Celebrated on Saturday 16 April, Record Store Day Australia is an important day for the music industry as it reiterates the importance of the traditional music outlet as one of the major avenues for the public to discover the many genres of music releases each year.
Run by the Australian Music Retailers Association (AMRA), Record Store Day is an enormously entertaining day celebrating indie record stores, music and musicians in all their myriad hues. and has the unqualified support of record companies and Australian music icons who know the importance of supporting indie music stores. This year, Adam Brand and Tim Dalton join Ella Hooper as ambassadors.
“I’m a lifelong fan of the independent record store experience and am thrilled to support the vital role that these stores still play in the music scene, as this year’s ambassador,” said Hooper. “I’ll be making a dash to a few of my favourite stores old and new on the day and maybe sing a few new songs along the way too. I can’t wait!”
Last year Record Store Day in Australia was the biggest ever and the organisers say this year is shaping up to be a big year. Expect limited edition vinyl, CD special deals, live music, treasure hunts, lots of sausages on BBQs, face painting and much, much more. Lists of much sought-after limited edition special pressings are not posted to the RSD Australian website.
Record stores in every Capital City of Australia, along with some regional stores will be involved with lots of promotional activity, sales, in-store appearances, signings and limited edition releases planned. Some activities taking place around the country include:
Adelaide’s RockTherapy Records will feature the legendary, The Masters Apprentices for an instore signing – so bring your records or CDs for them to sign!
Stalwart of the Melbourne music scene, Prahran’s Greville Records is hosting a Bowie-themed day with instore performances from Mick Harvey, Tim Rogers, Dan Kelly, Ash Naylor, Saint Jude, the Closet Straights, The Sugarcanes, and more.
Melbourne’s legendary Basement Discs will be filled with live music, a trivia quiz, prizes, discounts, special Record Store Day releases and much, much more! Some of Melbourne’s finest musicians will be dropping by, including Alyce Platt, Russell Morris, The Models, Tracy McNeil & The Good Life and Raised By Eagles.
Repressed Records in Newtown have expanded vinyl stock levels in both new and 2nd hand vinyl, and have teamed up with the Newtown Social Club to give-away vouchers if you spend over $50. While The Record Store in Darlinghurst will have Limited edition and new import vinyl on offer, as Jossy & Supertrivia, and Vic & James from Plastic World will be hitting the decks throughout the afternoon.
Record Store Day will be held on Saturday 16 April 2016. For more information and a comprehensive list of events, visit: www.recordstoreday.com.au for details.
Image: Ella Hooper (supplied)