A Quick Guide to Record Store Day 2017 in Sydney

April 18th 2017

Photo: Screenshot from High Fidelity, 2000 

The world has changed since the invention of vinyl. Banana zoot suits are out of fashion. The Marlboro Man is dead. Mickey Mouse is a sweatshop overlord. But vinyl just keeps on spinning.

Head on down to your local dealer this Record Store Day (Saturday, April 22) to add to your collection. Whether you pick up an exclusive release, an old classic, or just something with funny cover art that subscribes to your ironic worldview, you will be entertained. If you’re looking for some direction, here are some of the best RSD events we’ve found across Sydney and the ‘gong this weekend.

 

THE RECORD STORE

255b Crown St, Darlinghurst. Open 9am-7pm | More info here

Crate diggers can rock up at 9, soundtracked on the decks by DGGZ (Elefant Traks), Lauren Hansom, Andy Garvey vs Baron Castle and Matt Lush – with a few free tinnies to help you with your thirsty work. Party starters can leg it across the road to Cafe Lounge from midday to hear Donny Benet (DJ set), The Possé (live), Klue (live), DJ Simon Caldwell, and Barney Kato Kato. $6 Young Henry’s to quench your thirst!

 

RED EYE RECORDS

143 York Street, Sydney CBD. Open 8am – 6pm | More info here

The early bird catches the worm, and nabs the records everyone else is hunting for! Be that guy and head to Red Eye first thing – they’re opening up at 8am. With over 400 titles ordered, if your heart is set on a limited release, this the place to find it. Check their website on Friday evening for the full list. Plus there’s 10% off all secondhand records, and Allday will be signing copies of his new album Speeding at 3pm.

 

MUSIC FARMERS

228 Keira Street, Wollongong. Open 9am-6am | More info here

You can catch The Vanns, Luke Spook, and Rhysics from 3pm. New releases will go on sale from 9am, including 300 pink limited edition Totally Unicorn vinyls.

 

URGE RECORDS

349 Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Thirroul. Store open 11am-6pm, bands from 7pm. | More info here

These Leisure Coast legends have stocked up on independent, rare and underground releases from all over the world. After the store closes, stick around for live sets from Mere Women, Jacob, shysters, CHIMERA, Custom Sluts and Orphans.

 

FRANK’S WILD YEARS

3/2A Raymond Road, Thirroul. Open 10am-6pm | More info here

Proving that Thirroul is the place to be this RSD, Frank’s Wild Years have a huge day of live music, DJS, giveaways and delicious BBQ. Catch live sets from local acts Blue Divers, The No.4 Band, The Good Boys and Gold Member. Try your luck in their raffle running all day – you could score tickets to Yours & Owls,  LP & merch bundles from Rice Is Nice, Spunk and Bedroom Suck, a Grifter Brewing Co bundle and loads more. Ooft.

 

UTOPIA RECORDS

Lower Ground Floor, 511 Kent Street (entrance on Bathurst St), Open midnight, and 7am- at least 6pm | More info here

This metal Mecca will be opening at midnight on Friday. The first 25 purchasers will receive exclusive Utopia gift bags and anyone who spends more than $50 will go into the running to receive a one-year double pass to Century Venues. “Normal people” will be able to show up at 7am on Saturday and will also be in the running to win 25 gift bags and a golden ticket. No Life ‘Til Leather, Frankie’s and Motormouth will be on DJ duty to keep the party rocking.

 

MOJO RECORDS

73 York St, Sydney. Open 9am-7pm, bar opens at noon | More info here

Crate digging is thirsty work! If you need a cold frothy after an early morning of record hunting, Mojo Record Bar opens at noon. Even sweeter: they’re offering 10% off new vinyl (excluding RSD 2017 titles) and 20% off second-hand. From 4pm, catch a live set from Melbourne post-punk outfit Destrends.

 

SYDNEY HI-FI MONA VALE

 1/1 Mona Vale Rd, Mona Vale. Open 9:30am-4pm | More info here

Local artist TK Nightingale will join Jessica Stillone to play some tunes. You’ll also be able to talk turntables with industry experts while enjoying free drinks and nibbles. If you purchase a record you’ll go into the running to win a Pro-Ject Essential Turntable valued at $399.

 

BEATDISC

11/181 Church Street, Parramatta. Open 9am-6pm | More info here

Parramatta’s legendary independent record store is celebrating RSD with a huge shipment of limited edition LPs and 45s, one-off Beatdisc mugs, giveaways throughout the day, and free pizza. FREE PIZZA!

 

 

Plus a selection of sweet local releases…

Tom Iansek – Top Of The Tree

Before there was Big Scary and #1 Dads, there was a kid writing songs in his bedroom. Tom Iansek has gone on to compile an imposing resumé, touring the world and releasing internationally acclaimed albums with his bands. For Record Store Day 2017, Iansek will release vinyl copies of his first ever recording, made in 2009 with a four-track mixer and a single microphone. Under the moniker Small Time Hero, Iansek’s debut, Top of the Tree, will be available at Music Farmers in Wollongong and Red Eye next to Town Hall this Saturday.

 

 

Good Boy & Jarrow split 7″

Brisbane’s Good Boy and Melbourne’s Jarrow have joined forces for a split EP and co-headline tour. Good Boy’s ‘Braap’ and Jarrow’s ‘Cody’ will be available as a special 7″ release on Saturday through Barely Dressed Records / Remote Control Records. Catch them both live at the Chippo Hotel on April 28.

 

Methyl Ethel – Architecture Lecture / Lagotta Romagnolo 7″

Featuring two original tracks that have never been physically available, this Australian exclusive is limited to 1,000 copies. It’s a black vinyl 7″ with cover art designed by the band.

 

A.B. Original – Reclaim Australia (ltd coloured edn)

A.B. Original, official ambassadors for Record Store Day Australia, are releasing a special edition of their powerful album Reclaim Australia on red, black and yellow vinyl – representing the flag of Indigenous Australia.

 

The Herd – 77% (7″ red vinyl)

Local hip hop legends Elefant Traks are putting out an exclusive 7″ pressing of The Herd’s 77% on red vinyl, featuring a remix by Jayteehazard. Find it at The Record Store on Saturday!

 

Totally Unicorn – Horse Hugger (12″ pink vinyl)

The mayhem returns! Limited to 300 worldwide and pressed on pink vinyl, Totally Unicorn present Horse Hugger: a six-track 12″ EP that’s everything you would expect from the bearded masters (epic cover art included).

 

Dirty Three – UFKUKO (Purple vinyl)

Dirty Three’s debut EP UFKUKO will be available on vinyl for the first time ever for RSD 2017. Warren Ellis, Jim White and Mick Turner first released UFKUKO in 1998. Now you can own a limited edition purple pressing!

 

 

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We’ll keep updating this list as more specials come to hand – if you’ve got a tip from your local area, shoot us an email at info@fbiradio.com. Check out the full list of international special releases here. Happy digging!