Removing a record from its sleeve, lowering the needle and waiting for that first crackle before the music begins – there’s nothing quite like listening to a vinyl record. In a world of instant streaming and digital music, old-style music formats offer something richer and wonderfully tactile. If you love the thrill of crate-digging at record stores, this one’s for you.
The Independent Music Exchange is taking over Northcote Town Hall on June 6 and 7. This free, two-day event is a celebration of independent labels, physical formats and the passionate communities that keep them spinning. More than 50 imprints from across the country will transform the venue into a music lover’s dream – think vinyl, cassettes, rare test pressings, magazines, merch and plenty of artist-signed finds you won’t find anywhere else.
Originally launched as part of The Eighty-Six Festival in 2023, the Independent Music Exchange has since evolved into a standalone event, led by independent label owners Michael Kucyk (Efficient Space), Maryos Syawish and Corey Kikos (Butter Sessions). At its core, it brings together labels and fans, artists and audiences, fostering collaboration across Australia’s independent music scene.
Expect to see some of the country’s most exciting labels behind the stalls, including Poison City Records, Chapter Music, Hobbies Galore, Music in Exile, Room40 and Third Eye Stimuli Records – a vibrant snapshot of the diversity and creativity driving the local scene.
New for 2026, the Exchange introduces an education program designed to support the next generation of label makers, with panel discussions and workshops offering real-world industry insights. Across the weekend, Skylab Radio will also be broadcasting live, adding a vibey soundtrack to the hum of the hall.
Keen? Find out more via the website.
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