We’re All Ears

Behind The Scenes: The A&M Listening Bar

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No one throws a party like an A&M party. We took our Listening Bar - complete with DJ booth, spinning records and bespoke vinyl covers - to three different cities to celebrate our latest Ear Campaign. Now the turntables have been unplugged and our community have gone home, we’re taking a moment to share a roundup of our favourite moments from the past few weeks. 

The Listening Bar 

If you’re not familiar with the concept of a listening bar, let us fill you in. A listening bar is an intimate music venue focused on elevated sound systems and intentional music appreciation. People visit listening bars to slow down, listen deeply, and experience the joy of music with others. 

The history of listening bars
Fun Fact: The concept began in Japan, where they’re known as audio kissaten or jazz cafes. Music lovers would gather to hear rare records on incredible sound systems they could never afford at home.


Why a Listening Bar?

Inspired by the connection between self-expression through music and self-expression through piercing, we chose a listening bar because building a vinyl collection and curating an ear stack have a lot in common: 

  • Both are built on personal curation

  • They're all about the details

  • They're spaces for connection and escapism

     

     

 

“I appreciate a good concept, and the play on ears is fab!” Community Member
 

Mayfair Piercing Studios, LDN

First up, London. We hosted three Listening Bar sessions at our home of piercing, the Mayfair Piercing Studios. With two intimate evening sessions and one upbeat AM Set, it was a whirlwind of great music and even better company.

The highlight of the weekend? Welcoming back the incredible ladies who lent us their ears so we could bring this campaign to life. Our VIP guests had the chance to see their ears in lights, add to their stacks, and take home their very own personalised vinyl.

Abbot Kinney, LA

Next up, our Listening Bar flew stateside for a moody, sun-soaked evening at Only the Wild Ones in LA.

Think chilled summer sounds, natural wines, and endless ear-spiration as golden hour settled over Abbot Kinney. It was the ultimate neighbourhood hangout, bringing our LA community together for an intentional pause and a lot of stack inspiration.

Side Street, MCR

Next, we're on our way to Manchester for the final instalment. Watch this space. 

Mayfair Piercing Studios
The music might be over, but our Mayfair Piercing Studios aren’t going anywhere. Join us in-store for one-to-one ear styling, professional piercing studios, and an expert team.

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