Torquay, AU | J Wray Records: Torquay’s newest haven for vinyl devotees and local music lovers: If rare finds, local talent, and the timeless allure of vinyl stir something within you, then prepare for a new addition to your cultural radar. Tucked away in the coastal oasis of Torquay, a new destination has emerged – J Wray Records. Owned and curated by local enthusiast Josh Wray, this boutique record store offers a serene escape for vinyl devotees and music lovers alike. With its recent opening over the March long weekend, J Wray Records invites those seeking a haven where the melodies of yesteryear and contemporary tunes harmonise in perfect unison. Originally established online in 2022, Josh Wray’s venture into the world of vinyl commerce gained traction through appearances at Garage Geelong and the Geelong Vintage Market in 2023. Now, in 2024, J Wray Records has taken a physical form, becoming a cornerstone of Torquay’s burgeoning music scene.
Bakery Hill, AU | Store calls out for record spin celebration: The owners of the recently opened Kank Wolverang Records are calling out for people to get involved in an annual disc-flicking occasion.Next month, the shop will be one of many acknowledging Record Store Day on Saturday 20 April, and co-owner Justin Hayward said they’re keen for collectors and traders to get involved. “We’re hoping to get a diverse crew of people interested in selling and buying, and it’ll be a celebratory day,” he said. “We’re after fans of music that would be able to tell you about what they’re buying and selling. “We’re hoping to have live music and DJs throughout the day too, as well as special offers through the shop.” Eight stalls have been booked so far with the capacity for between 12 and 15 traders overall.
Bristol, UK | Record Store Day 2024: A list of some of the best record stores in Bristol: A record store is not just for Record Store Day however… Bristol is home to an array of wonderful places you can visit for all of your record and music needs, including some that have been on our high streets for decades. Ahead of Record Store Day on Saturday, April 20, we want to celebrate some of the independent record shops to support whatever the time of year. Many of them specialise in certain genres of music, certain specialities, host live events—and some even stay well away from Record Store Day completely. Some are located in Bristol’s inner city shopping hotspots, while others are in less central locations that are worth making the journey to. Record stores are often a treasure trove for not only enthusiasts but simply those who love the sound of a record playing their favourite pieces of music, but some are struggling with the cost of living crisis.
Manchester, UK | A spin around Northern Quarter’s newest record shop with a witty name and a treasure trove of vinyl. You’re sure to find some real gems in here. We recently popped our heads into the wittily named Withy Groove Records, the new vinyl exchange and all things music that quietly opened up its doors late last year but is now one of the latest hidden gems in the Northern Quarter. Opening up on the edge of Shudehill on the edge of NQ and just down the road from the Withy Grove Stores buildings (hence the clever little name), the new basement record shop technically began trading in December 2023 but has only just had its front signage completed and the name put above the door. We especially like the new striking Haçienda-inspired lettering, not that we’re biased towards black and yellow logos or anything… But seriously though, this little den of old discs, vintage vinyl and music memorabilia is an absolute must-visit for any audiophiles out there.