OUR STORY
ABOUT SOUND BEND
Made for South Bend
Sound Bend Records was founded from a deep love of music and a belief in its power to bring people together. The idea took shape after founder Elio moved from Seattle to South Bend through the Make My Move program and the South Bend–Elkhart partnership. Coming from a lifelong passion for collecting vinyl and more than a decade in the advertising world, Elio saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the local music scene.
Inspired by the sense of belonging he first experienced at Easy Street Records in West Seattle Junction, Elio set out to create a space that could do the same in downtown South Bend: a welcoming, creative hub where locals could connect, discover, and share in the joy of music.
From the Founder of Sound Bend
I was born and raised in Seattle to immigrant parents who taught me the value of community and creativity. Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from recording radio shows onto cassette tapes to making mix CDs for friends.
As a queer Hispanic man, it’s important to me that Sound Bend Records is more than a place to shop for vinyl. It’s a space where everyone feels seen, welcomed, and connected through the shared language of music.
– Elio
Stay for a While
From the seating to the sound, every element of Sound Bend was created to bring people together. Sharing a home with De Nolf’s Barbershop, the space hums with the rhythm of conversation, music, and community. It’s a place to slow down, share stories, and rediscover what makes music feel human. With local coffee from Revenant and drinks by Ivy Hall, we invite you to settle in and stay awhile.
From the Founder of De Nolf’s
When I moved from DC to South Bend in 2019, I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—but I sure as hell didn’t want to open just another barbershop. We’ve got plenty of those. I came here with a fresh vibe and a new way of thinking.
De Nolf’s was built on community, creativity, and connection—a barbershop that feels like home. We see all walks of life come through our doors, and the city is full of people doing amazing things. It’d be a crime not to use those connections to make cool things happen.
Over the years, I’ve teamed up with countless local businesses on events, products, and collaborations—bringing different circles together to build a more connected, creative South Bend.
Having Sound Bend Records inside the shop has brought the spark I’d been chasing since day one. Elio and I speak the same language, and it’s been a blast working together on events. I truly believe we’ve got something special happening on William Street… and we’re just getting started.
– Ethan
