We here at Tone Deaf love nothing more than reporting on everything that is music, however sometimes there might be a little bit too much focus on just the artists, and the myriad of work that goes on behind closed doors is forgotten. Remember record stores? For many (including us) record stores have always been a place of education, worship, and community – so to celebrate these great spaces each fortnight we’re reaching out to shine a much deserved spotlight some of our favourite indie record stores.
First opening its doors over 21 years ago, the (literally) underground record store located at 24 Block Pl in Melbourne’s CBD – Basement Discs has become one of the city’s musical institutions.
Stocking some of Melbourne’s most interesting range of rock and pop (both current and retro), jazz, blues, R’n’B, country, folk, world and roots music on CD, DVD and Vinyl, and often hosting live in-store performances, Basement Discs is the city’s musical Aladdin’s Cave.
We recently caught up with Pat Monaghan, one of the four permanent vinyl slingers at Basement Discs to chat about some of his favourite releases, the legacy of Basement Discs, and the future of music retail. For more info on Basement Discs visit www.basementdiscs.com.au.
Birth Of Basement Discs
The store was born on “April 1, 21 years ago. In a thriving community of independent record stores and chain stores, more venues and an internet in its infancy.”
How To Survive As A Physical Store During A Digital Revolution
The key to Basement Discs’ success? “A consistent interaction with the local music community would be one of the (more significant) keys. Our regular instore gigs have also helped us, at least, sustain.”
Also making buddies pays off “Lots of our customers are people we are proud to call close friends. Hopefully, we are making lots of them all the time.”
Favourite Basement Discs Moments
“Meeting so many great artists from Liz Stringer and Mia Dyson to Richard Thompson and Peter Buck have all been treasured moments. There have been some memorable (and hilarious) exchanges with customers.”
The Store’s Industry Relationships
“Lots of industry folk are frequent visitors to the store. From Presidents of Record Companies and Radio Stations, Community Broadcaster (Triple R/PBS/JOY etc) and the ABC to loads of musicians from The Bad Seeds and St Vincent to Saskwatch and Jen Cloher.”
A Day In The Life Of Basement Discs
It’s all pretty simple “Open the door, turn the lights on, put on some sweet sounds and start enthusing about the music that surrounds me.”
Predictions On The Future Of Music Retail
“Melbourne, the vibrant live scene, totally switched on public radio/tv, street press, blogs and independent record stores all go hand in hand . . . so . . .as long as the audience remains similarly engaged, I have a very optimistic outlook for the future of all those things (including record stores). ”
Favourite Records To Come Through Basement Discs
“Wow! Towering question. I’m presently really enjoying Dorsal Fins’ Mind Renovation, Courtney Barnett’s Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit and Jim Lawrie’s Eons.”
