Melbourne Named Vinyl Capital Of The World
The findings were delivered via part one of a new research piece, 'For The Record.'
Soundmerch in Melbourne (Credit: Monique Pizzica via Record Store Day)
In exciting news for Victorian music lovers, Melbourne has been named the vinyl capital of the world.
For The Record, a new research piece commissioned by the Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) and delivered by Ethan Holben and Audience Strategies, placed the state’s vinyl ecosystem under the microscope.
Melbourne’s 5.9 record stores per 100,000 residents exceeded Tokyo (2.3), London (4.9), and Berlin (2.9). In addition to that stat, Victoria’s store count grew 18% since 2023, while national vinyl sales increased 5.6% to $44.5 million.
However, in an indictment of the cost of living and the upkeep required to keep a record store afloat, no surveyed store owners described their ventures as financially strong.
Other stats include the finding that Victorian stores stock Australian music at “25-50% of their inventory,” substantially exceeding streaming consumption – Australian artists account for just 8.4% of top tracks on streaming services.
The report also found that systemic barriers affect record stores’ success. Regional Victoria faces disadvantages in terms of access – one store per 150,000-200,000 residents versus one per 62,000 in Melbourne – while high capital requirements impede record stores’ ability to continue functioning, and the cost of records prevents young people from starting their own collections.
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In addition to the above statistics, the report examines the economics of pressing vinyl, including income distribution when a $45 record is pressed and sold locally, and the reality that the vinyl boom is not touching the sides of smaller, independent businesses.
The For The Record report is part one of a two-part project. Part two will focus on artists and consumers and show sales, and is expected to land in 2026. You can read part one of the report here.
“Vinyl plays a far bigger role in Australia’s music ecosystem than many people realise,” said Fiona Duncan, CEO of Music Victoria. “For many artists, it’s now a central part of a release strategy. Strong physical sales can genuinely shift an artist’s chart position.
“Physical sales aren’t just income; they’re strategic... and vinyl continues to be one of the most powerful drivers for Australian artists.”
Kate Duncan, CEO of The Push, highlighted the importance of record stores as cultural “third places” for young people to experience live music, as many outlets have increased in-store live performances.
“Record stores have the potential to become the most important entry points for young people discovering live music,” Duncan commented.
Duncan added, “With many young people unable to access licensed venues as well as facing real cost-of-living barriers, these spaces could open the door to music experiences young people are currently missing - creating welcoming, all-ages environments that unlock connection, confidence and a lifelong relationship with Australian music.”
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