You’ve had an illustrious career in the music industry. Could you tell us more?
The mail order job at Au-Go-Go Records became available in ’94. I was the only applicant with mail order experience and got the job. Plus Bruce and Greta couldn’t resist my charming personality. Shock Export was next, travelling the world, meeting customers and getting drunk with Shock’s money. Whilst doing that I came up with the idea of buying The Tote and three months later it was mine. I ran The Tote for six years, along with Bruce and James Milne, who continued after I got out.
How large is your record collection?
I recently hosted a record fair at the Standard Hotel in Fitzroy. The amount I priced was a mere drop in the ocean of the many thousands I own, and over the coming months I will be putting more out, including plenty of 7″s, LPs and my entire CD collection. Strangeworld currently has about 2000 LPs in the racks, but within a month that will grow to approx. 4000.
What are some rare records you have on offer?
Some original pressings in stock include Beastie Boys’ In Sound From Way Out, You Am I’s Dress Me Slowly, PJ Harvey’s Stories From The City and Uh Huh Her, Eddy Current Suppression Ring’s Self Titled (original white vinyl) and more.
What are you doing on Record Store Day?
We will hoist the roller door at 9am and provide fresh baked muffins and cake for early arrivals as they check out our range of RSD Exclusives. Depending on how busy it is, we might even make you a coffee. From 11am we’re cooking a BBQ in our courtyard area. Feel free to bring beer/wine and enjoy the party.
