Massive record fair hits Byron Bay

RECORD lovers, it’s time to dust off those turntables. The Vinyl Junkie is setting up a record fair at North Byron Hotel this Saturday August 2.

Collectors and curious crate-diggers alike can browse an epic haul of around 6,000 LPs and 1,000 CDs for sale at the event.

“There will be tables full of quality vinyl in almost every genre — funk, soul, disco, house, techno, hip-hop, rock, blues, jazz, punk and classical,” Vinyl Junkie founder Matthew Bowden said. “Don’t be afraid to ask me for recommendations on whatever you are into. There’s nothing better than being turned onto an unexpected gem.”

Bowden’s personal record collection sits at around 5,000, with another 40,000 in stock.

“I’m 55 this year so grew up with vinyl,” he said. “Both parents had record collections, and we always had records playing at home. Even as a kid I would buy records with pocket money I had or had earnt doing the paper round.

“I now live in a giant shed at Myocum and have built custom shelves for my collection. I also have large garage where I store stock in crates and have a 20-foot container for storage.”

Bowden’s musical tastes shift with his mood, but his favourites include Donny Hathaway’s Live, Art of Noise’s Moments in Love and Moon Safari by French duo Air.

“There is so much incredible music released on vinyl and if you have a decent system nothing sounds as good,” he said. “It’s a never-ending search for new music and whether it is jazz from the 1950s to new releases, if I haven’t heard it, it is new to me.”

After moving to the Northern Rivers 20 years ago, Bowden began selling records at local markets, and soon found himself travelling to the USA and Japan to buy large collections.

“It’s a perfect example of turning a hobby into a business,” he said. “And it just keeps growing.”

The Vinyl Junkie Record Fair takes place at the North Byron Hotel from 12pm on Saturday August 2.

For more info, visit northbyronhotel.com.au/events/vinyl-junkie