In the truest sense, Eldica is a family business. Opened in 2001 by Andy Westbury and his wife Annie, and named after Annie’s Trinidadian grandmother, Eldica began as a storefront that sold incense, mosaic mirrors and other tchotchkes. But before long, the couple realized that their funky, retro-furnished store was also an ideal space for Andy to sell off some of his expansive vinyl collection — thus a record shop was born. Coming of age during London’s rare groove scene and hip-hop’s sample-based heyday, Andy’s passion for soul and funk, in combination with the family’s island roots, make for a distinct musical sensibility. Old-school breakbeats and James Brown productions vie with reggae roots and lovers rock, jazz, and whatever else comes in off the streets of Dalston; Andy has a reputation for uncovering elusive, funky island tracks, making Eldica a prime digging destination for locals and out-of-towners alike.
