The listening industry

From 1909, the Orchestrelle factory in Silverdale Road, Hayes, produced pianola (selfplaying piano) rolls and gramophone records. It was run by the American Aeolian Company, manufacturers of automatic pianos and organs. The finished paper rolls, which replicated tunes in the form of minute perforations, were hung inside the building's clock tower. 

The EMI factory in Hayes began in 1907, when Australian soprano Dame Nellie Melba laid the foundation stone for its Blythe Road premises. It produced gramophones, and 78 rpm records under the 'His Master's Voice' (HMV) label. Its three iconic art deco buildings were added in 1928. The factory survived a flying bomb attack on 7 July 1944. It was finally forced to move its vinyl production in the late 1970s, due to economic circumstances.

There have been several record sellers throughout the borough's recent history.

Early 20th century Uxbridge listed J James & Son, Willis & Sons and Magnet Supply among others. Today, Sounds of the Suburbs in Ruislip Manor and dub and reggae store Roots Youths Records in Hillingdon provide similar outlets.