Which Are The Record Stores In Melbourne?

Best Record Stores In Melbourne

If you're looking for the real deal in pop, rock, jungle, or blues, there's no place like Melbourne, Australia, and its record store scene.

Crate digging is still a thing, and there are loads of records out there for the taking stores in Melbourne to demonstrate this point, there are shops that cater to GO hip-hop fans, collectors who are on the hunt for a one-of-a-kind item, and DJs who are trying to update their record collections for the weekend.

Strange world Records

This weird place reminds me more of a home than a shop. While practically every style is represented here, punk, metal, and garage are especially well represented.

One of the best in Melbourne, Strangeworld stocks albums from all over the world, including the best in post-punk and noise. Owner Richie Ramone also carries thousands of obscure albums, including many on his own Homeless label.

New and used albums are regularly delivered. Besides records, we also sell cassettes, CDs, tees, and magazines.

Dutch Vinyl

Dutch Vinyl holds record fairs all through the year and imports incredible new and used music from all around the world. Another of the best music stores around, with a massive online selection of rare vinyl and daily new arrivals stores in Melbourne come to in order to purchase rare records to add to your collection.

Skydiver

It's the DJ's favourite record store in Melbourne, and it's called Skydiver. The night was kicked off by three of Melbourne's most prominent DJs, and it features music from a wide variety of genres and subgenres, including house, technology, disco, Italo, synth-pop, and ambient, among others. There is a wide variety of cassettes available to show that nostalgia is still alive and well, and they also produce a product to straighten out your twisted recordings.

Skydiver, the first nightclub to open on the always-active Johnston Street, was founded by three local DJs Melbourne’s coolest spot devoted listeners only. While records are their speciality, they also host exciting in-store events and offer cool swag that you can buy online.

Round And Round

It's not hard to walk past a record you might like at most record stores. There is never an issue with this at Round and Round. There is a brief synopsis on each sleeve to facilitate exploration.

The storefront is a compact building on Sydney Road that has been decked out with vibrant artwork and handmade wooden shelving. After opening in 2008, Round and Round quickly attracted the assistance of local music veterans and former Toot Records owners. Each of the three has worked in the record store industry for decades, and they all admit that they are music lovers.

Variety of music available. From experimental electronica and death metal to quiet and Italian prog, you'll find a wide range of obscure albums here. Naturally, there are also many classic and local releases, but it is the lesser-known titles that really set Round and Round apart. We also carry slipmats, styluses, and cleaning supplies. Similar to a quality record store, however, the emphasis here is on the music.

Rocksteady Records

It's been on the market for for 30 years, yet it's still selling albums. Over the course of that time period, he has witnessed the rise, fall, and subsequent rise of vinyl's popularity. After working at Dada Records in Perth, Monaghan moved to Melbourne in 1994 to manage the Au Go Go. After 14 years working at Basement Discs after it closed in 2003, Monaghan finally bought the business with the support of his wife.

In fact, you might easily pass by the crossroads of Elizabeth and Lonsdale Streets without ever noticing Rocksteady if it weren't for the bright neon sign. However, if you enter Mitchell House and take the elevator to the top floor, you'll come upon the room, which is decked out with bright posters and red linoleum. Most of the records are fresh, having been ordered from Australian and worldwide distributors, and they are stored on custom-made timber shelving.

Rocksteady, as its name implies, is heavily influenced by reggae and other Caribbean styles of music.

There's a wide variety of music here, from funk and soul to rock to jazz to hip hop and independent music, including many albums from local artists. Numerous books, prints, CDs, and turntables are strewn about the store as well. Every day, more inventory is added. With its convenient location among other CBD vinyl hotspots like Exhibition and Off the Hip, Delivery of outputs is a must-visit.

Licorice Pie Records

Licorice Pie has more than 20 years of experience as a second-hand vinyl specialist. One of the top record stores in Melbourne, this place boasts a stunning collection of over 15,000 used vinyl records spanning 60 years and a wide range of genres. If you enter Licorice Pie Records from the inconspicuous front door, you'll feel like you've stepped into High Fidelity's Championship Vinyl. You might overhear some intense music debates, even though the place is normally only staffed by the owner.

Licorice Pie, in contrast to the mythical store full of frightening music aficionados, is a friendly destination for both die-hard fans and music newcomers alike. Nearly fifteen thousand records, as of the most recent count, are properly organised and categorised, sometimes with handmade signs and annotations.

Simply looking around, you may hear rockabilly, Australian garage, and Krautrock, and that's only the beginning. After all, "We stock all sorts" is the company's slogan.

They have LPs, 12"s, 45s, and even some 78s, and they specialise in rare and historic releases over the last 60 years. The store is a sanctuary for music lovers, with carefully picked merchandise that changes weekly with prices ranging between $4 to $30 and more for something truly exceptional. Don't take their word for it that Licorice Pudding is a great place to visit.

Obese Records

Obese Records is not just a record label that focuses on hip-hop music, but it also distributes apparel, art supplies, and even attack paint cans for graffiti artist. The online store eliminates the need to leave the house because of the extensive selection of vinyl records, DVDs, and CDs dedicated to hip-hop.

Greville Records

Since launched in 1978, Greville Discs has been a Melbourne institution. Many documentaries have been made about it, and it even has its own entry in the Lonely Planet travel guide. Musicians have made the store famous as well, with acts like Sonic Youth, R.E.M., Radiohead, and The Beastie Boys all performing and visiting the shop throughout the years.

As of today, not much has altered. When Warwick Brown took over the record store in 1991, he continued the tradition of supporting independent and unusual releases, stocking anything from vintage blues recordings from the 1920s to brand new electronica pressings. The covering the walls in precious prints, pictures and accessories.

The warehouses house in excess of 20,000 albums and 10,000 five singles. The lack of a listening station is regrettable, but Brown or the rest of the team would gladly answer any questions you may have need to know.

Aside from records, Brown also sells a wide variety of other memorabilia, such as CDs, DVDs, N k, books, and antique tour posters. If you still have the energy, you can head to Obese Records, Tumble Audio, or Licorice Pie without going too far.

The Searchers Records

The Searchers has a wide variety of vintage and modern vinyl records, stacked from floor to ceiling. The staff is really helpful and knowledgeable about any aspect of music. A listening area is available for checking out the latest releases.

Wax Museum

Wax Museum, one of the lesser shops on the list, is located in Campbell Arcade, which is nestled away under Flinders Street. It may be little, but it certainly isn't lacking in vinyl options. The store carries hip-hop, dance, indie, and jazz music, specialising on niche artists and rare releases.

The store's size doesn't allow for a wide variety of products, so you'll likely just find what you expect. For hip-hop enthusiasts, Fashion Show Records is heaven on earth, hosting beat parties,

Dance music DJ classes and film showings.

The 14-year-old storefront is tucked away in the historic Flinders Street Station in Melbourne, making it a pioneer in the city's music scene.

Goldmine Records

In its two stores in the northern suburbs, Goldmine Records stocks a massive collection of new and secondhand records. You can find a wide variety of recordings here that will appeal to many different musical preferences.

Wah Wah Records 

If you're looking for a record store in the inner-north of Melbourne, you'll be spoiled with choice. So if you're in the mood for some classic rock and roll, go by Wah Wah Records and peruse their selection from the '60s and '70s, as well as a few pressings from down under.

Vicious Sloth Collectables

Vicious Sloth, which first opened in 1987, has hosted its fair share od rock stars since its inception. The co-owner once ran into Metallica half an hour before the band was set to rock Barton Laver Arena, so it's not unheard of for them to stop by. In 2016, hours before a reunion gig at the sold-out Golden Plains Festival, Eddy Current Suppress Ring played for a select group of fans.

Terry and his business partner, Peter Stathopoulos, are also avid record collectors. The shop is dedicated to preserving Australia's rock history, therefore it focuses on selling hard-to-find records from the '60s and '70s from cities including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. Researching, licencing, and reissuing long-forgotten treasures under the Vicious Sloth labels is a sizable portion of the company's operations.

Not counting reissues, most recordings are used and acquired through collectors. There is typically the only copy from each title, so if you see something you might be interested in, don't hesitate to grab it. We also stock local and vintage books, tapes, magazines, and CDs. Stop by the "Beatles cabinet," a time capsule filled with rare memorabilia of the Fab Four, on your way out. Go online to Vicious Sloth if you can't make it to Malvern.

Box Hill Record And Comic Fair

It's not technically a business, but it is a fantastic resource for finding new and used records of all kinds, including those that are quite hard to find. A monthly event at the Box Hill Town, the Envelope Hill Record Fair was once known as the Brompton Record Fair and is accessible to the public. Since it is a free market, you can discover anything from brand new releases in their original packaging to obscure gems from the '60s.

Flightless 168

It's unclear whether Great horned owls 168 is a secondhand bookstore masquerading as a label or a label operating as a local shop. Fuzzy psych-rock is where they put their attention, so look out for albums by bands like King Alimentary canal and the Minotaur, Stonefield, and indeed the Oh Sees. Look and through stacks, and you won't just find Flightless 168 records; you'll also find rock, punk, pop, and more.

Basement Discs

When they learned that the record store you worked as, Discurio, was closing, it was a natural progression for them to strike out on their own. In response, they uncovered a derelict basement in the heart of the city and, with the help of a large group of friends, outfitted it with furniture and a theatre for live shows. They expected the outcome to be something the locals in Melbourne would like.

This happened back in 1994. The continued success of Basement Discs can be directly attributed to their dedicated fan base. Walking in from the sidewalk, you'll see a massive mural of vintage album covers on the basement wall. Artist's original from the time the shop began.

There is a wide selection of vinyl (mostly new) and used CDs, DVDs, and books on music available at Basement Discs, with new material arriving regularly through local vendors as well as from both the US and Europe. If Basement doesn't have it, they'll order it for you. In 2018, we also have a vintage jewellery area.

Concerts during lunchtime occur on a weekly basis. Older internationals have performed in the past.

White Rabbit Record Bar

White Fox Record Bar is a calm, chill hangout with amazing drinks and some simple bar food. Umbrellas and outside tables mark it as a bar next to Kensington Station at the bottom of the small but hugely popular coffee house strip on Bellair Street, but it's not until you get closer that you realise it's not just about booze. Instead, it stores a lot of albums and has a great vibe to it.

Part record store, part cafe, with original Frank Sinatra recordings and obscure antique records priced at just $1 each. The front area has booths like those in a diner, and these open onto a corridor that eventually becomes a beer garden full of plants.

In the summer, jugs of White Rabbit's famous white sangria are delivered, while in the winter, local beers are enjoyed in the warm glow of outdoor heaters. Weekends are prime time for vinyl DJ sets, namely on Weekends and Sunday mornings.

After a night out, relax with a brunch and a cocktail, lager, or bubbles designed to complement your meal. You can expect friendly recommendations for tasty dishes from either a menu that seems to have something for everyone. The way White Rabbit combines its three main loves—music, food, and drink—is both creative and delicious.

Alley Tunes

The eclectic Alley Tunes combines a record shop with a cafe. The shop, located in a quiet nook near Glenferrie Depot and Swinburne Campus, is a popular hangout for locals and tourists alike.

Since 1994, records have been available at Alley Tunes. Max Le Brun and Fabrice Lemoyne, the current proprietors, were regulars before they bought the store for a steal in 2007. The store makes efficient use of its limited square footage. The inside, decorated in warm, earthy tones, features hundreds of new and used albums stored on repurposed wooden shelves.

Because of the high volume of items coming and going, the $5 discount bin often contains some real gems.

In particular, house, techno, and other forms of electronic music are Alley's forte. About half of the available inventory is suitable for this use. The remaining styles include jazz, blues, Afro, and more. Harthouse, Ninja Tuning, R&S, Warp Records, and F Communications are just some of the legendary record labels that you may find here.

Records are hand-selected and imported primarily from Europe, with a lesser variety available from the United States and local wholesalers. In case you're thinking about selling your collection, both Le Crème and Lemoyne will purchase it from you.

Caffé Romeo, a coffee roaster in Balwyn, supplied the beans for your outdoor cup or takeaway order. Unfortunately, there aren't many options for hearty meals, although Waffle Upon and Little Bertha both serve delicious French crepes and baked pastries.

Thornbury Records

Thornbury Records, often known as T-Recs, has been operating as a premier record shop since its inception in 2011. Most of the inventory is completely fresh. Discover alternative rock, IDM, folk, and more with the state-of-the-art multitrack stations or place an order online. Besides fixing turntables, the store also offers a service to convert vinyl records to CDs, FLAC, or MP3 files.

There is, as might be expected, a wide selection of new foreign releases, as well as a wide selection of music by local artists, merchandise, CDs, magazine, record-players, accessories, and even a tiny stage with in performances.

Oh! Jean Records

In 2016, after two years of successful pop-ups and online sales, the Oh Jean! crew decided to settle down and build a permanent storefront. When it opened in 2016, the Norman Street store gave residents of Fitzroy a new shopping option just blocks away from some of Melbourne's best record stores.

When you walk in, you'll notice that the walls are made of clay bricks and the floors are made of polished brownstone. The room's contrasting black fixtures are a striking design element. There are just records available, with many by Australian and New Zealand musicians. Nothing used here; all products are fresh from their respective distributors both domestic and abroad. The store carries around 1600 albums at any given moment, with examples from genres as diverse as indie, jazz, punk, and more. It's not unusual to have signings and in-store concerts at a business.

Camp Cope, Straight Jacket, Dappled Cities, and Wil Wagner are just a few examples of bands from the past. Riot House, their in-house espresso bar, offers Veneziano espresso and decaf espresso, Healthy Humans juices, and Tea & Spice chai.

Heartland Records

Once upon a time, Heartland Records, a metal plus classic rock emporium located in a seedy corner of a building near the Queen Vic Markets, specialised in said genres. But ever since it relocated to its present location, a spacious two-room building on Street, the business has flourished.

Heartland is now one of Melbourne's major vinyl purveyors, but metal remains its forte in all its magnificent, wicked iterations. There is a sizable "alt" section, stocked with new releases and essential records for any collection, a punk rack, a selection of retro tunes from the '60s and '70s, and a few noteworthy local pressings.

The used goods available at Heartland have also increased. An extensive collection of CDs is also on display for individuals whose digital music listening preferences remain stuck in the days of laser discs.

Conclusion

The city's rich cultural heritage is protected by Melbourne's finest record stores. This neighbourhood has everything for everyone, from coffee shops in department stores to concert venues in the basements of nearby buildings. You don't have to be a DJ to appreciate the unique pleasure of vinyl record listening. Skydiver, the first club on Johnston Street, was started by three DJs in the area. The duo of Round and Round has been in the record store business for years.

You can find albums spanning from peaceful and Italian prog to experimental electronica and death metal. Reggae and other Caribbean music forms have had a significant impact on the development of rocksteady. Recently ordered from distributors in Australia and around the world, the majority of the recordings are brand new. A wide variety of record formats, including LPs, 12s, 45s, and 78s, are available at Licorice Pie Records. If you're looking for a hip-hop label, Obese Records isn't it. It also gives out clothes, art equipment, and even attack paint cans for graffiti writers. The Searchers is home to a vast collection of both classic and contemporary vinyl recordings. Since its 1987 opening, the bar Vicious Sloth has played host to its fair share of famous musicians. There was a time when the Envelope Hill Record Fair was called the Brompton Record Fair. Due to the nature of a free market, you can find anything from spanking new releases to forgotten oldies. Label "Great Horned Owls 168" is actually a used bookstore. In order to host live performances, Cellar Discs renovated a hitherto abandoned basement. Original Frank Sinatra recordings can be found at White Rabbit Record Bar, which combines a record store and a cafe. On the inside are hundreds of records, both new and old, neatly organised on reused wooden shelves. Our Balwyn coffee roaster, Caffé Romeo, sourced the beans for your takeout or outdoor brew. After two years of pop-up shops and online sales, records officially launched in 2016. Around 1600 CDs from indie, jazz, punk, and other genres are always available at the shop. Even though metal is still its speciality, Heartland Records has grown to become one of Melbourne's most prominent vinyl retailers.

Content Summary

• As such, we have developed a comprehensive directory of the best music stores in Melbourne to assist you in locating that rare first press, limited edition record by your favourite local band, or a wonderful espresso to go.
• There's no place like Melbourne, Australia's record store scene whether you want authentic pop, rock, jungle, or blues.
• The DJ highly recommends Skydiver, a record store in Melbourne.
• The three local DJs that opened the first nightclub on Johnston Street are known as "Skydiver."
• The best music venue in Melbourne for serious fans.
• Licorice Pie has been in the used vinyl business for almost 20 years.
• This is one of the best record stores in Melbourne, with a spectacular selection of over 15,000 secondhand vinyl albums spanning 60 years and a wide variety of genres.
• Not only does Obese Records release hip-hop albums, but it also sells clothing, art supplies, and even attack paint cans for graffiti writers.
• With such a wide variety of hip-hop CDs, DVDs, and records available at your fingertips, there's no reason to leave the house to shop.
• Greville Discs has been a Melbourne staple ever since it first opened in 1978.
• The inner-north of Melbourne has an abundance of record stores to choose from.
• If you are unable to travel to Malvern, visit Vicious Sloth online.
• Great horned owls 168 might either be a local business pretending to be a label or a label passing itself off as a used bookstore.
• They decided to go out on their own after hearing that the record store you worked at, Discurio, was closing.
• The unwavering support of their audience has been crucial to Basement Discs' ongoing success.
• The Alley Tunes is a unique hybrid of a record store and a cafe.
• Alley Tunes has been selling records since 1994.
• Opening in 2016, the Norman Street store provided locals of Fitzroy with a new retail alternative within blocks from some of Melbourne's finest record stores.
• The store has roughly 1600 CDs in stock at any given time, ranging from indie to jazz to punk and beyond.