For us, Record Store Day ranks just behind Christmas in terms of sheer excitement. We wait all year for that third Saturday in April to get down to our favourite local record store to battle against the maddening crowds and secure our most coveted RSD exclusives.
This year will see labels both major and independent alike unveil some 592 special Record Store Day-only singles, EPs, re-releases, limited edition pressings, and various other tidbits that will have fans clamouring – see our handy guide to them here.
Of course, with so many record stores around the country all participating in the big day, things can get a little confusing. To help readers figure out where they should be this Saturday, 18th April, we’ve put together a handy guide to what your local record store is doing for Record Store Day 2015.
Melbourne
Polyester Records
387 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
For their self-proclaimed “favourite day of the year”, one of Melbourne’s favourite music retail institutions have a bunch of treats planned, including an array of special guest DJs as well as a bunch of live acts, featuring Superstar, Bad Family, Ciggie Witch, and of course their shelves will be stacked with RSD releases.
Record Paradise
15 Union Street, Brunswick
Once again Record Paradise will be throwing a massive celebration for Record Store Day, featuring live music from ORB, Oh Mercy, and Fraser. A. Gorman, as well as guest DJs, a Lucky 7″ Dip, in addition to all the much-coveted Record Store Day releases and their usual selection of new release and recycled vinyl.
Thornbury Records
591 High St, Thornbury
Thornbury Records are huge Record Store Day fans and it stands to reason, they’re one of the Victorian capital’s most venerable brick and mortar record stops. The first 50 people in line at Thornbury Records at 11am will have the chance to win one of five $50 vouchers for records.
Northside Records
236 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Northside are going all-out for Record Store Day 2015. There’ll be live music all day long, with Paul Kelly presenting The Merri Soul Sessions, as well as Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, Ivan Choi with full band, and DJs throughout the day. A new Diggin Melbourne map will be launched and there’ll be special local releases on the day.
Sydney
Red Eye Records
143 York Street, Sydney
Gang of Youths frontman Dave Leaupepe will be in the store from 3pm for an acoustic set and a signing session to promote Gang of Youths’ new album. Plus, there’ll be 10% off second hand stock, 50% off Record Revirginiser (while stocks last), plus copies of the Rowland S Howard 6 Strings that Drew Blood 4xLP set.
Repressed Records
413 King St, Newtown
Repressed are promising a special day for Record Store Day fans, with loads of limited edition exclusive releases for the day, plus hundreds of new local and imported vinyl arrivals you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Brisbane
Tym Guitars Retails
5 Winn Street, Fortitude Valley
This year as always Tym Guitars will have lots of vinyl, live music, a DJ, balloons, giveaways, special RSD-only goodies, exclusive Tym records releases, and lots of great people. This year there’ll be a whopping six local bands starting at around midday with a DJ spinning vinyl between sets.
Living Sound & Vision
121 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
If you’ve never participated in Record Store Day before, start with the fundamentals. Living Sound & Vision have got a bunch of great specials for anyone looking to start out with vinyl or upgrade their system. Just for RSD, every Pro-Ject turntable purchase will include a turntable starter pack and a half-price phonobox pre-amp.
Adelaide
Clarity Records
60 Pulteney St, Adelaide
Clarity Records will celebrate Record Store Day by literally rocking around the clock. The store will stay open for 24 hours, which will come a day after Clarity’s owners celebrate their fifth year of trading, an incredible feat in this day and age. It’ll be the second year Clarity Records hosts a special midnight opening in honour of RSD.
Perth
78 Records
Upper Level, 255 Murray Street Mall, Perth
As always, 78 Records will be stocking large amounts of unique RSD products and feature lots of specials, including 15% off everything in the shop (except RSD product and tickets). They’ll be giving away a brand new Audio Technica ATLP 60 turntable (RRP $199) complete with Rotel amplifier and a set of award-winning Polk Audio speakers.
Hobart
Tommy Gun Records
102 Elizabeth St, Hobart
Tommy Gun will not only have a great selection of official Record Store Day releases cocked and ready to go (full list of titled to be posted on their Facebook page the night before), but they’ll also have a garage sale outside the front of the store and there’ll be an in-store performance from The Native Cats at 5pm.
