Record Store Profile: Landspeed Records ACT

What is your store called? 

Landspeed Records

Where are you located? 

30 Garema Place Canberra ACT and online here.  

Tell us about the people behind the scenes?

Landspeed has been run by brothers Blake & Byron Budak since 1994.

When and why did the store open? 

The store was opened in 1994 because we were passionate music fans and it seemed like a good idea at the time.

 What do your customers most know you for?

Having one of the best ranges of vinyl in the country.

What is the most popular title you stock at the moment? 

Fontaines D.C.’s most recent album Romance just keeps on flying out the door.

What is the most popular evergreen title? 

Fleetwood Mac Rumours just keeps on selling. It has been consistently been one of our top sellers for over 10 years. It’s one of those records that has stood the test of time and resonates with multiple generations.

What is the best thing about running a record store in 2025?

The best thing is seeing the resurgence of interest in physical music, now not just on vinyl but on CD too. Ten to fifteen years ago the outlook for record stores was pretty bleak but now many are busier than they’ve ever been and instead of seeing stores closing we are seeing new ones opening up which is amazing! Generally though the best thing is the people that come in through the door. You never know who you’ll meet. The weird and the wonderful. The famous (The PM is a customer) to the unknown. Every single one has a passion for music and some wisdom to impart.

What is the hardest thing about running a record store in 2025?

The challenges of running a record store in 2025 are mostly the same that currently face many businesses. Inflation, rising costs, a weak Australian dollar, high rents. Then there are issues like shoplifting and theft which can get you down at times. The other challenge in 2025 is that some major record companies seem to view stores as competitive rivals instead of partners to work with.