In Wallsend, just west of Newcastle, there is a boutique record store called Hiss & Crackle tucked in a back street. An impressive array of rock, alternative, metal, punk, and pop records adorn the shelves along with CDs and books. A lounge and coffee table invites the weekend crowd to take a seat and enjoy new music by a local band that happens to be playing live that day. It’s a welcoming, intimate space, you can gather around and feel the band up close.
We chat with the owner, Mitchel about how Hiss & Crackle came to be.
Tell us a little about yourself and how H&C came about?
’ve worked in music retail since I was 18 and had always dreamed of owning and operating my own music emporium. My previous employment had restricted my quality time with my family and I knew it would be now or never... An opportunity arose to lease a space on Nelson Street Wallsend, not far from home in early 2019 and we jumped at it. H&CR has always been an extension of myself and a small operation in terms of work force. I am always very humbled by the support around our major events provided by our family and friends.
In a world of streaming and MP3’s, what sparked your love for vinyl records?
I still remember my parents spinning records when I was younger. My Uncle dropping in with personally curated mixtapes to widen our music horizons and there always seemed to be music playing from somewhere in the house. I got my first record when I was 17 and have always preferred that format. Holding it in your hands and feeling the sound.. there is some sought of sorcery at play, how the sound comes from those tightly crafted grooves on the record and travel from the stylus into the speakers.
This ain’t no JB HIFI store. You stock some cool stuff that you won’t find at Westfields. Tell us a little about the genres, niche and local stuff you guys stock?
We always wanted a space where local artists could show their wares and try to promote and encourage the production of that art into physical formats. From local merch inc tees along with the cd’s, tapes and vinyl whether it be 7" or LP.
Our more popular genre tend to be Australian artists along with music from the heavier side... punk / post punk/ hard rock/metal and the more psychedelic stuff. We try and curate to our customers taste, especially those we know we'll, by importing harder to find reissues and sourcing interesting things to flick.
H&CR is such a friendly space and all ages are welcome. Was making live music accessible to the community an important factor in the creation of H&C?
It has literally been the first thing I've built in each of our locations. We wanted a safe place to nurture and encourage local original music. This space has developed further to host touring and some international artists. We've always strived to encourage All Ages and walks of life to experience live original music for free. We find this encourages the audience to engage more with the artists and support them by purchasing merch or releases.
H&C is more than just a store, it’s a small venue where bands can get up close with their fans, road test new material or even just find their feet performing live. What it’s like to have all these bands come through the store? What’s the community like?
We've found the Newcastle Music Community mostly positive and supportive of each other. It's great to these bands develop their skills and sounds over the past few years, some have even now released there own EP’s or albums on CD etc.
What about the wider community? Many live music venues get hassled by local residents for being too noisy. How has the local community responded to H&C hosting live music?
We've never experienced any issues regarding noise, however we have been lucky and try to limit any impact on the immediate surrounds. We had a few issues in our previous space during gigs in opening hours. But our new space is more solid in terms of sound proofing and more isolated regarding neighbours.
You guys have hosted amazing bands. Who’s been your favourite guest so far?
There’s to many to mention. Bad//Dreams recently was amazing, Chimers, Dead... plenty of more on the horizon.
Next time you’re visiting the Newcastle area, be sure to swing by Hiss & Crackle Records and show some love – 18 Council St, Wallsend, NSW, 2287.
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