This month marks the one-year anniversary for Psychedelic Cellar, a record store in downtown Marion. On February 20th, 2022, owner Matt Wilson opened the Cellar doors and it has been growing since.
Wilson was born in Marion and raised in Gas City but spent several years elsewhere, calling Japan and Texas home for a while before coming back to his roots. While in Texas, he said “the lightning struck” and he knew he wanted to open a record store but wasn’t exactly sure where. Through reconnecting with lifelong friend, Michael Mathias (owner of Marion Cycle Works), the pieces began to come together and he knew Marion was the place to have his dream realized. Through support of Mathias and the building’s owner, Mike Halstead, Wilson located the store in the basement of Marion Cycle Works to create the “speak easy” space. One may access Psychedelic Cellar through the back door of Marion Cycle Works by the city bus terminal. “I feel extremely lucky to have the opportunity to use this space, and the support of Mathias and Halstead has been phenomenal.” Wilson also credits his family, friends, and the community.
A year ago, the Cellar was only open on weekends, and as things continued to fare well for the shop, Wilson expanded his hours to include Wed., Thurs., and Fri. evenings. In addition to vinyl, customers may also purchase artwork as Wilson features local artists. Wilson enjoys highlighting artists of all kinds, in fact much of the art he owns and displays throughout the Cellar have meaningful ties to places he’s called home. Talk with Wilson, and you’ll learn that a lot of the shop is a reflection of who he is and his interests in music and art. The Cellar has been host to a few small live shows. Though vinyl records are the soul of his shop, it will expand towards CDs later this year.
He wants customers to know how to find him. “Being in a ‘Cellar’ encourages skill of curiosity and discovery of places like this that exist. My hope is that people learn that with little effort, there’s a lot out there you might not know. So get out and explore, research and find meaningful spaces that exist in our community.”
Create community around music at Psychedelic Cellar downtown Marion — a rich, full music experience in the city ready to greet you with art, music, and genuine community.
Psychedelic Cellar
207 S. Washington St., Marion, IN 46952 (Basement, entrance in rear facing bus stop)
Hours: Wed – Fri, 4– 8pm; Sat – Sun, 12 – 6pm
Socials: Facebook & Instagram: @psychedeliccellar
Phone: (765) 382‑8087 | Email: matt.wilson@psychedeliccellar.com
Submitted by: Kayla Johnson, Main Street Marion / Discover Marion Downtown
