7 awesome aussie indie record shops to peruse
Girl, put your records on.
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As if we needed another excuse to get our mitts on rad records, Record Store Day rears its loveable little head this weekend. Celebrated worldwide on the third Saturday of April, this Record Store Day (and every other day, for that matter) is the perfect time to nab a vinyl version of your favourite album. No matter which city you find yourself in this Record Store Day, set aside a moment to peruse these lovely Aussie record shops and support your local music bizzes.
POISON CITY RECORDS, MELBOURNE/NAARM Come for the skateboards, stay for the music. Preston’s Poison City Records is a hub of musical goodness, offering the perfect balance of something old, something new and something you didn’t know you needed. Between skateboard paraphernalia and rad merch bits, there’s a fair chance you’ll be walking away from Poison City with more than just a vinyl.
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RED RYE RECORDS, SYDNEY/WARRANE In the heart of Sydney’s CBD is a shopfront that feels a little bit like if a music-lover died and went to heaven. Red Rye Records is – according to their website – Australia’s largest physical music shop, and they’ve got the stock to prove it. Over 40 years of biz has allowed Red Rye Records to build quite the collection, including a massive Aussie and Kiwi artist section and even a slew of secondhand titles to peruse.
ROCKING HORSE RECORDS, BRISBANE/MAGANDJIN Five decades of business is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to Brisbane’s Rocking Horse Records in the CBD. This cherished music institution is run by the kind of folk that probably know just about everything there is to know about music. Plus, the record store also hosts in-store performances, signings and a range of other events to quench your sonic tastebuds.
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CLARITY RECORDS, ADELAIDE/TARNTANYA Tucked into the CBD’s Pulteney Street, Clarity Records is your one-stop-shop for the sonic stuff of Adelaide and beyond. Doubling as a record label and home to a ripper free annual music festival – A Day Of Clarity – Clarity Records doubled their physical space a few years ago to make room for more vinyl, so no doubt you’ll find something you love in this extended collection.
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LANDSPEED RECORDS, CANBERRA/NGAMBRI AND NGUNNAWAL COUNTRY If you thought Canberra’s music offerings paled in comparison to that of the country’s bigger cities, think again. Beloved city-based record store Landspeed Records was voted by nationwide music lovers as the best record store in Australia last year via themusic.com.au. The birth city of many a lovely muso and iconic band, it’s no wonder why this Canberran record store has such awesome taste when it comes to their offerings.
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TOMMY GUN RECORDS, HOBART/NIPALUNA Picture this: you, us, crate upon crate of rad vinyl records. If you’re based in Tassie’s capital city, this might just be your reality this Record Store Day thanks to the local legends at Tommy Gun Records in Hobart. Expect a whole lot of new favourite artsits and undiscovered old albums at your fingertips.
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MIDLAND RECORDS, PERTH/BOORLOO Perth’s biggest record store needs no introduction to music-listening locals. Midland Records is the west coast’s wonderland of all things sound and sonic awesomeness. Fitted out with retro furniture bits and carpet straight from the good ol’ days when turn tables reigned supreme, Midland Records might just have that special album you’ve been looking for.
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AIR RAID RECORDS, DARWIN/GARRAMILLA Boasting the title of the Northern Territory’s only dedicated music store, Air Raid Records extends their musical offerings well beyond vinyl. From cleaning and care products to audio equipment bits (new speakers, anyone?), music-lovers can even hire out the space for their own events.
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For more music stuff, why not feast your ears on the goodness from Miss Kaninna or check out our chat with Lambrini Girls. Plus, sign up to our newsletter to stay in the loop.
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