Beat’s guide to Brisbane’s best record stores
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13.02.2019

Beat’s guide to Brisbane’s best record stores

Words by Kate Streader

AKA your pay-day shopping itinerary.

It seems the further technology advances, the more we clutch to analogue mediums. While there’s no denying the convenience and cost-effectiveness of streaming and digital downloads, nothing will ever compare to the satisfaction of holding a record in your hands or the sentimental pang of lowering the needle on a special album. Whether you’re hunting a rare classic or a shiny new release, these are the best places to look in Brisbane.

Rocking Horse Records

Rocking Horse Records is hardly a secret given it’s the music mecca for Brisbanians. Not only is this underground record store packed to the rafters with wax, but it also harbours a treasure trove of posters, magazines, CDs and band t-shirts. Since opening its doors in 1975, Rocking Horse has become Brisbane’s oldest and biggest independently owned record store, no doubt a result of their commitment to all things music.

Find Rocking Horse Records at 245 Albert Street, CBD

Jet Black Cat Music

Not only will you find an incredible offering of new and secondhand records at Jet Black Cat Music, but it’s also known to host incredible music events. One week you might catch Methyl Ethel or Julia Jacklin in store to launch their latest album, the next you might head to Jet Black Cat for the listening party of Courtney Barnett or Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s latest album. If you’re mad for new music and contemporary artists, this is definitely the place for you.

Find Jet Black Cat Music at 72 Vulture St, West End

The Record Exchange

With over 250,000 records within its walls, The Record Exchange has certainly earned its title as Australia’s biggest music store. You’ll want to head here when you have a couple of hours to spare, because the offering is truly overwhelming. The Record Exchange boasts both new and second-hand LPs. If it’s been pressed, you’ll probably find it here. As the name suggests, you can trade in your unwanted records or turn them into cash here, too.

Find The Record Exchange at 1/65 Adelaide St, CBD

Sonic Sherpa

Sonic Sherpa is the reincarnation of a now-defunct indie record store called Skinnys which crumbled when vinyl sales took a brief dive. But with the vinyl revival came a new venture for two music-loving entrepreneurs. Sonic Sherpa offers new and pre-loved records spanning a breadth of genres and decades, but it’s best known for its in-store events. The past years have seen the likes of Ball Park Music, Hockey Dad, Spiral Stairs, Cable Ties and loads more Aussie acts performing free gigs at Sonic Sherpa, so you can rest assured the crew there have good taste.

Find Sonic Sherpa at 12/360 Logan Road, Greenslopes

Butter Beats Record Store

As specialists of rare records, Butter Beats Record Store is your one-stop shop if you’re serious about your vinyl collection. The store is particularly geared towards rare Aussie records and you’re likely to find yourself in passionate conversation with the staff about your favourite band/album/gig/song whenever you visit. You can also find a range of music memorabilia, books and posters under the Butter Beats roof, or sell your unwanted goods to undo some of the damage you’ll undoubtedly do on your bank account.

Find Butter Beats Record Store at 26 Burnett Ln, CBD