Overview
As it turns out, that whole vinyl revival thing — it wasn't a fad. On the eve of another Record Store Day (RSD) — when music lovers pay tribute to independent record stores everywhere — physical music sales keep going up and up, with a recent ARIA report revealing sales increased 11 percent in 2025. While people continue to love vinyl, CDs are also booming, with a 30 percent increase in sales demonstrating strong demand for formats people can collect and connect with.
Whether you're a lifelong crate-digger or just starting your journey, RSD is the prime time to get involved in the community. That's because the calendar is stacked with live in-stores, artist appearances and special events spanning both city and regional communities nationwide. Taking place on Saturday, April 18, it's time to leave the digital world behind and embrace Australia's thriving local music ecosystem, flush with incredible in-person experiences.
In New South Wales, hip-hop duo Hermitude will visit eight record stores in 24 hours to celebrate the release of their new LP, with both live performances and raffles for limited-edition lathe-cut vinyl. Joining them at Bondi Records is Sydney dream pop trio Egoism, with the band heading to TITLE for a second set. Meanwhile, egg-punks (think heavy Devo influences) Media Puzzle take their DIY sound to Badlands Vinyl in Tweed Heads to support their RSD release, New Racehorse.
The celebration continues across Victoria, with Queenie — the self-described trash queen alter ego of Melbourne's Eloise Thetford — taking over Desert Highways and Rocksteady Records with Nat Pavlovic, Merpire and more. At Soundmerch, you'll catch live sets from Public Figures, Owelu Dreamhouse, The Antics, The Gnomes and more. Then, from 3pm, Sensible J and Immy Owusu light up Bar Open. Of course, Northside Records is going large, with performances from Kee'ahn, Mokomokai and Steppers, alongside an exclusive Baker Boy signing.
Further afield, Tassie's Suffragette Records will host an intimate performance from Naomi Keyte, performing songs from her album Milk, Paper, Gold. At the same time, Adelaide's My Dead Grandpa will have live DJs spinning tunes all day, and Clarity Records has over 2000 secondhand titles ready to fly out the door. Then, in Brisbane, Woolloongabba's vinyl-cafe hub, Echo and Bounce, hosts Das Druid and Bradley Zero. With loads more RSD events happening, check out your nearest spots to celebrate local tunes and help keep physical media alive.
"At its heart, Record Store Day Australia is about championing our local music ecosystem, supporting independent stores, labels, and artists, while helping them reach new audiences," says Record Store Day Australia director Sarah Guppy. "We want to see the event continue to grow each year, and strengthen the role these stores play in their communities, ensuring they remain vital cultural spaces for years to come."
Record Store Day Australia is happening at independent record stores across the country on Saturday, April 18. Head to the website for more information.
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Images: Supplied.