SLUG: Tell us about your first experience with SLUG Magazine.
Anna: I remember when we came out to SLC for the first time in Nov. 2005, we definitely picked up a SLUG to get us around town and get to know the town. When we decided to open the store, Angela [Brown] was the only person I emailed about advertising. She was so excited about us bringing another record store into town and was really helpful. Her enthusiasm was really encouraging for us.

SLUG: How have you seen the magazine change since then?
Anna: I think a good magazine, like SLUG, is always in a state of evolution and change. Angela is a brilliant editor, and with the constant struggle in print media, she knows how to keep the magazine consistent yet interesting. It is always changing from issue to issue. Whether that means being more local-focused one month, political the next or looking at a more national picture.

SLUG: What is one of the most memorable SLUG articles that you have read?
Anna: I think one of the most memorable articles I read was about Black Heart Procession. It was published before we moved to Salt Lake, but we were in town trying to nail down a lease. I picked up the issue of SLUG because it had a BHP cover and I just couldn’t believe it. I’m not the biggest Black Heart fan there is … but it just blew my mind that a local magazine would give this indie band a cover story. I think that was the moment I knew that Slowtrain and SLUG would have a long and happy relationship together.

SLUG: What is your favorite SLUG cover?
Anna: Is it vain of me to say that the Slowtrain cover is my favorite? Probably, but I’ll say it anyway. It was definitely an honor to be on the cover and it certainly helped to solidify our place in the Utah music community.

SLUG: Tell us about the most memorable SLUG event that you’ve attended.
Anna:  SLUG’s 18th birthday bash at Club Vegas. Seeing Iceburn, Clear, The Stench, and The Corleones was incredible. We didn’t live in Utah when these bands were active and making music, but they are all still so legendary in the music scene here. To witness these reunions was amazing.

SLUG: How has SLUG affected your life?
Anna: Our business goes hand-in-hand with SLUG. Print media is just as hard to keep afloat as physical music. We have those same struggles. We both believe in the local music and arts community. We are both always doing what we can to make SLC a better place to live. SLUG helps keep us motivated to keep fighting the fight. Their support of our store has given us credibility within the music community. The cover story they wrote about us after our first year in business helped increase our customer base even further. Their publications are great to have in the store and a nice way for us to interact with customers when we use the magazine to reference a concert listing or article or even an ad for a tattoo place around the corner. Plus, the SLUG staff is full of music lovers that support our shop regularly, for which we are extremely grateful.

SLUG: Why do you think SLUG has continued to be relevant in Utah for the last 22 years?
Anna: SLUG is the voice of the Utah underground. In a state as conservative as this, we need that voice. We need a publication that will say what we are all thinking and keep us informed and entertained without taking itself too seriously. SLUG is like a good friend that makes you laugh, introduces you to great music, always throws a good party and can tell you how it is. I only hope we can be at least half as successful as SLUG Magazine.