There is no better way to support local, independent record shops across the region than checking out what they have to offer.
Annual vinyl event Record Store Day returns this weekend, kicking off a two-day celebration of Australia’s booming indie record store culture. Backed this year by award-winning Australian artists Hilltop Hoods and Nai Palm, the event is set to host live music gigs, deals and discounts, and of course loads of vinyl!
This Record Store Day sees an amazing list of releases from Australian bands, with stores stocking tons of limited-edition vinyls and other merchandise. Each store will receive a unique bundle of records via an ‘RSD Drop’ on both days, with around two-thirds of the releases arriving this weekend on June 12th and the rest landing on July 17th. Keep an eye on your local store’s socials to see what they’ve got in stock – no two locations will be the same!
Take a look at some regional Victorian stores we’re looking forward to celebrating with this year.
Tourbus Entertainment
Nestled in the heart of Geelong’s CBD, you’ll encounter Tourbus Entertainment. According to their website, Tourbus provides a sense of community for talented musicians and lovers of music, with a broader goal of “bridging the gap between the players and the fans.” It’s clear the team at Tourbus are music lovers through and through.
Since opening in 2019, Tourbus has become a fan favourite among vinyl lovers and musicians for their top-notch vinyl selections from artists both established and emerging, alongside heritage musical instruments, fashion, and merchandise.
For Record Store Day, the team will be running a special ‘buy one record and get one free’ across both days this weekend, from 10am Saturday and from 11am on Sunday.
Head instore at 65 Yarra Street to catch the RSD festivities, or check out their online store here!
Gifts For The Geek
Just around the corner from Tourbus at 105 Little Malop Street rests Gifts For The Geek, offering a unique blend of pop-culture music and memorabilia. They’ve got board games, t-shirts, posters, and most importantly, a bunch of pretty cool records.
Consisting largely of original soundtracks from pop-culture staples like Star-Trek, Gifts For The Geek also indulge in a variety of rock, punk and heavy metal sounds from the likes of Linkin Park, Foo Fighters and Ozzy Osbourne, to name a few.
They’ve already confirmed a couple of releases set to appear for RSD this weekend: an exclusive, limited collector’s edition two-track picture disc of AC/DC’s Through The Mists Of Time and Witch’s Spell from their global #1 album Power Up; Kenny Loggins’ LP titled At the Movies that features classic songs that the singer/songwriter has contributed to classic movies like Caddyshack, Footloose and Top Gun; and Linkin Park are releasing an exclusive version of the Meteora blue vinyl double-LP.
Swing by this weekend to shop this record and many more announced over the coming days!
No.49 Vintage & Coffee
No.49 Vintage & Coffee has totally immersed an unforgettable retro vibe, brought to life with tons of vintage gear and vinyls. Swing by and have a coffee while you flip through dozens of records spanning generations of musical talent. And for our photography lovers, the store is decorated with decades of vintage cameras and equipment, also for sale.
No.49 are constantly updating their stock lists on their Instagram, so be sure to give them a follow to make sure you don’t miss a thing. They often host giveaways there, too!
This one’s for the North-East Victorians (or those making their way to Bright for the long weekend), located at 49 Murphy St, Wangaratta.
Prehistoric Sounds
Since expanding in 2019 to include two locations across Warrnambool and Geelong, Prehistoric Sounds have found great success throughout the resurgence of vinyl records. 2021 marks the retailer’s third year celebrating the event and they’re excited as ever, revealing incoming stock on their Instagram just in time for the big day this weekend.
Featuring records from some of Australia’s best up and comers, Prehistoric provides shoppers with a regular list of new arrivals, including recommendations of people should check out. Their online store also has a sale section, where you’ll find some of the best newest and classic vinyls.
You can catch Ocean Alley’s debut album Lost Tropics at Prehistoric as early as Saturday morning, with a live rendition of their third studio project Lonely Diamond available during the second drop in July, as well as Fontaines DC Live At Kilmainham Gaol. Prehistoric Sounds will also be running an online component of RSD so make sure you keep an eye on their page for updates.
Bookgrove
Bookgrove are best known as a book shop, but in-between the genre-specific signage, you’ll find a pretty strong selection of vinyl records featuring artists from across the globe, from The Presets to Grace Jones. Located in Ocean Grove, they’re one of the town’s only RSD stockists, so be sure to pay them a visit if you’re nearby!
There’s a record player on-site for casual listening, plus a range of other products including games, jigsaw puzzles and other gifts – it’s a welcoming space to escape to during these cold rainy days!
In The Skies Art & Music
At the tail end of Lorne’s bustling Mountjoy Parade lives one of Bellarine Peninsula’s most inviting and accommodating art spaces. Featuring works from a plethora of local artists and designers, the gallery also stocks art supplies, local ceramics and house plants, plus a selection of vinyl records both old and new. Australian artists are at the forefront here; expect to see records from King Gizzard, Thelma Plum, Tame Impala, Sweet Whirl and many more.
New artworks and records are constantly decorating the shelves, walls and floor space of this community-centric venue, so it’s a good idea to visit on the regular. While you’re there, make sure to check out local talent Callum Hussey and James Ramsay’s exhibition Digital Dog Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Variety Our, available until July 3rd.
Black Swan Records
Ballarat’s Black Swan Records doesn’t have an online store, so it’s definitely worth checking out to see what the countless amount of 5-star reviews are all about. They’re a half café/ half music shop; providing customers with a vast range of rare vinyls and CD’s – the perfect destination to browse Record Store Day drops.
The café is known as L’espresso, which more info can be found on here. Their freshly made food and coffee brings people from far and wide who enjoy the friendly staff and community feel of the business.
You can check out Black Swan Records at 417 Sturt St in the heart of Ballarat.
Popcultcha
For the last 13 years, Popcultcha has been Geelong’s premier destination for anything collectible related. Stocking everything from comic books to keychains, basically anything you could want, you’d find it there.
Now located in the old Griffiths Bookstore at 96/98 Ryrie Street, the new venue has also meant a new record section that has got a lot of music fans grinning. With a dedicated area, you’ll find the latest and greatest vinyl records, including the likes of Spacey Jane, Dinosaur Jr, and Julia Stone, to Coldplay, Cher and even movie soundtracks.
They’ve just been confirmed as a new stockist for Record Store Day this year so local will be able to get their hands on an abundance of exclusive gems on Saturday.
For the latest information on Record Store Day news and events, visit the official website at www.recordstoreday.com.au
