Vinyl Revived in the Highlands
Russell Red Records
Russell Red Records, co-owned by Dan Manley and Collin Burke, has been bringing the timeless charm of vinyl to Haliburton Village for the past five years.
What began as a weekend pop-up with a handful of records has since blossomed into a vibrant shop filled with new and used vinyl, band T-shirts, turntables, speakers, and even a cozy café. As Dan Manley reflects, “We’ve grown the store a lot since then. Our collection is over 1,000 records, and we keep expanding.”
why Haliburton?
For Dan, choosing Haliburton as the home for Russell Red Records was a natural fit. Having lived in the region for almost two decades, he had grown deeply connected to the area’s unique charm and strong sense of community. He felt that both locals and visitors would embrace something new and exciting. “I’ve been living here for 18 years, and I love the region,” Dan explained. “The area has so much to offer, and it felt like the perfect place to open a store that could not only add to the local culture but also provide something unique for the community, the town, and the county overall.”
Dan knew that Haliburton’s vibrant community, with its mix of locals, artists, and visitors, would appreciate a place like Russell Red Records—a shop where people could experience the joy of vinyl records in a way that larger cities often take for granted.
Dan with the records
Creating Connections Through Vinyl
One of the most rewarding parts of running the store is helping customers reconnect with their musical memories. Dan recalls a moment when a customer came in searching for a long-lost album: “He tried to describe the cover—something about a woman covered in shaving cream—and I immediately knew it was Whipped Cream & Other Delights by Herb Alpert. When I found it for him, he was ecstatic. It’s moments like that which make this business so special.”
The Tactile Experience of Vinyl
Dan is passionate about vinyl and its ability to provide a richer, more immersive experience than streaming or CDs. “There’s something about holding a record, the artwork, the process of putting it on the turntable,” he said. “It’s tactile. You’re more invested in it, and for many people, it’s nostalgic. It’s a connection to something real.”
Growing the Business and Community
Since opening, Russell Red Records has continued to evolve, from adding a café to expanding their selection of gear and tech. But Dan’s vision goes beyond just selling records. He hopes to turn the shop into an arts and community hub, hosting events like monthly queer nights with Haliburton Highlands Brewing. “We want to create more events that give people even more reasons to come here—not just to buy records, but to hang out and be part of something.”
Russell Red Records is also mindful of sustainability. By recycling and reselling used records, they give old vinyl new life. “It’s a great reuse and recycle setup,” Dan explained. “Records aren’t single-use; they’re cherished, passed on, or resold. We also use paper cups and compostable lids in the café, so we’re doing our part in reducing waste.”
cafe pouring
Charting the Future
As Russell Red Records continues to grow, Dan and Collin are excited about the future. “We wouldn’t be opposed to eventually moving to a bigger space,” Dan said. “We want to stay connected to the arts community and be a place where people can come together, discover new music, and experience something unique.”
With its blend of music, culture, and community, Russell Red Records has become a cornerstone of Haliburton’s creative scene. As Dan proudly put it, “We’re contributing to the Highlands in a meaningful way, giving people something special to do and experience right here in Haliburton.”
To find more succuss stories in the Haliburton Highlands click here.
Record shop
Store front
Loyalty Program
Finding music
Wall art
great selection
Record players
Sustainability
Dan with the records
Dan & Collin