £15,000 to cover costs.
At Imaginarium, we know Myles well, and absolutely love the concept of Rubber Ducky Records. He jumped on board for our Ukraine fundraiser event last year, and his input helped a great deal towards the donation we were able to make. We’re always keen to help out a friend, and anybody who makes a contribution to the music scene and community. Added to this, we had our own disaster to deal with a couple of years ago, so we understand the struggle he faces. So, our suggestion was that some kind of fundraiser be held at the space to help get the store afloat again…
As well as running the record store, Myles is co-founder of party and label On The Button, along with Luke Foulkes. They were set to host a party this Friday, with guest Goutham joining the residents, and now, with the help of all involved, this is now a fundraiser, with all ticket sales going to the GoFundMe campaign to help this cause. There’s also now a pre-party downstairs, and Rubber Ducky Records will be hosting a pop up shop in Plant & Deck, where you’ll be able to listen to and buy records from the stock he managed to save.
Tickets for the party are available from Resident Advisor – who made the extremely kind gesture of donating booking fees for the event to the fundraiser.
If you’re unable to attend this party, but you’d like to help save Rubber Ducky Records, the GoFundMe page is here.
And also, you can buy a limited edition “sunk it” tee, designed by LeGram VG, which are now available for pre order. All proceeds go to the GoFundMe, Just send your size & address on PayPal to rubberduckyrecs@gmail.com
If you’ve not checked them out, and want a taste of the music these guys play, check out their Soundclouds…
Words: R Brehl