BADLANDS Vinyl will mark Record Store Day on 18 April with exclusive vinyl releases and live in-store performances from local bands.<\/p>\n
Owner Kim Lloyd said the Tweed Heads store, which opened in 2022, was born out of a lifelong passion for independent record shops and a desire to create a cultural hub for alternative music in the region.<\/p>\n
“I discovered the indie record shops in Brisbane when I was a young teen and I’ve loved them ever since,” he said.<\/p>\n
“I used to be a travel agent, which I hated.”<\/p>\n
“When COVID killed that job, I decided it was time to have a crack and opened Badlands.”<\/p>\n
Located near the Queensland and NSW border, Lloyd said the store’s name was inspired both by its geography and a Bruce Springsteen song.<\/p>\n
“We are located in a part of Tweed Heads that wasn’t so desirable when we opened, which inspired the name,” Lloyd said.<\/p>\n
“That and also Bruce Springsteen.”<\/p>\n
Badlands has positioned itself as a hub for live music, regularly hosting free, all-ages in-store performances and encouraging local acts to perform and connect with new audiences.<\/p>\n
“We have bands in to play the shop regularly and everyone is welcome,” Lloyd said.<\/p>\n
The store also plays an active role in developing the local scene beyond retail, including a free monthly print zine and gig guide.<\/p>\n
“We started Bad News zine about a year ago, a print-only monthly music mag and gig guide for the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers, which has been massive in getting things moving in Tweed,” Lloyd said.<\/p>\n
That community focus extends to supporting emerging artists, with Badlands stocking local releases and providing performance opportunities in-store and in nearby areas.<\/p>\n
“I’ll stock any local bands records or CDs, and we also organise a few gigs around the area and always make sure a few locals are represented on the bill.”<\/p>\n
While the store is strongly influenced by punk rock culture, Lloyd said the records on sale include a wide range of genres spanning metal, hip hop, jazz, soul and reggae.<\/p>\n
“I grew up a punk kid and that definitely influences what goes on the shelves, but also how I run that business,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But that said, my tastes are varied, and I try to cater for everyone.”<\/p>\n
Lloyd said he expects this coming Record Store Day to be met with demand for limited releases spanning major international artists and contemporary favourites.<\/p>\n
“The big-ticket item will always be Taylor Swift, however this year I think everyone wants Olivia Dean,” he said.<\/p>\n
“There are so many cool releases though, from bands like Pink Floyd and David Bowie through to Ethel Cain and Selena Gomez.”<\/p>\n
At Badlands, this year’s event will again combine exclusive releases with live music, featuring performances from Tweed’s Jono’s Mate’s Sheep and Lismore’s Media Puzzle.<\/p>\n
Lloyd said both acts are a natural fit for the day.<\/p>\n
“Both are local bands, both kick butt and both have fresh new vinyl out!” he said.<\/p>\n
Lloyd said events like Record Store Day are central to what Badlands is trying to build in the region, a space that works as a cultural meeting point.<\/p>\n
“In my opinion a record shop will improve any place,” he said.<\/p>\n
“They are welcoming places where you can come and learn about new music, chat with like-minded people and pick up your new favourite record.”<\/p>\n
He said Record Store Day has become a major part of Badlands’ identity since opening.<\/p>\n
“We do this every year,” Lloyd said.<\/p>\n
“Two years ago, we packed our carpark with about 200 people and put on a show like no other, all local acts and headlined by JK-47.”<\/p>\n
“That one was so good the council fined me, so we toned it down a little last year and this year we are going hard again.”<\/p>\n
Doors open at 10am and bands will play from 1pm.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
BADLANDS Vinyl will mark Record Store Day on 18 April with exclusive vinyl releases and live in-store performances from local bands. Owner Kim Lloyd said the Tweed Heads store, which opened in 2022, was born out of a lifelong passion for independent record shops and a desire to create a cultural hub for alternative music […]<\/p>\n