In the digital age where all the bands vie for the top spot on the iTunes or ARIA Chart, it’s easy to forget about older mediums and the days gone by; enjoying an album for its entirety instead of just hitting ‘skip track’ in iTunes. April 19th marks Record Store Day for 2014, which has over the past few years led to a resurgence in vinyl records through special releases and reissues available on the day. Into the sixth year all around Australia, Record Store Day allows for newer generations to rediscover the love of collecting vinyl, which has according to an ARIA chart report been up 77 per cent in the last twelve months.
Chairman of AMRA (Australian Music Retailers Association) George Papadopoulos feels that the variety of activities and events on offer all around the country creates for a great atmosphere and that there is still much appreciation for vinyl records in 2013. “People who are unaware about the resurgence of vinyl ask me who buys it and I usually say anyone who doesn’t have cloth ears. So many true music lovers are turning away from the flattened audio of an mp3 and want a warmer, richer sound, and that’s where vinyl comes in. Record Store Day Australia helps drive the sale and promotion of the medium.”
From just a quick flick through my Facebook news feed it is easy to see that many bands from around Australia and the world are jumping on the bandwagon of creating special releases that you can get your chops around. By heading down to your indie record store on the 19th, such big name acts include Jake Bugg, Coldplay and Death Cab for Cutie, and even a Foals live album from their Royal Albert Hall performance.
Quite impressively, Jack White, who is gearing up to release his second solo album, Lazaretto, in the next couple of months, is trying to set the world record for the quickest released album in history; from recording to printing in store. Within the period of six hours, Jack White hopes to press and print a 45-rpm single complete with artwork featuring photography shot at this particular performance.
Based in Geelong and Warrnambool is Sweet Little Hi-Fi, which is your best chance to pick up some vinyl gold. Run by Shane Godfrey, I recently got the opportunity to have a chat about the resurgence of records and what it was like seeing Nirvana and the White Stripes before they were big.
“Five years ago after doing a small business course, I decided that I would open a record store and I have never looked back since. It started as an internet only thing doing record supplies and developed into Sweet Little Hi-Fi as we see it today. One of my first vinyls I ever got my hands on was Nirvana’s Bleach, and to be able to see them at their all ages show at The Palais was simply remarkable.
“The thing that I love about vinyl is the whole package that it offers, from the cover art to the booklet. We are gearing up for a big day on the 19th and we have an extensive range. Keep your eyes on the Sweet Little Hi-Fi Facebook page for all the details.”
Come on Forte! Head out and discover what all the fun is about.
Written by Tex Miller