Record Store Day Interview: Clarity Records
Ahead of Record Store Day, we chat with Footy from Adelaide institute Clarity Records about the big day and what they have planned.
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Rising like a phoenix from the ashes of Rundle Street’s Big Star Records, Clarity Records has become somewhat of an institution for music fans since its inception in 2010.
For almost 15 years Clarity has been the go-to record store for Adelaide vinyl lovers. Known for stocking an incredible range of punk, hardcore and metal vinyl when the store first opened, Clairty now caters to all styles of music, from hip hop and indie to jazz and funk and everything in between.
Along with an eclectic range of vinyl, the store stocks music related products such as CDs, books, fanzines, DVDs, band merch and more. There’s also a heap of secondhand vinyl up for grabs for those who love crate digging.
Clarity has become much more than just a record store over the years, with owners Footy and Laura turning the record store into a community hangout. It’s a place where music lovers can bond, with in-store signings and live performances only adding to the feel-good vibe of the store. Clarity is a big believer in the local scene and has its own record label, releasing local albums and EPs, with the most recent being Coldwave’s exceptional 2023 EP, Same Window, Different House.
Regarding Record Store Day (RSD), Clarity is the leader of the pack. Their event is one of the largest in the state, kicking off at midnight this Friday, April 19 and running until 6pm the following day. Along with the usual range of exclusive RSD releases, Clarity will be offering limited edition Clarity Records RSD 2024 t-shirts, tote bags and stickers (featuring artwork by Billie Justice Thomson). There will also be over 2,000 secondhand titles ready to go at 9am on Saturday, April 20.
To get the lowdown on this year’s event and Clarity’s long association with RSD, we chatted with Footy about his experiences and what vinyl lovers can expect this year’s RSD.
How excited are you to be involved in RSD for another year?
It's always exciting to participate in RSD. In the weeks leading up to the day we take on an extreme workload to prepare, which can be stressful and tiring at times, but seeing all the amazing people come out to support the day makes it all worth it.
How have you seen the event grow and change over the years
Every year seems to get bigger and bigger. It felt like no one really knew about RSD in the early years when it first started, but the day has now attracted a widespread audience and is bigger than ever before.
What do you have planned for RSD this year?
We will be doing our traditional midnight opening that we've become well known for. We have Clarity Records exclusive t-shirts, tote bags and stickers as well as the largest range of RSD releases you'll find in the state.
Can you reveal any exclusives you might be slinging on the day?
We are still finding out what we're getting. Keep an eye on our Instagram or Facebook as we post regular updates.
How important is RSD for both the industry and music fans?
The day is an important one for record stores as it helps steer traffic in the direction of independent stores. It's a reminder to people that we still exist for more than just one day of the year. It's also exciting for the music fan as there's hope they might find that one gem they've been looking for or discover something new and exciting. I do fear though that it's a day that is slowly getting exploited by majors which puts the reputation of the independent record store at risk.
What does RSD mean to you?
It's purely a celebration of independent record stores. Whether the store stocks the special RSD releases or not, it's a celebration for all of us who continue to grind it out.
What are some of your favourite memories from RSD over the years?
The first year that we opened for 24 hours on RSD. The buzz was exciting and local and national media outlets got behind us.
What are five records everyone should have in their collection and why?
Here are five classics because they are faultless from start to finish and timeless.
1. Ramones – Ramones
2. Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks…
3. The Buzzcocks – Singles Going Stead
4. Fugazi – 13 Songs
5. Black Sabbath – Paranoid
You can find all the details about Clarity Records’ RSD event here.
