For us, Record Store Day ranks just behind Christmas in terms of sheer excitement. We wait all year for that third Saturday in April to get down to our favourite local record store to battle against the maddening crowds and secure our most coveted RSD exclusives.
This year will see labels both major and independent alike unveil over 500 special Record Store Day-only singles, EPs, re-releases, limited edition pressings, and various other tidbits that will have fans clamouring – check out some of them here.
Of course, with so many record stores around the country all participating in the big day, things can get a little confusing. To help readers figure out where they should be this Saturday, 21st April, we’ve put together a handy guide to what your local record store is doing for Record Store Day 2018.
Victoria
The Basement Discs
24 Block Place, Melbourne
Arguably one of the most hidden and gorgeous record stores in all of Victoria, The Basement Discs is set to hold one of its beloved in-store concerts this year, with a lineup that would make anyone jealous. Featuring appearances from Dan Sultan, The Cat Empire’s Harry James Angus, Jordie Lane & Clare Reynolds, The Woodland Hunters, and Amaya Laucirica & band, what else could you ask for?
Record Paradise
15 Union Street, Brunswick
Once again Record Paradise will be throwing a massive celebration for Record Store Day, featuring live music from the likes of Amyl & The Sniffers, Ron S Peno & Cam Butler, A Swayze & The Ghosts, and Jaala, a Lucky 7″ Dip, and of course, all the much-coveted Record Store Day releases and their usual selection of new release and recycled vinyl.
Rocksteady Records
358 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
Still a relative newcomer to the city’s music scene, Rocksteady Records have more than made a name for themselves as having one of the finest selections and kindest staff available. With Evelyn Ida Morris, BATTS, Dorsal Fins Acoustic 7 and Dan Arnott, with Al Parkinson and the Royal Parks playing instore sets on the day, there will be plenty going on at this humble record store.
24Hundred
51 Wangaratta St, Richmond
With test presses, exclusive Record Store Day releases, and huge discounts and offers, 24Hundred will be the go-to place in Melbourne on Record Store Day. With Double Park serving up coffee from their motorbike side car and the chance to win a $200 voucher just by purchasing something, there’s something for everyone on the day.
New South Wales
Beatdisc Records
181 Church Street, Parramatta
Parramatta’s finest record store is set to jump into Record Store Day in a big way once again, this time with some of the best vinyl prices you’ll find anywhere, giveaways, discounts, pizza, and of course, a limited edition Beatdisc Records slipmat. Definitely not one you’ll want to miss this year.
Red Eye Records
143 York Street, Sydney
Sydney’s golden boys Polish Club are set to take over Red Eye Records on Record Store Day as they celebrate the vinyl reissue of their debut EP. With the group playing an instore spot in the afternoon, this is a rare chance to catch one of Australia’s best live acts for free at your local record store.
Repressed Records
413 King St, Newtown
Repressed are once again set to deliver a special Record Store Day for music fans, with loads of limited edition exclusive releases for the day, plus hundreds of new local and imported vinyl arrivals you won’t be able to find anywhere else.
Queensland
Living Sound & Vision
121 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley
If you’ve never participated in Record Store Day before, start with the fundamentals. Living Sound & Vision have got a bunch of great specials for anyone looking to start out with vinyl or upgrade their system.
Sonic Sherpa
12/360 Logan Road, Greenslopes
Greenslopes’ beloved Sonic Sherpa is set to celebrate Record Store Day in a big way, thanks to the folks over at Stones Corner Hotel. Taking place in the pub’s carpark, acts like Screamfeeder, The Stress Of Leisure, Regurgitator’s Ben Ely, and Bluebottle Kiss’ Jamie Hutchings will be performing in a massive free concert. If that isn’t incentive to visit your local music vendor, we don’t know what is!
South Australia
Clarity Records
60 Pulteney St, Adelaide
Clarity Records will celebrate Record Store Day by literally rocking around the clock. The store will stay open for 24 hours, which will feature a fine variety of exclusive releases, vegan cupcakes, giveaways, and special limited Clarity Records RSD 2018 T-shirt & Tote Bag. As one of the finest record stores in all of the country, make sure you camp out early to ensure you snap up your sought-after records this year.
Western Australia
Rhubarb Records
Shop 5/851 Albany Highway, East Victoria Park & 18b/663 Newcastle Street, Leederville
One of the few stores on this list to boast two locations, Rhubarb Records are set to provide the people of Western Australia with only the finest RSD stock all day, with coffee and random prizes provided for their valued customers. Plus, anyone who purchases an item on the day goes into the draw to win an awesome merch and voucher pack.
Rhubarb Records will also be throwing an official afterparty that evening, featuring music from the likes of Black Stone From The Sun and The Psychotic Reactions. Needless to say, no matter which store you visit, you’re in for a treat on the day.
Tasmania
Tommy Gun Records
127 Elizabeth St, Hobart
Tommy Gun will not only have a great selection of official Record Store Day releases cocked and ready to go (be sure to check out their Facebook page closer to the day), but they’ll also have some pretty special deals on offer for all your music-loving bargain hunters out there.
ACT
Landspeed Records
30 Garema Place, Canberra
Landspeed Records are arguably is of the most beloved record stores in Canberra, and they’ll be taking place in this year’s festivities just like everyone else. With a selection of limited releases on offer, the store will also be holding a second hand record fair, while anyone who purchases an item on the day will go in the draw to win an Audio Technica AT-LP3 turntable.
