Overview
Celebrating the valiant crusaders of vinyl worldwide, Record Store Day is remarkably still a staple in the international music calendar. It's an entire day meant to champion the little guys and the people who still believe vinyl is an artform worth preserving; for those who fear the independent music store is being replaced by bigwig streaming services. But it's also a day for music lovers get their mitts on rare Record Store Day special edition vinyls. For live sets by local legends instore. For remembering what it's like to flip through section after section of CDs and carry your little stash to the counter, instead of having a Spotify playlist curated for you.
It's a global day of festivity for music fans, and these Sydney stores are rocking out this Saturday for the cause. Check out these neighbourhoods for a day — and night — of killer music and new finds.
Damn the Man. Save the Empire.
CBD
UTOPIA RECORDS
The 'Home of Metal' does it big for Record Store Day — they're not simply getting in the Metallica demo tape, Slayer 7" single and Northlane double LP reissue (all much anticipated). Utopia is also inviting Sydney heavy metal band No Life Til' Leather and the DJs from Frankie's to perform instore, and will be giving out prizes galore. Century Venues will be giving out a Willy Wonka–type golden ticket hidden in a specially selected vinyl (then using a raffle to draw a second ticket). Metropolis Touring is also donating concert vouchers for online customers on the day. Along with their wall of rare records and impressive stock of metal and rock albums, Utopia will surely hold one of the best headbanging parties on RSD.
Lower ground floor/511 Kent Street, Sydney
RED EYE RECORDS
For this go-to CBD shop, Record Store Day is the biggest day of the year; with people often lining up overnight (sometimes in the rain) to get first dibs on exclusive reissues and limited editions. This Saturday, they're guaranteed to have both Courtney Barnett and the Red House Painters boxsets instore — the latter is printed on gold vinyl and is among only 1500 copies. Overall, there's guaranteed to be a great vibe in Red Eye for RSD, but that always tends to be the case for this long loved store. With expert staff and well-catalogued stock, Red Eye makes it easy to find what you're looking for; whether it be new or old, Aussie or international.
143 York Street, Sydney
FISH FINE MUSIC
For the first time, Fish will sell vinyls on Record Store Day. That's right, the popular classical music shop has finally began to stock more records — something both staff have been fighting for and patrons are excited about (they've had limited stock here and there in the past). Fish's starting stock, including Richard Strauss's Salome, Dvorak's From the New World, and Philip Glass's Mad Rush, will be available on the day. The QVB's top level is sure to be bustling more than ever, with 15 percent off across the board. Check the recommended section and be sure to chat with the super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly staff.
Shop 40/42, Level 2 QVB, 455 George Street, Sydney
MOJO RECORD BAR
It's all 'booze, tunes, rock 'n roll' at Mojo, as the slogan goes. Mojo is both a bar and record shop, one of the few you can drink at while you browse. On Record Store Day, they'll be open from 8am – late, and they're getting in all the big titles across any genre you can think of. Mojo is a true record store by definition, selling vinyl only, and both the bar and the shop have a commitment to 'good music'. On Saturday, their House Blues Band and special guest DJs will keep the party going, while Young Henrys rocks the bar with a tap takeover.
73 York Street, Sydney
INNER WEST
EGG RECORDS
For Record Store Day, Egg went international. Manager Baz travelled to Japan and individually purchased 500+ Japanese pressings, including special releases of mainly western music. Along with these, the limited edition of Robyn Hitchcock and Emma Swift's 7" vinyl collaboration will be on sale. Egg both buys and sells used LPs and CDs, as well as restored vinyl players, T-shirts and action figures. The Australian vinyl section sits next to sections for independent, Afro, world and comedy. On Saturday, the new stock will be welcomed by three local bands — Ego, Hunch and Mack The Knife — playing live in store.
3 Wilson Street, Newtown
HUM
Vinyls and disco balls hang from the ceiling in one of King Street's most beloved record shops. Selling all new records across genres, the store is well-stocked and well-organised. Tony Bennett and Lady Gagas' collaboration album Cheek to Cheek, Led Zeppelin's 1969 re-release, Chet Faker's Talk is Cheap and Foals' Holy Fire are all instore now. On Record Store Day, they'll also have new, re-released and limited editions on the shelves. With listening stations and turntables for sale, Hum is sure to be buzzing on Saturday.
271 King Street, Newtown; second location on Oxford Street
SOUNDS ESPRESSO
This coffee bar/record store has only been open a year this Sunday, so Record Store Day will be a bit of an anniversary celebration for owner Anthony Skapetis. By Saturday, the shop will be completely revamped, ready to serve up espresso and welcome customers with great music. There will be giveaways and DJs, along with the usual record and CD sales and turntable repairs. The shop has a good mix of '90s vinyl, including Nirvana and Madonna, as well as hip hop and Latin albums. Sounds is a truly 'mom and pop shop' of record stores.
268 Victoria Road, Marrickville
REPRESSED RECORDS
In the real spirit of Record Store Day, Repressed is dedicated to independent music and culture. On Saturday, they'll be celebrating this music community by stocking up on interesting and different artists, not just limited editions and mainstream releases. Both local and international talent will be represented on their shelves, including the reissues of Australian soundtrack composer Brian May and the reissue of Mark Kozelek's 12" vinyl. The shop itself sells new and used vinyl including a 7" 'unlucky dip bucket' — bacon paper wrapped vinyls for $2 each. They also sell t-shirts, DVDs and used books. The impressive punk and 'Oz and NZ' sections are especially worth a peruse, and look out for the handwritten staff picks on select vinyls.
413 King Street, Newtown NSW
DARLINGHURST/SURRY HILLS
THE RECORD STORE
This Darlinghurst shop has its stuff together. With a newly released Diggin' Sydney booklet that helps navigate Sydney's vinyl stores and a full day and night of parties planned for Saturday — these guys are truly dedicated to keeping independent record stores alive in Sydney. During the day, they'll have six DJs in store, including Kato and Ben Fester, along with Briggs and Hau promoting their new releases. Beside the re-pressed, Stephan Gyory will also be putting out new releases that won't have a hefty price tag. After all, Record Store Day is all about opening a community's eyes to new music, not about spending big bucks.
At night, they're co-hosting events with Movement at Cafe Lounge and Ching-A-Lings, which will host Inkswell and Cloud Control DJs, respectively. Late night, the DJs will keep rocking on at PLVY Bar. In this neighbourhood, the music will be blasting from 9am – midnight.
255 Crown Street, Darlinghurst
TITLE
The Surry Hills shop for all things music, literature and film is gearing up for Record Store Day with an exclusively sold Erases Tapes RSD release of Kiasmos. Apart from this awesome grab, Title is stocking the usual limited editions and independent releases, so Saturday will be all about the vinyl. Door prizes will accompany the always-eclectic music and existing $10 sale bin. Another great vinyl to grab here is Steve Martin's Comedy is Not Pretty. Apart from the music, Title is well known for art and coffee table books. Stop by and browse your heart out.
499/501 Crown Street, Surry Hills
Head to Record Store Day's official site for more details, special releases and events.