Each month, ARIA features an indie record store that contributes to the ARIA Charts. This month, we feature Beatdisc Records in Parramatta.
Tucked away at the back of a vintage 1960s arcade in the heart of Parramatta, Beatdisc Records might be only a small store but it offers tonnes of vinyl, CDs, merch audio equipment and more.
The store also plays hosts to live shows from local and touring bands, clearing out the stock to make way for gig-goers.
We caught up with Pete from Beatdisc to find out more about the beloved hub for music-lovers from around Sydney.
When did you open your store?
Beatdisc was opened in August 1995 and still operates out of the same 35 square metres!
Do you specialise in particular genres? What’s popular with your customers?
Even though we're a pretty small store we cover a very wide range of genres and over the years our customers have helped us curate our selection. We have a lot of interest in our Alternative/Indie, Hip Hop, Jazz, Soul, Punk, Metal and Rock sections.
What formats do you sell/specialise in?
We buy/sell/trade new & pre-owned LPs, CDs & Music Cassettes. Specialising in LPs and CDs.
What’s been a highlight of running your store?
Aside from enjoying selling music everyday, hosting some amazing instore performances over the years from local, interstate and international bands.
Tips for people wanting to start a record collection?
Enjoy the sound of your vinyl by investing in a good turntable, amp & speakers. Your ears will thank you.
Tell us about the area your shop is located. Any places people should also check out when they visit?
Beatdisc is located in the Queensland Arcade (a 1960s redbrick open arcade) right in the centre of Parramatta near the train station & Westfield. Parramatta has being going through a massive redevelopment over the past several years, so there's a lot of shiny new buildings with lots of great new restaurants but we love the long running legends of Parra, like Pho Pasteur, Temasek and Excel Rolls just to name a few.
Also keep an eye for all the special events that the council runs frequently such as Parramatta Nights, Parramatta Lanes & Parramasala.
Beatdisc's Top 5 sellers for May 2022...
Run a record store and want to contribute to the ARIA Charts? Contact us here.