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 Annie Mulroney from Melbourne’s White Rabbit Record Bar.
What store can we find you at and how long have you been there?
White Rabbit Record Bar, 176 Bellair St, Kensington. We’ve been here almost 17 years
How has the store and its customers changed over time?
Constantly evolving.
What’s your general vibe to kick off the morning music when doors open?
Always gentle music in the morning : no bangers. There are often sore heads and bloody Mary’s at brunch time so its Jazz, Soul, Reggae and such
What about the first record you purchased for someone else? Where’d you buy it?
I can answer both but it’s a little vague: my childhood best buddy and I went shopping for our birthdays (only 2 weeks between each others birthdays) I think I bought “Devil’s Gate Drive” Suzi Quattro 7’’ for Margie, my mate and she got me “48 Crash” also Suzi Q. We were mad for her and her leathers! We drove all the parents and neighbours mad playing them over and over. I can still see the label RAK with an old ship. Where was that purchase made, I’m guessing in Brisbane, we didn’t have a lot of choice back in the early days: was it Brashes or Myers – yes, Myer used to stock vinyls.
Tell us about the most valuable (monetary or sentimental) record in your collection. Why is it so important to you?
I’ll go with sentimental: one of many favourites is a Mr Scruff/Quantic 12’’ “It’s Dancing Time”, it’s fun, it’s bouncy and always shakes the room.
What record has been on repeat for you lately?
Too many to chose
Favourite in-store performance of all time?
Peep Tempel came to play on a Saturday arvo in our backyard as a warm up gig before their Meredith show in 2015. They wanted to test their set list with no promo allowed, no posters, nothing. Word got out: the beer garden was jammers, people sitting on the fire stairs, cans served through the railings. It was nuts: in the best way ever!
It’s closing time in the store, what’s spinning?
If it’s time to tell people: we love you but please go home now, then it’s the Noddy soundtrack: both twisted and irritating at the same time
Stay up to date with White Rabbit Record Bar, and all their RSD happenings via their website, facebook and instagram.
Store Location
White Rabbit Record Bar
176 Belliar Street
Kensington, VIC
Phone: (03) 9376 5441
Open WED-SUN