This coming Saturday April 21st, is the annual event, RECORD STORE DAY. A celebration of perhaps the greatest retail shop you can come across, the independent record store.
Not that shopping at independent record stores should only be encouraged once a year, but this is your way of simply saying 'thank you' to your local independent record store and supporting their ongoing existence. Unlike the chain music stores that are scattered all over our country, the stores we have featured below, all put back in to the Australian punk and hardcore scenes, either through releasing records for local bands, hosting in-store shows, stocking local releases or just generally being a wealth of knowledge about local music you won't find anywhere else.
If you live close to one of these stores in your city, be sure to head down and say hello and buy up big!
Store: Kill The Music
Address: Level 1, 161-163 Elizabeth St, Brisbane
Website:www.killthemusicstore.com
What made you decide to open a record store?
I guess I just always wanted to, ever since I was like 12 years old. I had worked in music stores for about 8 years before I got the balls and money (thanks to the bank) to finally do it. I guess most people never get to do what they say they were going to do at 12 years old cause life gets in the way. But for me it was the only thing I knew how to do in my life.
How long has the store been operational?
Just over 5 very long years!
What’s the best and worst thing about owning a record store?
The best thing is doing what i have always loved and meeting good honest music nerds like me. The worst is that people take it all for granted. Sometimes it's easier to focus on the negative, as there are a lot, but the main thing is I work so much that I don't get to see my daughter as much as I would like to and need to.
A general trend across most record stores is a resurgence in vinyl sales and a sharp drop in CD sales. Would you say this is the general pattern in your store?
It is, but at the same time vinyl has always been big in punk and hardcore….we love that stuff!! But it is rad that vinyl is getting bigger cause it means more bands are releasing stuff on vinyl that may not have in the past.
What would be a record in your store that has sat on the shelves that you can’t believe no one has purchased?
That is a rad question. SOOO MUCH…i guess most people may already have all the 90's hardcore and (real) emo stuff, but there are some classics out there man! A lot of Deep Elm records stuff, some Revelation classics. I guess if i had to say one record that should sell every week if we lived a perfect world would be Battery's "Whatever It Takes".
What would be a rare record in the store that people often overlook?
My customers always seem to have their fingers on the pulse with rare stuff and it never lasts long. I remember the guy from Crank records telling me once that we were the last store in the world to get copies of Mineral CD's and I got Mineral T-shirt that is ready for my daughter when she turns about 6.
What is a record you have been recommending a lot of late?
The new Jealous Sound record "A Gentle Reminder" is amazing, although when i say its there first album in almost 10 years customers think it must be for old as fuck people..haha (which it is). I still just pretty much push Moving Mountains records on people wayyyy too much.
An ignorant customer complains about the price of something and says, “I can buy this cheaper at JB Hifi”. How do you respond?
To be honest sometimes people need to shop around, some indies are getting cheaper than JB on some shit. I do occassionaly get the whole "Can you do this any cheaper?" fuck I hate that mentality. I respond to that with "I have bills, I have a kid and a House that needs paying, and incase you missed the memo we are an INDEPENDENT RECORD STORE, we are like dinosaurs….almost extinct and Christians like to believe we don't exist.
What exclusive Record Store Day releases will customers be able to find in-store on RSD?
Its hard in Australia, other than Resist and Poison City's rad releases we have to get most of it from overseas. Shock have a few things this year which is rad. We have some stuff heaps of bands…Anberlin, Tegan & Sara, Sensefield, Farside, Poison Idea, Moving Mountains, Mclusky, Horrible Crowes, Moneen, Alexisonfire, Attack In Black and a few more..i think?..fingers crossed it all show up on time.
Do you have anything else planned for Record Store Day?
On the friday night before we have Toy Boats doing a solo acoustic show, thanks to Resist Records. On the day it self hopefully get some customers come in and help me get my rent cheque covered for the next month.
Complete the following statement. A world without independent record stores would be….
a world that is missing one of the most important things that i ever discovered in my whole life. It's also sadly something some people may not truly miss until they are all gone.
Store: Resist Records
Address: Basement 294 King St, Newtown
Website: resistrecords.com
What made you decide to open a record store?
Graham: Scott originally opened up the store wanting to specialize in hardcore and punk music as well as skateboarding and the culture that goes with both. I had known Scott through his band Toe To Toe and was in a position to help him out with running the store while he was away touring and later bought the business.
What made you decide you wanted to work at a record store?
Dani: I don’t know if it was a conscious decision or the fact that I was 17 and watching Empire Records way too much, I thought I could be Liv Tyler and that it’d be as fun as the movie, it sort of is.
How long has the store been operational?
Dani: Resist opened as a store in 96, so 16 years. I’ve been lucky to work here for almost 7 years now.
What’s the best and worst thing about owning a record store?
Graham: The best thing is getting access to a lot of music and meeting some awesome and inspiring people. I still get excited receiving new stock as if it’s something I mail ordered. Worst thing is the paper work which goes with running any business.
What’s the best and worst thing about working in a record store?
Dani: Best would be the fact you often get to listen to things before others and you’re able to order in almost any release you could think of. Worst would be the silly questions you get asked, people telling you when things are out and that releases exist that actually don’t.
A general trend across most record stores is a resurgence in vinyl sales and a sharp drop in CD sales. Would you say this is the general pattern in your store?
Graham: Yes vinyl sales have increased, however this also has to do with how readily available vinyl is these days. Years ago vinyl would be released months after a CD and out of 10 releases, 2 would be put out on vinyl. These days nearly every full length is pressed on vinyl, and available the same day as the CD, often before the CD. I don’t think vinyl is outselling CD’s, I just think more LPs are available making it seem like they are the more popular format.
Dani: I would say this did happen for awhile but now I think they are a little neck and neck. This could be though because a lot of the CD’s we have in are unavailable on Vinyl.
What would be a record in your store that has sat on the shelves that you can’t believe no one has purchased?
Graham: Too many to list! Whatever it is though, whenever it sells Im sure someone will come in and ask for it knowing its been out of print for years.
Dani: I think good things stay in print so it’s hard to say but I always come across this Pretty Girls Make Graves 7” when putting out stock and I always think why hasn’t anyone bought this.
What would be a rare record in the store that people often overlook?
Graham: When you get in new stock, its not until you sell the last copy and try to re order it that you realize its out of print, then making it rare and this happens on a regular basis. We definitely have a bunch of LPs or 7”s which I know on Ebay are going for double of what we have them in the store for.
Dani: To be honest, we could have a lot of gems in the store that are overlooked and rare. Things go out of print so quickly these days that it’s only when you go to re-order you realize it’s out of print. You’d have to come in and take a look for yourself, almost like a treasure hunt!
What is a record you have been recommending a lot of late?
Graham: It can vary from people’s tastes, if someone is after a good heavy release I suggest All Pigs Must Die “God Is War”, the new Rise And Fall, it’s often these type of releases that people have no idea exist. The new Ceremony is great, I’m looking forward to the new Hot Water Music and Blkout records.
Dani: You can’t just stick to one recommendation as different people like different things. Current recommendations include, All Pigs Must Die “God Is War”, Ceremony – “Zoo”, Balance and Composure “Separation”.
An ignorant customer complains about the price of something and says, “I can buy this cheaper at JB Hifi”. How do you respond?
Graham: Depends on if it’s a time waster or someone who is interested in why a chain with stores all over the country that take up 80% of music retail can sell things cheaper then one store in Newtown. I’d like to think the people who come to Resist do so because what they are after is not in JB or they want to support an indy store over a chain, but yeah if they want to save money, best to check out JB and save the questions.
Dani: Well you always have to be nice to the customer, I guess I just ignore it, shrug it off. If they continue on and ask why a short explanation of them being a large company ordering ridiculous amounts is what I go with.
What exclusive Record Store Day releases will customers be able to find in-store on RSD?
We have a bunch of RSD titles – Resist is doing an I Exist 7” and we will have LPs by Ignite, Endpoint, Sense Field, Into Another, NOFX, Poison Idea, and a few others.
Do you have anything else planned for Record Store Day?
We have some of the I Exist guys in working at the store on the day, Toy Boats is playing at 4.00pm so should be a fun day.
Complete the following statement. A world without independent record stores would be….
Graham: Boring.
Dani: A very boring, quiet world.
Store: Repressed Records
Address: 356 King St Newtown
Website: www.repressedrecords.com
What made you decide to open a record store?
I worked in Beatdisc Penrith, and the opportunity arose to buy it.
How long has the store been operational?
10 years this July. 6 years in Penrith, 4 years in Newtown.
What’s the best and worst thing about owning a record store?
New music, great customers, gigs are a tax write off. The worst is no holidays, lunch breaks or sickies.
A general trend across most record stores is a resurgence in vinyl sales and a sharp drop in CD sales. Would you say this is the general pattern in your store?
Yep. We don’t stock new cd’s at all anymore as the prices just don’t drop enough to make it worth while.
What would be a record in your store that has sat on the shelves that you can’t believe no one has purchased?
Black Sabbath Vol 4. Been here for months. Apart from Changes, it rules.
What would be a rare record in the store that people often overlook?
X – At Home With You. Really neat 2nd hand copy too.
What is a record you have been recommending a lot of late?
The Men – Open Your Heart, Iceage and Royal Headache ofcourse.
An ignorant customer complains about the price of something and says, “I can buy this cheaper at JB Hifi”. How do you respond?
“What? You’re gonna buy the A Frames “333”on vinyl from JB Hi-Fi? You’re full of it”
What exclusive Record Store Day releases will customers be able to find in-store on RSD?
Anything from Black Angels to Doomriders 7”, M Ward, Isis, Botch, PIL, Sigur Ros, Morrissey, Animal Collective, Lost Animal, Meat Puppets 2 Re-issued. Loads a stuff.
Do you have anything else planned for Record Store Day?
We’ll be trying to clear some cd’s out for cheap, t-shirts will be on sale too. It should be a fun day.
Complete the following statement. A world without independent record stores would be….
A world full of pointless shops.
Store: Beatdisc Records
Address: Shop 11 Queensland Arcade 181 Church Street Mall, Parramatta
Website: beatdisc.com.au / facebook.com/beatdisc
What made you decide to open a record store?
Not much competition & no purely second-hand stores in Parramatta at the time and no JB Hi-Fi
How long has the store been operational?
Since August 1995
What’s the best and worst thing about owning a record store?
BEST: Fantastic environment & great job satisfaction
WORST: JB
A general trend across most record stores is a resurgence in vinyl sales and a sharp drop in CD sales. Would you say this is the general pattern in your store?
We are seeing a large resurgence in LP sales, but not a sharp drop in CDs, we still have steady sales as we have a lot of baby-boomer clients who prefer the CD format.
What would be a record in your store that has sat on the shelves that you can’t believe no one has purchased?
The Promise Ring – Nothing Feels Good
What would be a rare record in the store that people often overlook?
Nunbait – Signed 7” on clear vinyl (Waterfront Label)
What is a record you have been recommending a lot of late?
Wilco – The Whole Love
An ignorant customer complains about the price of something and says, “I can buy this cheaper at JB Hifi”. How do you respond?
Yeah, but you don’t get my wonderful customer service!
What exclusive Record Store Day releases will customers be able to find in-store on RSD?
Bucket loads!
Do you have anything else planned for Record Store Day?
Yep! Storewide 10% off sale, free customer BBQ, giveaways & more…
Complete the following statement. A world without independent record stores would be….
Horribly depressing
Store: Poison City Records
Address: 400 Brunswick St, Fitzroy
Website: www.poisoncityrecords.com
What made you decide to open a record store?
Ever since being a teenage metalhead/ skate-rat I had the dream of running a skateboard or music store. Most of my early/ mid 20’s were spent working in skateboard stores, playing in bands, organizing gigs and then eventually working for a skateboard wholesaler. In 2006 my Dad got really sick (as in life threateningly sick) – he knew that I’d been thinking about quitting my ‘day job’ and doing PCR full time….at his lowest point he made me promise that I’d give my business idea a proper go…kind of a ‘life’s too short/ follow your heart’ conversation that really motivated me. As a side note – my Dad ended up pulling through and is still really supportive of PCR. I guess sometimes these low points in life can give you that extra perspective and kick in the arse.
How long has the store been operational?
Poison City has been a record label and distribution since 2003. The Poison City skateboard/ record store was opened in 2007.
What’s the best and worst thing about owning a record store?
Obviously being your own boss has some positives, but I guess having the opportunity to be immersed in my two lifelong passions; skateboarding and underground music is best thing about running Poison City. When I think about all the great friends I’ve made in Australia and overseas through having the store + label, it definitely makes all the hard work, financial risk and late nights worthwhile. I also get satisfaction from recommending customers a band or label that they may have never heard – and then having them come back and saying that from that tip they’d been opened up to a bunch of new music. Actually last week a kid (when I say kid, he was probably 20) came in talking about Touche Amore and Thursday being his favorite bands, but saying he wanted to get into some ‘older’ stuff – he ended up buying some Fugazi albums on my recommendation and came back totally into the whole Dischord/ DC thing. That made me smile. Poison City - changing Melbourne’s misguided youth, one Fugazi record at a time!
With any small business (especially record stores!) I’d say it’s the uncertainty week to week that is the toughest part…and by uncertainty, I don’t just mean will I be able to cover business expenses – will I be able to pay bills and feed my family!
The mainstream media likes to paint a bleak picture for the future of the music industry, however I think for smaller niche stores/ labels like ours there’s still plenty of opportunities to keep people stoked on supporting local music. For us this means making sure we give back to the local music community – putting on shows and tours, hosting The Weekender fest, releasing and promoting good local bands, working with other like-minded labels etc. If we can be diverse, flexible and creative in how we offer up good music to our customers, then I think genuine music lovers will continue to show support.
A general trend across most record stores is a resurgence in vinyl sales and a sharp drop in CD sales. Would you say this is the general pattern in your store?
Yeah, I reckon that’s a fair summary of our current music sales through the Poison City store and e-store in the past 12-18 months. In my opinion, older punk/ indie-rock/ hardcore music fans have always been drawn to buying vinyl, however I think the standard inclusion of an mp3 download coupon has probably pushed vinyl sales along much more in the past 2 years, especially with younger audiences. I definitely don’t think CD’s are dead and buried just yet – people might be interested to know, we actually still sell more CDs than vinyl through the label and we notice that our more active touring bands, like The Smith Street Band for example – still sell more CDs than vinyl while touring. Either way, I’m just happy that people are still getting enjoyment from buying and listening to a physical album.
What would be a record in your store that has sat on the shelves that you can’t believe no one has purchased?
CRUMBOX ‘Resident Double U’ – obscure band, but certainly up there with Superchunk, Seaweed, Archers Of Loaf in terms of great 90’s indie/ punk rock.
What would be a rare record in the store that people often overlook?
Spermbirds ‘Common Thread’ (very limited, now out of print, picture 12”).
What is a record you have been recommending a lot of late?
There have been a few lately: Restorations ‘S/t’, Ceremony ‘Zoo’, Shores ‘To Volstead’
An ignorant customer complains about the price of something and says, “I can buy this cheaper at JB Hifi”. How do you respond?
My inner jaded-punk self says – well f*ck off and buy it from JB then! My diplomatic self usually delivers a mini lecture on Economies Of Scale, hence why JB can retail almost any product cheaper than an independent store. Luckily we don’t seem to get this question much. People who make these kinds of comments probably also prefer shit Starbucks Coffee to going into a nice, independently owned coffee shop.
What exclusive Record Store Day releases will customers be able to find in-store on RSD?
We’re releasing ‘SHUFFLE & SCRAPE: A Tribute To Blueline Medic’ LP to coincide with RSD. The album includes tracks from The Nation Blue, The Smith Street Band, A Death In The Family, Harmony, Arrows, Jen Buxton + more. It’ll also be available on the day from good indie stores like Resist, Beat Disc, Kill The Music, Clarity and Repressed. Along with that, we’ll also have RSD releases from Resist, Revelation, Side One Dummy etc + there’ll be a few PCR test pressings and other goodies on the racks.
I’m really conscious of making our RSD more about people dropping into PCR to hang out and celebrate local music, rather than seeing how many rare/ unique/ special priced/ colored records we can cram onto the racks. Basically if it’s not a title we would normally stock, I’m not going to get it just for the sake of RSD.
Do you have anything else planned for Record Store Day?
Chatting with the good folks that drop past….and probably coffee, lots of coffee.
Complete the following statement. A world without independent record stores would be….
Even more monopolized, generic and mainstream than most of the world already is!
Store: Clarity Records
Address: 60 Pulteney St. Adelaide
Website: www.clarityrecords.net
What made you decide to open a record store?
Something I had always wanted to do. I worked in another store (Big Star) for 5 years before that closed down and with my knowledge I gained from that place I went and opened my own store. I didn't want to go and get another job and work for "the man" so I decided to take up the challenge and it has worked.
How long has the store been operational?
Two years on April 17th. We opened on Record Store Day 2010
What's the best and worst thing about owning a record store?
The best thing is the vinyl selection. I like to think we have something for nearly everyone here. Although we specialise in hardcore / punk, we stock so much more than that. The worst thing is the lack of space. Its not a small store by any means, but I have a problem with ordering so much stock it can sometimes make it hard to flip through the racks (sorry customers, but more vinyl is better than none... right??)
A general trend across most record stores is a resurgence in vinyl sales and a sharp drop in CD sales. Would you say this is the general pattern in your store?
Definitely for us. We sell tons more vinyl than CDs. But we still make sure we keep up with CD ordering and stocking good titles.
What would be a record in your store that has sat on the shelves that you can't believe no one has purchased?
This is a hard one but I went straight to my "A" section and the first thing that stuck out was ALL. I sell lots of Descendents, but no All. All is just as good as the Descendents.
What would be a rare record in the store that people often overlook?
I have a rare secondhand pressing of a Church Of Misery LP. Im surprised that hasn't gone as that style is pretty popular at the moment, but I am sure it will
What is a record you have been recommending a lot of late?
Just the average store goer I have been recommending the new Black Keys. As poppy as it is, it is a great record. Also the new Dirty Three is really good. However the last few days for hardcore kids I have recommended the new Alligators LP. I randomly checked it out and I thought it was good. Not a record that will stick in a few years time, but I enjoyed listening to it.
An ignorant customer complains about the price of something and says, "I can buy this cheaper at JB Hifi". How do you respond?
I love nothing more than saying "Well...go buy it from JB then." I don't get it much but I have in the past. Idiots.
What exclusive Record Store Day releases will customers be able to find in-store on RSD?
We have ordered a lot of releases. From memory we have ordered about 40 different titles. However with Clarity being in Adelaide and U.S. getting priority with releases & some exclusive titles, I doubt we will get that many titles.
Do you have anything else planned for Record Store Day?
To help celebrate International Record Store Day we will be holding a sale on Saturday April 21st, then to celebrate our 2 year anniversary and to say thank you for all your support we are extending the sale to Sunday April 22nd. The sale will be 20% off the marked price of all CDs and Vinyl. Not only this, but we will be stocking a number of releases that is featured on the Record Store Day release schedule. We are also excited to say that we will be squeezing into the store some new fixtures that will help make your “flicking” experience a bit more easier.
Complete the following statement. A world without independent record stores would be....
An empty world without a place to buy real music.
Head over here to listen to D. I Wireless' Record Store Day exclusive podcast. Pretty cool and enlightening listen.
EPISODE 31 - The Clerks up now!
"It's our Record Store Day special featuring Matt from Clarity Records, Graham from Resist Records, Ray from Utopia Records, Andy from Poison City records Paul from Kill The Music and Ben from Neptoon Records in Vancouver, Canada.
And don't forget our sneak peek at unheard tracks from I Exist and 'Shuffle and Scrape' RSD releases. A killer episode!!"
The official Record Store Day website has unleashed the complete list of special releases for April 21, 2012. You can see the complete list here.
Below is a video of what went down at Resist Records on Record Store Day 2012.