Aus Record Store Owners Chime In On The Vinyl Boom Ahead Of RSD

Jeb Taylor - Music Farmers Vinyl Record Shop

228 Keira Street, Wollongong, NSW / (02) 4228 0459 / Website

The most notable changes in record store retail over recent years?

I think the more widespread interest in vinyl. When we first started the releases selling on vinyl were fairly niche and people into more 'mainstream' music wouldn't even consider buying vinyl. While that niche market is definitely still there, there is such a broader customer base now that means some really big, commercially successful records are also some of the biggest selling vinyl records, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles would be two great examples of this, some of the biggest selling artists on vinyl over the last few years.

What have been your most popular customer purchases over the last year?

For us, it has generally been our own label releases, Hockey Dad when Dreamin' was first on vinyl and Tumbleweed self-titled first time on vinyl were both really big. Any decent size record that is being released on vinyl for the first time usually goes well, and then there are artists that have such a fanatical following that will buy anything that the artist releases - U2 have been a pretty consistent one for this over the years on RSD.

Why do you think vinyl is becoming more popular?

I think at the heart of it, vinyl goes back to a bit of a simpler time. People are very busy and constantly connected these days and to put on a record you can, in a way, escape from that. Most streaming is done as background to something else, whereas the experience of putting on a record really makes you listen to the album properly. The other aspect is also the tangible side of it, people see a record cover and it catches their eye, but also the idea of owning this piece of audio and visual art as part of a collection means you always have it. It's almost become the antithesis of the very digital world we are in.

What RSD release/s are you most excited for this year?

The Ramones box set. I feel the Sire years are a fairly underrated part of the band's existence. The other one for me would be Reigning Sound Memphis In June, I'm not usually a fan of live records but these guys are such an incredible live band so interested to hear what it is like!

Zed Williams - Cottonmouth Records

182 Enmore Rd, Enmore, NSW / (02) 9557 1644 / Website

The most notable changes in record store retail over recent years?

The shift in the demographic that is buying and collecting vinyl. I’m seeing a lot of younger people coming through the store purchasing records for themselves, friends and family. It’s a great feeling to know that vinyl is reaching a new generation.

What have been your most popular customer purchases over the last year?

We can never keep enough of these records in stock: 

Massive Attack - Massive Attack

Amy Winehouse - Back To Black

Alabama Shakes - Boys & Girls

Why do you think vinyl is becoming more popular?

It comes down to tangibility. People want to be immersed in their music. See, hear and feel it. You can’t do that with a streaming service. Also, the majority of the money goes back to the artists, which is how it should be.

What RSD release/s are you most excited for this year?

There are so many I’m excited for but I would have to say:

Soul Jazz Records - Studio One Classics

The Rolling Stones - More Hot Rocks

Foo Fighters - Making A Fire/Chasing Birds

Kenny Dope - Brazil 45 Box Set

MATT 'FOOTY' HORVATH - CLARITY RECORDS 

60 Pulteney St, Adelaide, SA / 08 8227 1421 / Website

The most notable changes in record store retail over recent years?

We've found there's a lot more diversity in the range of people buying vinyl. This includes age and music genres. For example, with vinyl becoming more and more popular it has reached a level where a lot more mainstream artists are selling stacks of vinyl and not just the underground bands. The addiction has transcended age groups and it's just as popular with young kids as it is with people who have been collecting since day one.

What have been your most popular customer purchases over the last year?

Popular hip hop titles like Tyler The Creator, Frank Ocean and Kanye are our biggest sellers. Followed by modern-day classics like Tame Impala's Currents and Arctic Monkeys' AM. Turnstile's Glow On is our biggest selling new release, but that's only when we can get it.

Why do you think vinyl is becoming more popular?

Many reasons. It's great to have a physical product when spending money on music. The all-around experience of vinyl is the best way to consume music. From the better sound quality, the interactive artwork and the excitement of hunting for it and collecting vinyl can't really be topped.

What RSD release/s are you most excited for this year?

Mainly just the Ramones box set and the Soul Jazz Punk 45s compilation.