Drop the needle – Brisbane’s top spots to snag some vinyls this Record Store Day
Everyone knows music just sounds better on vinyl. Praised for its ability to bring music to life in a way that digital can’t replicate, records never really went out of style. In fact, if you ask Brisbane’s record store owners, they’re having a comeback. In honour of Record Store Day – which is this Saturday April 18, if you didn’t know – we’ve gathered a list of the best record stores in Meanjin that are celebrating the big day with a bash. Think exclusive deals, freebies, giveaways and some sweet live music. Read on for more …
echo & bounce, Woolloongabba
Woolloongabba’s echo & bounce is so much more than a record store – it’s a cafe and bar, an occasional event space and a full-time respite for DJs exploring their sound. Known for its selection of electronic, house and techno vinyl records, and championing of diverse lineups, echo & bounce’s ultimate aim is to contribute to Meanjin’s growing arts and music scene. For Record Store Day, local legends Das Druid and Beats of No Nation will deliver a courtyard sundown dance session through to 8:00 pm, with the store carrying on business as usual inside.
Rocking Horse Records, Brisbane City
With more than fifty years in the business and a central location, Rocking Horse Records has become a Brisbane staple for all music fans, from local teens to older regulars. Toting a wide range of records from all genres and a passionately knowledge team of staff, Rocking Horse is the place to go for chatting music, hidden gem recommendations and local scene insights. With a history of in-store performances, signings and other music events, the institution also serves as a hub for Brisbane’s vibrant music community. Record Store Day is always a busy one at Rocking Horse, so expect early-morning lineups and a ‘first come, first served policy.’ But don’t worry – Rocking Horse will post the complete list of its in-stock releases before the big day so you can decide whether to camp out ahead of time.
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Catalog Music, Fortitude Valley
Catalog Music believes the mark of a good record store is a strong surrounding music and arts community, something it has built from the ground up since opening back in 2020. Six years on, Catalog has forged its identity as a space for people to connect through music, moments and ideas with its welcoming atmosphere and curated vinyl offerings. In honour of RSD, Catalog will be running a stellar line-up of DJs playing electronic, rock, funk, soul and disco from 11:00 am. The dog-friendly event will run from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with donuts and giveaways on hand to celebrate the big day, and have a 50-percent off sale on all pre-loved vinyl (which is the majority of their stock). While you’re there, make sure to keep an eye out for catalog’s little moments for an extra hit of dopamine.
Dutch Vinyl, Paddington
At Dutch Vinyl, every day is Record Store Day. For the last six years, the vinyl trader has been building its reputation as a friendly, neighbourhood hub to browse a incredible selection of secondhand and brand-new records – a collection they add to daily. As self-described traders in music, positivity and love, Dutch Vinyl is the kind of place you spend hours exploring, where it’s almost impossible to leave with only one record.
Hideous Records, Redcliffe
The independently run Hideous Records is still fresh on the scene since opening in 2023, but what it lacks in history it makes up for in industry enthusiasm, community support and a massive annual Record Store Day celebration. RSD 2026 will be Hideous Records’ third spin around the turntable, an event that has already become the Redcliffe trader’s busiest day of the year with overnight campers lining up to get their hands on fresh exclusives. This year will be no different – early risers will be looked after with a hot drink and a snack, plus access to Hideous’ legendary Jaffa jar for prime RSD fuelling. Being a small space, you may need to wait your turn before being granted entry, but once inside, the store’s atmosphere and energy as you dig through a diverse range of genres and artists for your holy grail will be worth it.
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Glitter Records, Fortitude Valley
Glitter Records is owned by Riley Fitzgerald, a Brisbane-based music journalist and cultural archivist. Riley boasts one of Australia’s largest vinyl collections with around 5,000 records in-store and a further 65,000 in an offsite warehouse. Alongside the shop, Glitter Records helps run a community record market in California Lane. The store is located on McLachlan street in Fortitude Valley. Brows their expansive collection here.
Rockaway Records, Carindale
Located within Westfield Carindale, Rockaway Records has been a cog in Brisbane’s music scene since 1992 as an independent, family-owned record store. Specialising in both new and pre-owned vinyl, Rockaway has built a strong reputation in Brisbane for its curated offering of classic titles, new releases and rare items, with a focus on quality and condition. Also trading in CDs, retro gifts, music merch and memorabilia, Rockaway has a self-described unpretentious attitude when it comes to vinyl, with staff members always down to chat music. Rockaway will be celebrating Record Store Day with an 8:00 am open and exclusive releases available in-store only. Rockaway won’t be taking pre-orders but will update its website and socials in real time as stock arrives.
Sonic Sherpa, Woolloongabba
Since 2015, Sonic Sherpa has blessed the community of Stones Corner with its expansive discography of new and pre-loved vinyl, including curated collections from some of Australia’s largest music festivals. In addition to records, the store stocks a range of merch, CDs, books and turntables to browse. Part of the same team that ran the historic Skinny’s in Brisbane City now curates the shelves of Sonic Sherpa.
Stash Records, Camp Hill
For national record store day Stash Records is holding a 20-percent-off sale in-store and online for all preloved vinyl. The team behind Stash maintain that true sonic bliss comes from a needle drop, not a playlist shuffle. The store is located at 557 Old Cleveland Road in Camp Hill. The sale runs until April 30, you can browse its online catalogue here.
Butter Beats Record Store, Camp Hill
Butter Beats has been home to records, books, figurines, posters and other music memorabilia since 1998, specialising in rare and collectible Australian records. Additionally, Butter Beats provides Brisbane and the Gold Coast with Queensland’s largest range of street-art supplies
Monster Robot, Red Hill
Monster Robot specialises in dance music and hard-to-find genres. They are available for local pickup in Red Hill and post Australia-wide. With a 20,000 plus online catalogue, Monster Robot has something for everyone.
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