Glenn Evans, owner of Vinyl Solution Records Australia

Published by Leonardo Calcagno

In collaboration with Kaneshii Vinyl Press

Who are you and your current job

Glenn Evans. I started Vinyl Solution in 1992 because, like a lot of musicians, it is very difficult to make a living just by playing music. The store began with a few boxloads of records, some books and tapes and two (yes, two!) CDs. We moved to larger premises in Cheltenham and now have around 150,000 items in stock including 50,000 listed on the internet.

In which city are you located?

Kingston, a city in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

What musical styles do you specialize in?

We make a point of not specializing in any particular type of music but by selling in all genres and areas. This way we have something for everyone who comes into the store, from brass band music to hip-hop.

Can you give a small tour of the music scene in your town?

Kingston is a small suburb town of Melbourne but Melbourne itself has a strong and vibrant music scene, particularly with indie bands. The scene was particularly vibrant in the 1990s with most inner-city streets having pubs and clubs with live music, lots of indie rock, blues and hard rock. Unfortunately, since then, many of the venues have closed down or gone upmarket or traded in their stages and sound systems for poker machines….but a few live on.

What’s it like working in a record shop?

Like any job, there is a medium but this is compensated for by being able to have music on all day and not having to report to a boss. The hours are long but the work is rewarding. It’s a good way to meet people and to discover new sounds.

What mind-blowing album are you listing right now?

“Creation” by the Fourmyula, the best album, by the best harmony pop/rock band of the late 1960s. Now rare to find on the original 1969 vinyl and the limited edition (1000 copies) CD run of 2010 put out by EMI sold out within weeks. The songs are fabulous, the playing flawless.

What does it take for an indie record shop to survive?

Hard work, long hours, diversity of stock, empathy with customers and a good broad knowledge of music history. The trap that many people fall into is not realizing how much hard work is involved. This is a business like any other and people won’t give you their hard-earned cash if you don’t provide something they want.

What does Record Store Day, mean to you and your business?

Nothing. Record Store Day was originally a celebration of independent record stores but it has become a way for record companies to sell a product.

Tips for musicians launching an album?

Don’t rush things – make sure the mix is right, check the test pressings carefully to make sure the album is sonically as good as it can be and make sure the artwork is correct and looking good. Then do everything you can to promote it but don’t expect anything.

5 local musician to check out!

Kettlespider (soaring instrumental prog rock) | kettlespider.bandcamp.com

Suzie Dickinson (recently deceased but Suzie’s fabulous music lives on) | suziedickinson.com

Geoff Achison (master blues guitarist) | geoffachison.com

King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard (psychedelic rock) | kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com

Me | glennevansmusic.com

vinylsolution.com | facebook.com/VinylSolutionAustralia

________________________