Badlands Vinyl marks Record Store Day with live music and exclusive releases

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 in the region.

“I discovered the indie record shops in Brisbane when I was a young teen and I’ve loved them ever since,” he said.

“I used to be a travel agent, which I hated.”

“When COVID killed that job, I decided it was time to have a crack and opened Badlands.”

Located near the Queensland and NSW border, Lloyd said the store’s name was inspired both by its geography and a Bruce Springsteen song.

“We are located in a part of Tweed Heads that wasn’t so desirable when we opened, which inspired the name,” Lloyd said.

“That and also Bruce Springsteen.”

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.

“We have bands in to play the shop regularly and everyone is welcome,” Lloyd said.

The store also plays an active role in developing the local scene beyond retail, including a free monthly print zine and gig guide.

“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.

That community focus extends to supporting emerging artists, with Badlands stocking local releases and providing performance opportunities in-store and in nearby areas.

“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.”

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.

“I grew up a punk kid and that definitely influences what goes on the shelves, but also how I run that business,” he said.

“But that said, my tastes are varied, and I try to cater for everyone.”

Lloyd said he expects this coming Record Store Day to be met with demand for limited releases spanning major international artists and contemporary favourites.

“The big-ticket item will always be Taylor Swift, however this year I think everyone wants Olivia Dean,” he said.

“There are so many cool releases though, from bands like Pink Floyd and David Bowie through to Ethel Cain and Selena Gomez.”

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.

Lloyd said both acts are a natural fit for the day.

“Both are local bands, both kick butt and both have fresh new vinyl out!” he said.

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.

“In my opinion a record shop will improve any place,” he said.

“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.”

He said Record Store Day has become a major part of Badlands’ identity since opening.

“We do this every year,” Lloyd said.

“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.”

“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.”

Doors open at 10am and bands will play from 1pm.