It’s that time of year, folks; Record Store Day. The time when music fans and vinyl-lovers descend upon their local music store for their annual day of exclusive releases.
Having first kicked off back in 2008, Record Store Day has fast become something of an international holiday on the music-lover’s calendar.
With plenty of special releases hitting the shelves, vinyl fans and collectors come together to hit up independent stores around the world in hopes of finding this year’s most sought-after record.
Of course, we’ve already seen the annual list of special releases coming out on April 13th, so the question remains; what are Aussie retailers doing this year?
With Record Store Day just around the corner, we’ve spoken to record store owners all across the country, and in this edition, we’re chatting to Blake Budak of Landspeed Records in Canberra to find out more about the store, and what’s on offer this year.
Check out this year’s Record Store Day ambassadors:
Getting to know you: Who are you? What’s your store?
My name is Blake Budak and I an owner of Landspeed Records an independent record store in Canberra.
How long has your store been around for?
I opened the store in 1994 when I was very young and naïve. I knew I liked music and records but I knew nothing about running a business or a record store (I had no previous experience working in one).
Are there any certain genres you cater to at your store?
We cover a broad range of genres on vinyl and CD including rock, indie, metal, punk, hip hop, electronic, soul, jazz, blues, folk, reggae, and more.
What has been the most memorable moment in the store’s history?
Probably our most famous and memorable customer we ever had was Jimmy Barnes. This was many years ago and he was in the store for an event.
He really was the nicest guy ever and his genuine passion, enthusiasm and interest in music was incredible.
He was also really interested in my opinions and recommendations. I can’t remember everything he bought but he definitely picked up some albums by You Am I and The Chemical Brothers.
How did your love of music first begin?
I think it all began with the TV show Countdown on the ABC. When I was growing up in Canberra there were only two TV stations the local commercial channel and the ABC.
On Sunday nights at 6.30 you had a choice between watching the Wonderful World Of Disney and Countdown. At the age of eight I decided to stop watching Disney and start watching Countdown.
There was a lot of pop stuff on Countdown but you also got to see some great rock bands on there too. Bands like the Police, The Clash, Devo, and The Church I first discovered through Countdown and I still love to this day.
How did you get into the world of selling records?
My initial business partner came into some money and was looking start a business and I suggested we started a record store.
Thinking time: What’s your all-time favourite record?
I really struggle to say what my favourite album is but the record that excited me the most when it came out and I still love to this day is the debut album from the Stone Roses.
Check out The Stone Roses’ ‘I Wanna Be Adored’:
Do you also dabble in the world of record collecting? Any ‘white whales’ you’re still trying to track down?
Yes, I collect a bit myself, but I try to strike a balance. Ultimately you have to decide if you’re a record collector or a dealer. Dealers who keep all their best stock for themselves tend to not be that successful.
The current album I’d love to pick up is an original copy of The Zombies’ 1968 psych-pop classic Odessey And Oracle. I own a re-issue but I’d love to have an original pressing of this one.
What have you got planned for Record Store Day this year?
We’ll be open from 10am-5pm. As usual we’ll be carrying a huge range of the Record Store Day releases plus we’ll have over 2,000 quality second hand records (that we’ve held back especially for the day) for sale outside the front of the store.
The first 80 customers will get a special re-usable RSD bag and we’ll also be giving away a turntable to one lucky customer.
Are there any releases you’re particularly excited for?
There are so many incredible releases for RSD this year but some of the ones I’m really excited for are:
1. The Loved Ones’ Magic Box: The Loved Ones are one of the finest Australian bands of the ’60s, and their classic 1967 album ‘Magic Box’ is getting re-issued on pink vinyl for RSD.
2. Lost In Translation soundtrack: Soundtracks have been a big part of the releases for RSD for many years now and the standout for 2019 in my opinion is that the incredible Lost In Translation soundtrack is finally getting a vinyl release! Highlights include songs by Air, My Bloody Valentine, & The Jesus & Mary Chain.
3. Captain Beefheart’s Trout Mask Replica: A bizarre 1960s experimental classic, Trout Mask Replica has been out of print for nearly 10 years. Lovingly restored and remastered by Jack White’s Third Man Records especially for RSD.
4. Green Day’s Woodstock 1994: Green Day’s performance at Woodstock is a real snapshot in time for me. It captures the point that the band became superstars. It’s great to see the performance get a vinyl release, but it really should come with a vial of mud.
5. Weezer’s The Teal Album: Weezer’s surprise album of covers is getting a vinyl release for RSD. Features ‘Africa’, ‘Take On Me’, ‘Mr. Blue Sky’, and more.
Check out Weezer’s cover of ‘Mr. Blue Sky’:
Record Store Day 2019
Saturday, April 13th, 2019
Landspeed Records
30 Garema Pl, Canberra, ACT
(Open from 10am – 5pm)
