Ghent, located in the northeast of Belgium, is famous for its well-preserved ancient Roman architecture, earning it the nickname "Medieval Town." On the other side of the old town, tucked away among modern apartments, is a record store that embodies minimalism in both its design and name—Objects & Sounds.

After arriving in Ghent and dropping off our luggage at the hotel, we immediately headed to the long-awaited record store. Walking away from the city center, we passed rows of neat and tidy apartments, a grassy park, and a bicycle overpass. Following a gravel path under construction, we arrived at a small patch of grass within the apartment complex—our destination, Objects & Sounds.

Stepping into Objects & Sounds, the first thing that caught our eye was the lush green grass outside. On sunny days, this spot is perfect for inviting the local community to gather and host small music listening sessions. The store’s exterior features window frames painted in a wood-like brown, paired with large glass windows that let in plenty of natural light, creating a comfortable yet striking contrast with the iron windows of the apartments above. Inside, the design is simple yet elegant. The ceiling and walls are finished with concrete, while the floor is a quiet gray. The space is filled with wooden furniture, vinyl record shelves, tables, and black music equipment. The overall vibe complements the greenery and blue sky outside, creating a harmonious atmosphere.

The store doesn’t just stock vinyl records and cassette tapes; it also features a range of carefully curated "objects": perfumes, clothes, body oils, books, and more. Each item fits perfectly with the store’s aesthetic. The concept here doesn’t need much explanation—the name Objects & Sounds says it all. It’s a record store and label that blends objects and sounds seamlessly.

The two owners were already inside waiting for us. After a quick handshake and greeting, we made our way to the corner filled with cassette tapes to start browsing. The owners kindly reminded us that we could use the TEAC black cassette deck to listen to any tapes, and there were also two turntables for vinyl listening. Objects & Sounds specializes in ambient music, and of course, there’s plenty of work from Leaving Records. The music here resonates with the natural surroundings, and the serene environment makes you feel like you’re at a nature-inspired pit stop. Each album feels like a vessel carrying the essence of nature, waiting for a music lover to take it home and let the sounds of the outdoors play indoors.

This space isn’t just a record store—it’s a place where people can connect with nature, music, and life itself. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking for a moment of peace, you’ll find your own rhythm and inspiration here.

The owners also recommended several works from local Ghent labels and musicians. After about an hour of browsing, we left with our hands full. The owners then got us two cups of kombucha, and we chatted for a while.

While exploring record stores in both Amsterdam and Ghent, we noticed a common feature: whether it’s CDs, vinyl, or cassette tapes, the stores always have listening stations set up. This "try before you buy" approach is standard in European record shops, but it’s rare in Hong Kong due to the high cost of rent.