Record Store Profile: Wax Espresso QLD

What is your store called? 

Wax Espresso, although it used to be Wax Buildup, then the coffee trade got bigger so Wax Espresso was more fitting.

Where are you located? 

35 Duporth Avenue Maroochydore, Qld on the beautiful Sunshine Coast and online here. 

Tell us about the people behind the scenes?

Mark has been working in the music industry since the early 90s. First in a band, then touring with 100’s of bands and festivals for 15 years. Then music manager at JB for 10 years. He has also been selling records at markets and fairs since the 90s.  Cara has been working in the coffee industry for over 25 years, taking out 2nd place in the Qld barista championships as well as being a talented  singer-songwriter/guitarist and recording an album at Ian from Powderfinger’s studio. We also employ some talented baristas who have great music knowledge/taste.

When and why did the store open? 

Mark and Cara moved to Melbourne in 2001 and their local cafe had a few boxes of records for sale. After starting a family, We moved to the Sunny Coast in 2011 and in 2013 I organised the first Record Fair since the 90s and it was a huge success. Then I started organising the onsite music store for Bluesfest/Splendour and Falls in 2015 After contemplating opening a record store cafe for 17 years we thought it was the perfect place and time to do it.

What do your customers most know you for?

The unique vibe we’ve brought to the coast, Mark’s music knowledge, consistently quality coffee, Cara’s cakes and Mark’s bad sense of humour.

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

The one that we just sold the last copy of but “I can get another copy in for you”

What is the most popular evergreen title? 

According to Spotify, “Richy Mitch & The Coal Miners” song “Evergreen” has had 981,723,544 but I’ve never heard it. I would prefer Violent Soho’s or Brian Jonestown Massacre’s songs of the same name.

There’s that humour…. Seriously though, Fleetwood Mac, Abba, Pink Floyd and the likes all sell pretty quick when they hit the Wax Racks

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

I’m a collector before a seller so it’s still about obtaining records I’ve never seen before, let alone heard or owned before but my collection is now at a one in, one out stage. I love the fact that nobody needs to buy music anymore but we are able to sell music to people still. It really show that there’s still music fans out there. When people spend time in the shop, I enjoy sharing anecdotes from my touring life and my Knowledge of music to people young and old. I also organise the Sunshine Coast Record Fairs 4 times a year and there’s a great sense of community at these events with stall-holders and collectors coming out of the woodwork. 

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

I guess I’m pretty out of the loop with what is popular to a large proportion of our customer base so stocking and pre-ordering new titles would be something I find difficult. Also the price increase in records over the last 5 years has been crazy and as a retailer, I feel bad charging what we need to. Our brand new range isn’t as full as it used to be but we do get complimented on the quality over quantity. We had over 30 bands play in the shop in our first year but had a noise complaint. I would love to be able to support young local emerging artists but sadly no longer can.