Turning Tables
Shining a light on the tastemakers behind the desk
In the lead up to RSD 2022 we’ll be featuring some of the legends behind the scenes at participating stores in a short interview segment we’re calling Turning Tables—shining a light on the faces, names, minds and tastemakers behind the desk who greet our crate-digging friends with invaluable knowledge and an undying love for all things music.
Today we’re featuring Owena and Scott from Carindale’s Rockaway Records in QLD.
Take it away team!
What store can we find you at and how long have you been there?
Scott: Rockaway Records have been at Westfield Carindale for just on 9 years and we are coming up to our 30th year in business.
How has the store and its customers changed over time?
Owena: We have definitely seen a shift from the middle-aged male clientele we had in majority in the early years to a wider demographic. It’s been fantastic to welcome more women in and younger generations are really picking up that there is more joy in tangible formats.
What’s your general vibe to kick off the morning music when doors open?
Owena: Everyone knows the first record on the table will set the mood for the day. But it always depends who is on as to what notes you will be hit with…. If it’s me on open, you are likely to hear a mixture of Jazz and Blues…. If the boss-man is in early, then you can expect Led Zeppelin or Beatles
Ever had any notable cameo walk-ins in store?
Scott: Pearl Jam and Opeth are two standouts over the years.
Do you remember the first record that started your own collection? Was it bought, gifted or handed down?
Scott: Beach Boys Surfin’ USA – I think I pinched it out of my older brother’s collection
Owena: Ray Charles – Modern Sounds in Country & Western Music, which my Dad gave to me when I was around 14
What about the first record you purchased for someone else? Where’d you buy it?
Scott: Ha Ha Said the Clown- Manfred Mann 7″ single bought from the now defunk Record Market in Brisbane CBD
Favourite debut record of all time?
Scott: Cold Fact – Rodriguez
Owena: The Smiths, Self Titled
Tell us about the most valuable (monetary or sentimental) record in your collection. Why is it so important to you?
Scott: The banned US pressing of the Beatles album “Yesterday and Today” It was the ultimate sought after collectable. Can sell for up to $100,000 US for a mint sealed copy. Unfortunately mine is not the same high standard but is still my favourite item in my collection.
Owena: Early on I purchased a copy of The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers.. I think as a kid it was so gimmicky to me. It was lost during a move and I was heartbroken… But my awesome BF bought me an OG copy a few years back. It’s not my favourite Stones album, but definitely brings me joy.
Favourite Australian release of all time?
Scott: This one is more sentimental as I was into surf music in the 60s so I will go for The Atlantics – Bombora
Owena: Silverchair – Frogstomp
What’s your number one pick of the 2022 Official RSD releases?
Scott: Jonathon Richman & the Modern Lovers ’88 – Quirky and needed for my collection
Owena: Ditto to that!!
What record has been on repeat for you lately?
Owena: I’ve been listening to a lot of Son House and I may have gone a little gaga for Lime Cordiale, it’s just perfect BBQ music.
Tell us about your favourite artist, and what record of theirs you’d recommend to introduce to someone who’s never heard of them.
Scott: I would pick Rodriguez as he is still relatively unknown, notwithstanding ‘Searching for Sugar Man’ movie. Either ‘Cold Fact’ or ‘Coming from Reality’
Owena: The Velvet Underground, Self Titled 1964. It’s just a love from my teenage years that I could never shake.
Favourite in-store performance of all time?
Scott: Adam Brand – Australian country artist – sang, signed and served customers behind counter. Super friendly and obliging (see image)
Best thing about working at a record store?
Scott: Hearing about new music/ emerging artists from customers
Owena: There is really something to be said for finally discovering the vinyl you are searching for after years of digging around, and helping customers do just that is nothing short of brilliant. OH and no two days are EVER the same.
It’s closing time in the store, what’s spinning?
Owena: The coffee has worn off and our chatter has started to die down… You will probably hear Prince playing to keep us pepped up until the doors close.
Stay up to date with Rockaway Records, and all their RSD happenings via their website, facebook and instagram.
Store Location
Rockaway Records
Shop 2064, Level 1, Westfield Carindale SC
1151 Creek Rd
Carindale, QLD 4152
Phone: (07) 3395 4707
Opening Hours:
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9am – 5.30pm
Thurs: 9am-9pm Sat: 9am-5pm Sun: 10am – 4pm