Music made from scratch

FULLERTON: Only a five-minute drive down State College Boulevard from Cal State Fullerton, Burger Records caters to the college scene and the surrounding area by supporting local bands and classic artists.

When you enter Burger Records in Fullerton it takes you back to a simpler time. Cassettes, vinyls and CDs adorn the walls. A subtle scent of incense wafts in the room, and a rescue cat named Queenie wanders the aisles. Situated between a pho restaurant and a hydroponics store, it’s a little hole in the wall. Burger Records is two things: a record store and a record label.

Sean Bohrman and Lee Rickard founded the label in 2007 when they released an eclectic mix of garage rock, power pop and punk. Many local bands such as Nobunny and The Growlers have received support and acclaim by playing for the record label.

“We are open to anything. That’s what sets us apart,” Rickard said, explaining the store’s namesake: “Our LPs are good, just like burgers.”

The small store gets packed with people when they put on a shop show.

“We try to throw a show every week,” Bohrman said.

Bands that have played here include many local groups and legendary punk rockers like Wreckless Eric.

“It’s one of the only places keeping the do it yourself scene alive,” Warren Woodward, lead singer of American Males said.

When the owners find the store too small for a band, they take the show to a larger venue.

Burger Records threw a sold out music festival at The Observatory in October, celebrating The Growlers new record. They are also planning Burgerama, a two-day festival in March.

The philosophy of Burger Records is a simple one:

“If you can make the world a better place then do it,” Rickard said. The owners recently released a mix tape to benefit Mike Atta, the guitarist for Middle Class.

“As fans of music turn your friends onto something, then they turn their friends onto something. Before you know it you have your own neighborhood scene,” Rickard said.

Burger Records is at 645 S. State College Blvd., Fullerton and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.