Father and son duo Moden and Oliver Thibodeau hummed their own versions of the song lyrics "Because I'm Happy..." when they opened a new, local record store on Jan. 23, 2026. The CTYZN Records (pronounced Citizen) store in the Carmel Arts & Design District at 420 W. Main St., offers new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, thrifted discoveries and music-related curiosities.
The Thibodeaus are credited with introducing the first-ever record store in Carmel. Both also reside in Carmel. The family's matriach, Ashley Thibodeau, founded The Ballet Studio of Carmel 10 years ago, and the instructors now teach most dance forms and host a thriving theater department.
"The shop brings music lovers together through analog culture, curation and community. We buy and sell vinyl, CDs, tapes and VHS, support independent artists, host lessons and events, and keep physical media alive," says 18-year-old Oliver. "Our location is a family-owned and community-driven record shop, creative space and music hub."
Oliver says he wanted to open a record store since he was 14. "Seeing my parents both running their companies in the Art & Design District gave me the vision of opening my own business here as well."
After taking double bass lessons for years at the Carmel Music Center, which ultimately closed operations during February 2025, he says he and his dad wanted to bring musical artistic balance back to Main Street. "That’s where the name CTYZN Records came from: City + Zen," Oliver explains.
As the owner of an Indianapolis-based advertising firm, Moden says he was looking for a new place where he could house his office when he stumbled upon the Main Street location. "It was while looking for a space for my agency that I found the perfect spot for my son to begin his education in business by opening his records store. I occupy a small area in the back of the building while Oliver runs the streetside record store. I believe talent and passion are our biggest incentive for education. Oliver is a smart, young man with a penchant for entrepreneurship and a talent for music."
Since the January store opening, Moden says everyone has been great. "We’re blessed to live here. It’s been really cool to see Oliver build relationships with young musicians and give them a place to play their music. All this balanced out with audiophiles, treasure hunters, vinyl curators and vinyl virgins looking to spin their very first record."
Oliver echoes that it’s been amazing. "We have quite a few regulars, which is awesome. And for those just discovering the shop, they've shared their excitement. We’re still small, but we have already grown rapidly in the last months of business. It’s only getting better from here."
Casper Willow, front man of Opening Day, teaches guitar and songwriting lessons at CTYZN Records for beginners through advanced players, with an emphasis on building artistry, creativity and real-world musicianship.
The team celebrated their first national Record Store Day on April 18.
Moden says they work together most days, although sometimes he works out of sight in the back office creating ad campaigns and designs for clients. "We’re closed on Monday and Tuesdays, so Oliver and I will often go out on adventures to secure new records. We’ve traveled to Madison to purchase several items from a record store that was closing their doors. We’ll even help those downsizing by doing a housecall to inspect their collections. It’s really a lot of fun, and we enjoy getting to know people in our community better. We’ve even talked about writing a book of our adventures."
"And we’re coming up with new ways to record musical artists performing their live music in the store. Also, my siblings come in pretty often and help run the store. I’m the oldest of five. We have a lot of fun," says Oliver.
He adds that they like to throw around new ideas. They're already growing their inventory and constantly rearranging the furniture. He says they just finished building a new giant record bin to hold all of the new records they've been acquiring, which come from working directly with music labels, bands, distributors, auction houses and "sometimes it’s really about being creative and letting the universe do its thing."
When they first opened, in the dead of winter, Oliver says a woman came in looking for 'Tiki records.' They discussed the genre a bit and he says he learned something new. She explained that during the dreary winter, she likes to listen to music where she feels transported to the beach and warmth. "I thought it was a very sweet idea. We were able to go through our collection and actually find a few records she took home. That’s one of those moments where I got a glimpse into how music was comforting someone. She was super cool, and I’m glad we had something that worked."
Regarding other musical genres, Oliver says they believe in an eclectic and respectable variety of artists. "As patrons express interest in various music, we do our best to listen with an open mind and bring those artists into the store. That said, Doom Metal has been a popular genre as of late. That includes bands like OM, Spelljammer and Acid Bath," he adds.
"We’re actually the only store in the state of Indiana who are official sellers of Acid Bath."
Among bands who've already performed at the store are Nothing If Not, Opening Day and Deau Eyes from Richmond, Virginia. They currently host live music every last Friday of the month, with 100% of ticket sales going directly to the performing musicians. Oliver assures that bands are encouraged to play original music. Shows are announced on the store's website and through social media.
While vinyl is their passion, Oliver says they plan to sell more turntables, posters, zines, stickers and art. "We want to support artistry. It’s a very small venue, but that’s what makes it special."