What store can we find you at and how long has it been open?
Junction is located just off the main cappuccino strip, in the Fremantle Malls (which lead to the new FOMO development). Originally starting out as the Compact Disc Library in 1999, we became Junction Records in 2005. Myself and Stuart Loasby (who plays bass in Datura4) took over from the previous owner (our old boss!) in 2019.
What inspired you to open and run a record store?
A deep and fanatical love of music, and a passion to share that love and knowledge with others.
What’s your general vibe to kick off the morning music when doors open?
Depends on the morning – if I’m feeling mellow, then I frequently reach for Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders’ ‘Promises’; if I’m feeling a little friskier then the Ramones’ ‘Leave Home’ is always a good time.
Ever had any notable cameo walk-ins in store?
We’ve been lucky enough to have had a few over the years… Rusty Hopkinson, Davey Lane, and Tim Rogers were a big thrill for Stu and I as we’re big You Am I fans. Jim White from the Dirty Three (and at least a dozen more of my favourite records); Ryu Kurosawa from Kikagaku Moyo; Billy Bragg; and Noel Felding from The Mighty Boosh (though he was actually looking for the T-shirt shop next door!)
What’s your favourite record store to visit outside Junction Records, or do you remember where you purchased your first single, album, or EP?
Living in Melbourne for 6 years, I felt absolutely spoilt for choice with great record stores… but I always try to drop in to Rocksteady Records when I’m over that way, I know I’m always going to walk out with something interesting or unexpected.
Do you remember the first record that started your own collection? Was it bought, gifted or handed down?
The first record I bought for myself was a laser etched copy of ‘True Colours’ by Split Enz to distinguish from the original (un-etched) copy in my parents collection, while the first record bought for me was ‘Two Fires’ by Jimmy Barnes when I was 3 years old?!
Favourite Western Australian album of all time?
Ooh, that’s a tough one! From The Victims and The Scientists through to Tame Impala and Carla Geneve, we do pretty well over here. But the first one that immediately sprang to mind was ‘Treeless Plain’ by The Triffids, with an honourable mention to ‘The Drought’ by The Kill Devil Hills (my favourite album to come out of Fremantle – thus far!)
What is your top selling local record at Junction Records (of all time or 2022)?
The Floors’ ‘Come Unstuck’, Carla Geneve’s ‘Learn To Like It’, and Datura4’s ‘Neanderthal Jam’ all did very well for us last year.
Best Australian album for summer by the glorious beaches in WA?
The Cruel Sea’s ‘This Is Not The Way Home’ – it’s laconic without being sleepy, funky without being contrived, and sexy without being self-conscious about it.
Tell us about the most valuable (monetary or sentimental) record in your collection. Why is it so important to you?
Sentimentally, it’s probably the clear vinyl version of Bowie’s ‘Blackstar’. I actually pre-ordered it quite late but given that he died 2 days after it was released, I was glad that I did.
Tell us about your favourite artist, and what record of theirs you’d recommend to introduce to someone who’s never heard of them.
Discovering David Bowie at 14 was like uncovering a secret gateway to an alternative universe in so many ways, not just in terms of music, but also literature, art, film and fashion. Recommending a Bowie album, I think, depends very much on where you’re coming from. Like classic pop-songs? Pick ‘Hunky Dory’ or ‘Ziggy Stardust’. Want something edgier? Try ‘The Man Who Sold The World’, or ‘Scary Monsters’ on for size. Something smooth and funky? It’s ‘Young Americans’ for you. More leftfield? Then it has to be ‘Low’. An amalgamation of all the above? Go for ‘Lodger’… obviously I could go on!
It’s closing time in the store, what’s spinning?
Today it’s the lush and dulcet tones of ‘The Car’ by Arctic Monkeys.
Stay up to date with Junction Records, and get in touch via their Facebook and instagram.
Store Location
Junction Records
27/35 William St
Fremantle WA 6160
Phone: (08) 9430 9666
Opening Hours:
Monday 10am – 5pm
Tuesday 11am – 5pm
Wednesday 10am – 5pm
Thursday 10am – 5pm
Friday 10am – 5:30pm
Saturday 10am – 5:30pm
Sunday 10am – 5pm