This man wears a lot of hats and goes under a good amount of names. He has been referred to as The Real P. Diddy, DJ Sars, Parking Lot Paul, The D.I. Dubs, Reactionary Paul,  PLP and about 10 years ago a kid called him Sally Hoops. I just know him as an old mate. He has been nothing but a true friend to me over the years and when this kid is on, he can make you piss your pants. Very, very funny man and a heart the size of Jersey.

I caught up with Paul at his store in East Atlanta Village. We listened to Cock Sparrer and chatted. We drank Miller High Life and Yuengling and seriously thought about taking it to the next level. We did the right thing and went our separate ways at a decent time. I love when I make the right decision and manage to not get into trouble with my girl.

Here you go.

Dry Ink: How are things? When did Reactionary Records open?

Reactionary Paul: Things are good, I’m good. We opened on Feb. 28, 2009.

DI: How is it going so far?

RP: Like I said, things are good. It’s going at a good pace. It’s still new and the word is slowly getting out. With all of the different events that go on over here people stop in and check it out. It helps having The EARL across the street. People stop in when they go to a show and hopefully they will come back.

DI: What’s your main goal with the store?

RP: Just to provide records and sell vinyl that will, well you know… We want to have people come back and enjoy our place.

DI: Have you thought about offering haircuts for $3 and drinks?

RP: Yes and I think it would go well. I don’t think I would charge $3 for a haircut though. I actually wouldn’t charge a thing. We can give haircuts for friz-bee. I had a kid in here selling hot dogs. He made more money than me. And as for drinks, bring me one. We always have drinks in here. That’s what we do. We listen to records and drink.

DI: Fringe Binge 3 is happening this weekend? You’ve partnered with The Star Bar on this. Can you explain this event and tell us who’s playing?

RP: Well, I didn’t really partner with The Star Bar on it. Myself and Bryan Malone, who books shows at The Star Bar, started this festival together two years ago. Since I opened the record store we decided it would be great to make it a Reactionary Records and Star Bar event.  Peter Stubb is playing, Paul Collins Beat with Gentleman Jesse & His Men as his backing band, GG King, All Night Drug Prowling Wolves, The Customers, Predator and many more. It will be held this Friday, July 17th and Saturday, July 18th at The Star Bar in Little 5 Points. That’s Atlanta kids. It’s a two day event.

DI: What are your plans with Fringe Binge?

RP: We plan on doing it every year, every summer and each year make it a bit bigger and better. So far it is going great. We don’t want to make it just an Atlanta festival. We want people to travel from all over to come to this thing.

DI: Can you tell me a little about Peter Stubb?

RP: That’s a strange one. He is a sensitive guy, a very sweet genius, loves hot dogs and his bunny rabbit and is an amazing songwriter. You have to see him live to get the full Stubb. He doesn’t play out often so this is a very special occasion. He plays Saturday night the 18th.

DI: And what’s next for Reactionary Records?

RP: We’re going to try to do more in store performances. We’re going to try to take requests and find what people are looking for. We want to be the place to go to for punk, soul and dub vinyl.

DI: What in store performances will you be doing?

RP: This band Thomas Function from Huntsville, Ala. will be playing at The EARL on Aug. 8th with The Reigning Sound. They’re going to do an in store set earlier that evening. I’m looking forward to that.

DI: And what can we do to help?

RP: Keep spreading the word. Let everyone know about us. We’re at 465-A Flat Shoals Avenue in East Atlanta across the street from The EARL.

DI: Seriously, thank you much for your time. We will let folks know about you guys and you kids get out to Fringe Binge 3 this weekend at The Star Bar for some drinks, rock and roll and good times.