A new independent record store has opened on Main Street, giving western Loudoun music fans a curated space to discover, browse and listen to vinyl before they buy.
Madcap Vinyl, owned by Ryan and Lori Caldwell, opened in late April at 101 East Main Street. The couple said they set out to build the kind of record store they always wanted to spend time in themselves.
“While record stores have become harder to find in many communities, we felt our town deserved a place where people could discover music, browse physical media, and connect with other music fans,” the owners said.
A Store Built From a Lifelong Passion
Ryan Caldwell spent most of his career in operations, process improvement and business management, but music and record collecting have been a constant in his life. A personal passion gradually turned into a business idea, the couple said, and they saw a chance to bring something new to downtown Purcellville: a place that blends music discovery, collecting, nostalgia and community.
Lori Caldwell brings much of the heart and personality behind the store, the owners said, especially the touches that make the space fun and comfortable. Together they wanted a welcoming spot that feels approachable whether a visitor is buying a first record or has been collecting for decades.
What’s in the Bins
Madcap’s selection focuses primarily on vinyl, including new releases and used records across classic rock, alternative and indie, jazz, blues, soul and R&B, metal and punk, psychedelic and progressive rock, and specialty pressings. The store also carries turntables, accessories, cleaning supplies and other products that help people enjoy and care for their collections.
The owners describe the shop as intentionally small and highly curated. Rather than trying to stock everything, they said, they focus on records worth spending time with, carrying albums everyone recognizes alongside titles customers may never have encountered.
“We want customers to feel comfortable browsing, asking questions, and discovering something unexpected,” the Caldwells said.
A Listening Station Front and Center
One of the first things visitors notice is the turntable listening station, positioned at the center of the store. Customers can pull a record from the bins, put it on and explore something they have never heard before.
The station reflects what the owners believe is missing from much of today’s music retail. Streaming has made music more accessible than ever, they said, but it often removes the sense of discovery and connection that comes from spending time with an album. The Caldwells wanted a place where people can slow down, listen intentionally and experience a record before deciding whether to take it home.
“For us, the store isn’t just about selling records,” the owners said. “It’s about creating a space where people can explore music, share recommendations, and discover their next favorite album.”
Visiting Madcap Vinyl
Madcap Vinyl is at 101 East Main Street, Suite 101, in Purcellville. The customer entrance is on North 21st Street. The store can be reached at 540-417-6233.
Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, noon to 7 p.m. Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. The store is closed Monday.
