Bar Open Records is set to focus on local new releases and supporting the Melbourne music scene.
Bar Open is a stalwart of live music in Melbourne, having run live gigs continuously for 26 years. Now, it’s expanding its operations by opening a record shop during the day.
“We are really excited about opening a record shop. Turns out, the Bar Open bar staff have so much knowledge between them in all these interesting musical areas: psycho and rockabilly, jazz, Afrobeat, ska, fusion, doom, ’70s early metal, contemporary psychedelic and, of course, the local band scene,” says Jon Perring, Bar Open co-owner.
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“Bar Open isn’t open during the day, so the opportunity to fully utilise its position on Brunswick Street is there. It just makes sense to expand into retailing vinyl albums. The synergy is obvious.
We will stock a range of new and second-hand records, particularly jazz, funk, soul and roots-related genres, including rock from doom, psych, prog and Krautrock to retro and alternative. There will be an emphasis on local band album releases, particularly those bands that play at Bar Open.
The other aspect we bring to the table is that being a live music venue means that bands who want to launch their vinyl release can have their releases stocked in the shop, ensuring the opportunity to sell their records after the gig is behind them. Also, bands who have already launched their album can do an in-store gig to give their vinyl album a further push.
It’s exciting to offer full bar service during in-store gigs, making the experience feel more like a real gig. Punters can chill at the bar, sit in the sun in the beer garden, trawl vinyl or all of the above with a wine or beer in hand.”
Bar Open Records will work closely with local labels such as Kasumuen Records, Magnetic Sound and Hope Street Recordings, among others.
Find Bar Open Records at 317 Brunswick St, Fitzroy. Stop by from 11am to 5pm, from Saturday to Tuesday. Find out more here.
This article was made in partnership with Bar Open.
