Salute Record Store Day at indie music hotspot

LOCAL independent music hub Bendigo Records will join thousands of fellow brick-and-mortar music retailers around the world on Saturday to celebrate Record Store Day.

There’ll be exclusive special limited releases on offer, Coach Frank holding fort behind the decks and live music during the afternoon as well.

Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 as a way to spread the word about the unique culture surrounding independently-owned record stores in the US and internationally.

Sam Edmunds, Bendigo Records co-owner/director and singer, songwriter and guitarist with local indie band Earth Cadet, said the present cost of living crisis sees this year’s event carry extra significance.

“I know that a lot of my friends that run indie stores are doing it tough, so days like this are really important because it gets the community out,” he said.

Shann Lions, frontman of “bogan punk” outfit Relays and undoubted musical institution Four Lions, said outlets such as Bendigo Records are essential, as they’re one of the (major) factors in fostering new talent locally.

“Because Sam’s doing all-ages shows, new bands have an opportunity to play in front of their peers and new audiences,” he said.

“It also builds connectivity through the community because people get to meet other people and foster the scene themselves organically.”

“It isn’t an easy task to keep doing that week in, week out.”

“He’s doing it mainly because he believes in it, and it represents the ethos of the person he is as well, so all kudos to him.”

“We’re a space where people can hang out, meet others, talk about music and hear new stuff,” Mr Edmunds added.

“We get a lot of younger kids coming through who might not have any other place to experience live music. That’s really important.”

“Hopefully that sticks with them. Maybe they’ll start a band, or maybe they’ll become lifelong music lovers. Either way, it’s a win. That’s the beauty of places like this – we’re small, but we can have a big impact.”

Record Store Day celebrations take place at Bendigo Records in the Hargreaves Mall on Saturday from 10am.