Digging for vinyl gold at the Coffs Harbour Record Fair

MUSIC lovers and collectors poured over rows of crates, hunting for rare records, hidden gems, and the thrill of the find during the Coffs Harbour Record Fair.

Held 28–29 March at the showgrounds, the fair was organised by Jon Ordon from Bilpin and Matt Bowden from Byron Bay.

Matt has been collecting records for over 40 years and DJing for more than 20.

Growing up in Melbourne when discovering music, meant spotting a track on Countdown and rushing to the store to grab it.

“Back then, it was all about the thrill,” he said.

“You’d hear a song and race out to find it, not knowing if you’d get it,  that’s what made it exciting.” 

Selling records at local markets turned into a full-time career, and now Matt travels to about 20 fairs a year, hauling up to two tonnes of vinyl to share with collectors and music fans.

Much of his vinyl is sourced second-hand from across Australia and overseas, particularly Japan, where collectors are known for keeping records in excellent condition.

“They’re really into Western music – funk, soul, jazz, blues – and they look after their records, sleeves on, stacked properly.

Jon’s love of vinyl began at 14 when he was introduced to the warm, rich sound of a Marantz amplifier.

After three years in chartered accounting, he returned full-time to music and collecting.

The two men met around 20 years ago at record fairs.

Jon became a regular at Matt’s Erskineville shop, Revolve Records, and their shared passion soon became a partnership, culminating in events like the Coffs Harbour fair.

“Although we each keep some records for ourselves,” Jon said, “we’re stronger when we work together.”

This year’s fair was a hit, with Sunday buzzing as collectors hunted rare pressings and newcomers enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

Asked how they keep stock, they said they keep their collection organised by genre.

Vinyl’s value can range from 50 cents to $5,000, with the most expensive sold over the weekend $200.

The pair are off to Ewingsdale Hall in the Northern Rivers over Easter, where the cancelled Bluesfest was set to take place, determined to keep the music alive.

By Kate PYE