Hogwild Records, one of the oldest record stores in San Antonio, is a vibrant part of San Antonio College’s campus life. Located just across from San Antonio College’s Victory Center on the corner of Main and Dewey, the store, which opened in 1982 and has earned multiple awards from the city, is a community staple and a hot spot for bands to visit.
Launching in the 80s with a “small-town” mindset, Hogwild has adapted and grown with the city and the times. The store, which started selling vinyl, CDs and cassette tapes, also sells T-shirts, memorabilia and other merchandise.
The store’s proximity to San Antonio College makes it a convenient stop for students and staff members looking for a spot to relax and enjoy the store’s ambiance while looking through its expansive inventory of new, used and rare music.
Senior manager Steven Alejandro began working at Hogwild when he was 17 in 1984.
“This was the only place in town where you could find different types of music that you couldn’t find in other stores — bands like New Order, Joy Division, Black Flag, and Dead Kennedys. As a kid, I would spend hours going through everything.” Alejandro said.
Alejandro said the store has always provided a place for local bands to sell demo tapes, post flyers and promote their music while connecting with other music lovers. Hogwild also has a rich history of supporting SAC’s radio station, KSYM 90.1, and the local music scene.
“It’s always been very community-driven, and there’s still a sense of that,” Alejandro said. “Hogwild is still a place where people come to commune.”
In between and after classes, students enter the store and discover its charm: walls and ceilings covered in stickers promoting local businesses and shows, and warm and welcoming workers.
“Music has always been a big part of my life,” SAC freshman engineering student Rustin Hester told the Sundial. “When classes are stressful and I have some free time, coming to Hogwild is an easy way to relax. Getting a new record gives me something fun to look forward to and makes the day go by easier.”
Hogwild is a comfort spot for many SAC students and locals, and people who have grown up with the establishment sing its praises. Hogwild employee Ryann Palacios, a former SAC student, said the record store became a go-to hangout spot for her when she attended SAC.
“I grew up in Floresville, and I would come in from out of town to shop,” Palacios told the Sundial. “I started school at SAC and lived just down the street, so I always walked here. Many local bands and DJs always come in; it’s a hub and just a good place to be.”
Since its humble beginnings 40 years ago, Hogwild has stayed relevant and cemented itself as a popular cultural hub in San Antonio by prioritizing community and staying true to its roots.
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