Black Wire Records is a much-loved record store located in Annandale, Sydney, which has faithfully served the local music community for the past five years.
Not only is it a kick-ass store, Black Wire Recs has also become known as a hang-out for like-minded music fans, as well as a record label, and venue for quality live shows.
“This space has become a safe haven and a second home. A place where we can be ourselves, meet like-minded people, feel supported and most importantly listen to ridiculously good music,” writes Black Wire volunteer Amelia Rose.
However, like many record stores around the country, Black Wire Recs are struggling to keep their doors open at the moment. Being a record store is especially difficult if you’re a Sydney-sider, where rent is increasingly becoming an issue.
“The landlord has put up the rent. So Black Wire is starting to struggle a bit to stay afloat,” Amelia writes on a new crowdfunding campaign page set up to raise $10,000 to keep Black Wire Recs going into the future.
“We would love to be able to upgrade some of our gear; repair some speakers, and replace some mics, leads and stands but all our money at the moment is going to our money hungry real estate agent,” Amelia continues.
Over the years, Black Wire Records has become an integral part of the Sydney music industry fabric. “It is both an incubator and a testing ground for accomplished local artists who are just starting up, and well as a place for more intimate experiences from established artists,” Amelia writes.
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“Before I began volunteering at Black Wire, I never realised the amount of time and effort that goes into setting up shows there… from contacting the bands, designing flyers and making events on Facebook, to cleaning up hundreds of empty bottles and cigarette butts, and mopping up spew and piss after the shows.”
“There are also a number of other amazing people who donate their time to help at Black Wire regularly. These people don’t get paid, but do it out of a complete love and respect for the space. It it weren’t for these volunteers, the space would probably not be running today.”
All donations are welcome and things are coming along quite well. At the time of writing, the campaign has already raised $8,760 of its goal, so it just needs a few more donations to get it to that $10,000.
