It’s funny how you sometimes come across a project without even looking for it.
I initially wanted to chat to someone I’d found on Instagram about an intersectional initiative she’s a part of. Unfortunately, that idea is now on hold. But we girls stick together. So she redirected me to a similar programme, which gives women and gender-diverse people over 40 the opportunity to have a go at being a muso.
It turns out it uses the premises of another female-led business, Feminista Vinyl. So one thing led to another, and I set up a call with two of the record shop’s founders. And trust me – their story goes way beyond selling used vinyl.
ART 243 OF “AM I EVER GONNA SEE YOUR FACE AGAIN?” A RANDOM COLLECTION OF UNKNOWINGLY OBVIOUS FACTS ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN MUSIC SCENE
A few years ago, Trish Hayes, a social worker, caught up with her besties for birthday drinks at a Melbourne record shop.
As the celebrations progressed, the mostly female-identifying and non-binary guests found themselves chatting about how they sometimes felt a bit out of place visiting those music retail spaces. And that’s mostly because of their very serious, very professional and rather “blokey” vibe (no offence, gents, but that’s the general perception).
So, naturally, one of them floated the idea of setting up a place where the atmosphere would be the exact opposite: laid-back, welcoming and radiating with feminine energy. They even came up with an appropriate name for it.
Normally, this is how the night would end: with a few laughs and a good story to tell your kids one day. After all, how many drunken ideas actually see the light of day?
But because many of the protagonists from that faithful night were edging towards the late 40s and really wanted to do “something amazing” with their lives, Trish called musician and teacher, Kirsty Letts, with a simple question: “Why don’t we actually do this?” And that’s how Feminista Vinyl was born.
They had that idea in 2019, and finally opened in what we now know as December of the “ear to end all years”, having to defer the date twice. So, like all other newbie entrepreneurs, they admit it has sometimes been challenging to keep that dream alive.
Cindy Bridge, Clare O’Rourke, Erica Pringle,
Chanel Keane, Kirsty Letts, Trish Hayes
Yet, here we are. Six years after the shop’s foundation, I sat down with Trish and another founder, Clare O’Rourke, a counsellor, to get all the details of their inspiring journey.
But first things first. Feminista Vinyl has more founders. Apart from the already mentioned Trish, Clare and Kirsty, the shop is run and staffed by Cindy Bridge and Chanel Keane, also social workers, and another musician and teacher, Erica Pringle. The six distribute the weekend shifts according to each one’s availability.
Their project’s concept is to celebrate female-led, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming (GNC) inclusive bands and artists from all cultures. Unlike many other record shops I know, they are a not-for-profit. And they aim to create a safe community in their home in Coburg. This is one of the quirky, artsy suburbs of Melbourne that I have many fond memories of.
But yes, like a regular record shop, they sell new and used vinyl, CDs, cassettes, books, gifts and clothing. Some are consignment items, others are one-off, unique pieces. I’ve had a browse through their collection, and I’m pretty sure that shopping trip would do some (sweet) damage to my credit card. You’ll find both Chappell Roan’s album and an obscure release from a local Melbourne muso there.
Some of that money I’d surely spend on the Feminista Vinyl merch, too. Especially on the one undergarment you don’t see in this context every day. Where are all my fellow 40+ ladies at? This one’s for you – think Bridget Jones kind of undies with the FV logo on it.
Apart from retail, the shop is an event space. The FV mob put on gigs and open mics pretty regularly. And since the shop’s mandate is to support emerging musicians, chances are you’ll see a special performance of an artist whose name you’d otherwise never even hear of.
They also organised a mini music festival in November 2022, which they fittingly labelled a “Garden Tea Party” because… well, that’s how they roll. The line-up was quite a mix of genres and aesthetics. The wonderful indie pop-rock Melbourne-based artist, Merpire, headlined it. And it was all made possible thanks to the grant they’d applied for.
And remember that project I mentioned at the beginning, the one that led me to Feminista Vinyl in the first place?
It’s called Typical Girls and is the brainchild of singer-songwriter Rachel Wilson. She had another fabulous idea – to give women and gender diverse people over 40 an opportunity to express themselves through punk music. So with the local council’s funding, they form bands, write songs, rehearse & put on a live show in the end. All that with no previous experience required.
Speaking of events, if you’re based in Melbourne, you might be interested in an upcoming Feminista Vinyl Dance Party.
The FV mob promise the DJs will spin all-vinyl gems, from disco to punk, and from soul to funk. This should keep you moving all night long. And I love how they put it in the event’s description: “Feminista style means fierce beats, big energy, and a dance floor where everyone belongs.” Because, in case I forgot to mention it, being inclusive is one of their values, too.
So if Feminista Vinyl sounds like an “OMG, why didn’t I think of it?” type of project, this podcast episode is for you.
And I assure you that our conversation is not only about six people running a record shop, with all its ups and downs. It’s a chat about elevating women and GNC people in Australian music, building a welcoming community in the neighbouring area, doing something meaningful as perimenopausal gals, and setting up a business from scratch.
Plus, I reveal a top secret wish, which Feminista Vinyl might one day be a part of. So press that “play” button right now.
And since you’ve just found your fave record shop in Melbourne, like me (right?), give Feminista Vinyl some love on their channels!
All images supplied
More women and GNC-led Australian projects this way:
Language, music and stories. Four First Nations women are ‘Singing For Our Little Ones’, proving that a children’s album can be an invaluable resource for Australian classrooms
Music for children might not be something you’d expect to see on this blog. But this project is worth your attention. It’s worth Australia’s attention. Firstly, because Singing For Our Little Ones is a female-led initiative. The record is also a powerful celebration of First Nations languages and culture. And its educational value cannot be…
“It’s been a beautiful thing to see our transition”. All-female, mariachi-inspired band Queen of Hearts on their journey from tradition to finding their musical identity
I learnt about Queen of Hearts from a Rolling Stone Australia feature. But at first, I thought the magazine writer got the story wrong. The article’s headline stated: “Meet Queen of Hearts: Melbourne’s All-Women Mariachi Band”. To my knowledge, mariachis are typical music ensembles from Mexico, not Australia. On top of that, women aren’t their…
The female factor in Australian music. Episode 1: Live music photography – Video interview with Suzanne Phoenix
She hates being photographed, but she doesn’t say “no” if anyone asks to take a picture of her. She prefers black and white shots over the colour ones. And, despite some obvious inconveniences, she’d rather capture live performances than just be in the crowd at a gig. Suzanne Phoenix is a live music photographer based…
Silly McWiggles blog & podcast 