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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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The Australian Indie Vinyl Releases Actually Worth Your Money This March
March 2026 has been stacked with quality Australian independent releases. Here are the records that earned shelf space at Spank Records this month.
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What Twenty-Two Years of Running a Small Shop Actually Teaches You
Spank Records has survived two decades in Melbourne's inner north. Here's what keeping a bricks-and-mortar business alive in 2026 actually looks like.
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Gatefold Jackets Still Matter and I'll Die on This Hill
In an era of shrinkflation and cost-cutting in vinyl packaging, the gatefold jacket remains the gold standard. Here's why it matters more than ever.
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Dead Stock Decisions: When Data Backs Up What Your Gut Already Knows
After twenty years of ordering records on instinct, I started tracking what actually moves. Turns out my gut was half right and half very expensive.
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Japanese Vinyl Pressings: Why Audiophiles Will Pay Double
Japanese pressings command premium prices for good reason. Here's what makes them different and whether they're worth the investment.
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Streaming Playlists Killed Album Listening and Nobody's Talking About It
The shift from albums to playlists has fundamentally changed how people experience music. Here's what we've lost in the transition.
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Coloured Vinyl Is Mostly Marketing and Sometimes Sounds Worse
The vinyl industry has gone colour-crazy, but most variants are just expensive gimmicks. Here's why black wax still wins for sound quality.
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How Small Record Stores Use Data Without Losing Their Soul
Independent record stores are quietly getting smarter with inventory decisions. Here's how they're doing it without turning into algorithms.
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Obscure Australian Indie Labels Worth Following in 2026
Beyond the usual suspects — five small Australian independent labels putting out consistently brilliant music that deserves your attention.
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Why Your Turntable's Speed Accuracy Actually Matters
If your records sound slightly off but you can't figure out why, it might be a speed issue. Here's why accurate playback speed matters more than you think.
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Five Australian Pressings from the 90s That Are Now Worth a Fortune
These Australian vinyl releases from the 1990s have skyrocketed in value. If you've got them, don't sell them cheap.
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Why Record Store Day Needs a Rethink
Record Store Day started with good intentions. Now it's become something else entirely, and it's hurting the stores it's supposed to help.
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Five Melbourne Bands Making Noise Right Now: February 2026
New releases, upcoming shows, and why these five Melbourne acts deserve your attention this month.
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Japanese Vinyl Imports: A Collector's Guide to Getting Started
Why Japanese pressings are worth the hunt, where to find them in Australia, and how to avoid getting ripped off.
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Best Turntable Setups Under $500 AUD for Vinyl Beginners
Getting into vinyl doesn't need to be expensive or intimidating. Here's how to build a proper turntable setup for under $500 AUD without compromising on sound quality.