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Australian independent music and vinyl culture
Crate digging, local labels, and the records that matter.
Honest writing about Australian independent music, vinyl collecting, and record store culture from someone who's been behind the counter for two decades.
What we cover
- Australian indie labels and releases
- Vinyl collecting and crate digging
- Record Store Day and physical media
- The underground music scene
What you can expect
- No PR spin, just honest takes
- Deep dives on Australian pressings
- Tips for building a real collection
- Coverage of what the majors miss
Latest posts
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Running a Record Shop: Why Inventory Management Is Harder Than You Think
Opening a record shop sounds romantic until you're managing 5,000+ unique SKUs with unpredictable demand and no returns. Here's what actually makes or breaks record retail.
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Vinyl Mastering vs Digital Mastering: Why They're Different and When It Matters
Albums mastered for streaming sound different on vinyl. Here's why the mastering process differs and what it means for sound quality.
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Is Record Store Day Becoming Less Relevant?
Record Store Day used to be essential for independent record shops. In 2026, participation is declining and some shops are questioning the value. Here's what changed.
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Vinyl Pressing Delays Are Still a Problem in 2026
Pressing plants promised shorter turnaround times, but delays persist. Here's what's really happening and how independent labels are adapting.
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Beyond the Hype: A Record Shop Owner's Honest Guide to Melbourne's Best Stores
Melbourne has more record shops per capita than almost any city in the Southern Hemisphere. Here's an insider's guide to which ones are actually worth your time.
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Vinyl Pressing Quality in 2026: Are We Getting What We're Paying For?
Vinyl prices keep climbing, but pressing quality hasn't always kept pace. A record store owner's honest assessment of what's landing on shelves.
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Turntable Maintenance That Actually Matters: Skip the Snake Oil
The internet is full of turntable maintenance advice, much of it unnecessary or counterproductive. Here's what you actually need to do to keep your turntable working well.
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The Psychology of Vinyl Pricing: Why Collectors Pay What They Pay
Vinyl record pricing doesn't follow simple supply-and-demand logic. Understanding what drives value helps both sellers price intelligently and buyers recognize fair deals.
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The Vinyl Revival Isn't Slowing Down — Here's Why
Vinyl sales keep growing year on year in Australia. The reasons go deeper than nostalgia, and the data suggests this trend has staying power.
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Australian Independent Labels Worth Watching in 2026
The Australian independent label scene is producing some of the most interesting music releases of the year. Here are the labels doing work that matters.
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Test Pressing Approval: What to Listen For
Approving test pressings is the final checkpoint before full vinyl production. Here's how to evaluate them properly and what defects to reject.
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Melbourne's Record Shop Rent Crisis: Another One Bites the Dust
Commercial rent increases are forcing long-established record stores out of the CBD and inner suburbs. The impact on music culture is real.
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Record Cleaning Machines: Worth the Investment for Serious Collectors?
The reality of record cleaning machines versus manual cleaning, what they actually do for vinyl longevity and sound quality, and when the investment makes sense.
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Australian Indie Labels: The Vinyl Pressing Decisions That Make or Break Releases
How small independent labels navigate pressing plant choices, quantities, pricing, and timing in 2026. The decisions that work and the mistakes that cost real money.
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Record Store Day Economics Are Broken (And Nobody Will Say It)
Independent record stores are supposed to benefit from Record Store Day exclusives. Most of us lose money or break even. Here's why the model doesn't work for small stores.