Nestled in the heart of Atlanta, Echo Room isn’t your average music lounge, it’s a hotspot for music connoisseurs, crate diggers, and lovers of analog sound. Inspired by jazz kissa culture and the global rise of listening bars, Echo Room is Atlanta’s premier vinyl listening room, where music is the centerpiece and the atmosphere is intentionally immersive.
More than just a venue, Echo Room is a carefully curated experience built by a team of passionate DJs and music curators. These individuals bring not only an exceptional ear for music but also a deep respect for the vinyl format, crafting an environment where records spin, hearts open, and connections deepen.
Let’s meet the musical minds behind this groundbreaking listening room in Atlanta: DJ Kemit, DJ Mike Zarin, DJ Salah Ananse, and Kai Alce.
The Curators Of Echo Room
DJ Kemit: The Visionary
At the core of Echo Room’s identity is DJ Kemit, the founder and creative visionary. With decades of experience spinning vinyl and producing genre-spanning tracks, Kemit has created more than a lounge, he’s built a sanctuary.
Kemit’s dream was to design a vinyl listening room where music is honored with reverence. Drawing from global influences like jazz kissa cafés and European listening bars, he envisioned a space where people could disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with music on a human level.
From the acoustic treatment of the walls to the analog sound system’s warm tones, every detail reflects Kemit’s belief that vinyl listening should be intentional, tactile, and communal.
DJ Mike Zarin: The Sound Architect Of Echo Room
Every listening room needs a sonic architect, and that’s where DJ Mike Zarin comes in. With a background in sound engineering, audio tech, and immersive audio design, Zarin brought Kemit’s vision to life through meticulous planning and custom design.
Zarin’s mastery of acoustics ensures that every note in Echo Room is heard in high fidelity. Whether you’re listening to a Miles Davis pressing or a deep house classic, the sound is crisp, warm, and enveloping, exactly how vinyl was meant to be heard. His custom-designed sound system adapts to the space, creating a truly one-of-a-kind listening bar experience in Atlanta.
DJ Salah Ananse: The Community Connector
Salah Ananse is the heart and soul of Echo Room’s growing community. Known across Atlanta and beyond for his magnetic personality and eclectic DJ sets, Ananse brings people together around the shared love of music.
His signature monthly event, Vinyl Night, has quickly become a staple at Echo Room. These nights invite guests to bring their own records, share music stories, and discover new sounds. Whether you’re an experienced collector or a curious newcomer, Ananse ensures everyone feels welcome and inspired.
But his work goes beyond events, Ananse organizes workshops, community gatherings, and themed listening sessions that transform Echo Room into a vibrant cultural hub.
Kai Alce: The Vinyl Curator
The soul of Echo Room lives in its vinyl collection, and Kai Alce is its dedicated curator. Known for his impeccable taste and deep musical knowledge, Alce has assembled a record library that spans jazz, soul, funk, house, Afrobeat, and rare global grooves.
Alce’s curation is more than just picking good records, it’s storytelling through sound. Every album on the shelf has a purpose, a history, and a sonic identity. Thanks to his guidance, Echo Room offers one of the most compelling and diverse vinyl libraries in Atlanta.
Whether you’re digging into a rare Blue Note pressing or an obscure South African jazz LP, Kai’s collection promises sonic discoveries you won’t find anywhere else.
More Than a Lounge: Echo Room Is A Cultural Movement
Echo Room isn’t just a place to hear music, it’s a movement rooted in appreciation, connection, and authenticity. In a world of instant streaming and low-res audio, Echo Room reminds us why vinyl matters.
Visitors come not just for the music, but for the experience. From the sound of the needle dropping, the hum of conversation and the chance to pause and truly listen. This is what sets Echo Room apart from other listening rooms in Atlanta.
What is a Jazz Kissa—and Why It Matters
Echo Room draws heavy inspiration from jazz kissa culture, a phenomenon that began in mid-20th century Japan. Jazz kissaten (or kissa) are intimate cafés where guests gather to quietly listen to jazz records played on high-end audio systems.
Echo Room honors this tradition while adding a local Atlanta flair. It’s a space where music is taken seriously, but not too seriously. Whether you’re deeply analyzing a John Coltrane solo or simply sipping a cocktail, the vibe is warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
Events That Build Community
Echo Room’s calendar is filled with events that make it more than just a passive listening space. These include:
- Monthly Vinyl Nights – Community record-sharing evenings hosted by DJ Salah Ananse.
- Artist Spotlights – Curated sessions focused on a single artist or genre, guided by one of the curators.
- Listening Sessions – Deep listening events in the intimate Listening Lounge, where albums are played front to back without interruption.
- Workshops – Educational talks on topics like “Vinyl Preservation” and “How to Build Your First Record Collection.”
These offerings transform Echo Room from a lounge into an educational, cultural, and creative ecosystem.
The Listening Lounge: Intimacy Meets Innovation
Within Echo Room lies a more intimate space: the Listening Lounge. Designed for small group sessions and private rentals, this room provides a hyper-focused listening environment. Equipped with reference-grade speakers and acoustic treatments, it’s perfect for curated listening parties or solo explorations.
You can even bring your own records, test pressings, or vintage finds to hear them as they were meant to be heard. It’s just one more way Echo Room elevates the listening bar concept.
What’s Next for Echo Room?
Echo Room’s curators aren’t standing still. Plans are underway to introduce more high-end listening stations and partner with local schools and nonprofits. The plan is to introduce youth to vinyl culture. These educational initiatives aim to preserve and promote the magic of vinyl for generations to come.
Visit Echo Room: Atlanta’s Best Listening Room
If you’re searching for a vinyl listening room in Atlanta, look no further than Echo Room. Whether you’re a seasoned record collector or someone simply curious about the vinyl experience, Echo Room offers an escape into the world of analog sound.
With our world-class curation, audiophile sound system, and community-focused programming, Echo Room is redefining what a listening bar can be. Come for the music, stay for the vibe and leave with a deeper connection to sound, community, and culture.